Day 1 :
Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to The Peech Hotel for your overnight stay before embarking on your remarkable rail adventure.
Day 2: Receive a warm personal welcome on board before settling into your elegantly appointed suite, complete with a private en-suite bathroom. As the train departs, journey south through the historic goldfields of the Witwatersrand while enjoying the attentive service of your dedicated host or hostess, available 24 hours a day.
During the day, the atmosphere on board is relaxed yet refined, with a smart-casual dress code. Evenings are a memorable highlight, as guests are invited to dress formally for exquisite dinners, celebrating the timeless elegance, glamour, and romance of luxury rail travel.
Day 3 – 4 :
Travelling through South Africa en-route to Namibia, pull into the historic city of Kimberley and as the journey traverses the vast, ever-changing landscapes of the Karoo, a striking semi-desert renowned for its dramatic beauty and wide-open skies, enjoy a guided walking tour of Upington before unwinding with a sunset cruise on the tranquil Orange River, which borders Namibia, where spectacular views provide the perfect end to the day.
Day 5 :
Today, cross the border into Namibia, where extraordinary landscapes unfold before you. Visit the magnificent Fish River Canyon, carved over years by the Fish River as it winds its way south to meet the Orange River along the Namibian–South African border. The largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere and second only to the Grand Canyon in scale. Marvel at the dramatic panorama of rugged cliffs, vast rock formations and sweeping desert vistas that make this awe-inspiring natural landmark.
Day 6:
Explore the ghost town of Kolmanskop, where drifting desert sands have reclaimed the once-prosperous diamond mining settlements. Continue to the charming coastal town of Lüderitz for lunch, where colourful German colonial architecture, a rich maritime heritage and abundant wildlife combine to create a unique atmosphere. Keep watch for the legendary wild desert horses that are said to roam the fringes of the Namib.
Day 7 :
Discover Keetmanshoop and the enchanting Garas Park, home to a remarkable forest of around 300 quiver trees (Aloe dichotoma). These ancient, otherworldly plants, create a striking landscape and offer exceptional photographic opportunities against the backdrop of Namibia’s rugged terrain.
Day 8 :
Take to the skies on a scenic one-hour light aircraft flight to your Sossusvlei lodge, where you will spend the night immersed in the beauty of the Namib Desert. Here, the iconic dunes rise dramatically from the ancient landscape. As the changing light of day transforms the colours and shadows across the dunes, every moment offers a breathtaking perspective and exceptional photographic opportunities.
Day 9:
Begin the day setting out on a spectacular desert drive through the Namib. Enjoy breakfast in the heart of the vlei, surrounded by the tranquillity and extraordinary beauty of this ancient landscape. Return to the lodge and transfer to the airstrip for your onward journey.
Upon arrival in Windhoek, enjoy lunch at the Windhoek Country Club before exploring Namibia’s capital on a guided city tour.
Day 10 :
Visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Otjiwarongo, an internationally recognised conservation initiative.
Day 11 – 12 :
Travel by road to your Etosha lodge for an overnight stay on the edge of one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Etosha National Park offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities, with an abundance of mammals, birdlife and reptiles thriving across its diverse landscapes.
Day 13 :
Traverse the remarkable landscapes of the Namib Desert towards Walvis Bay, where your extraordinary journey reaches its conclusion on Namibia’s Atlantic coast.
Rovos Rail has set departure dates.