Pretoria After arriving into Johannesburg, transfer to Pretoria to spend a pre night at Castello Di Monte. This luxurious Italian-inspired villa offers beautiful views, exquisite architecture and opulent accommodations, a fitting start for the luxury rail experience to come. Depart from Rovos Rail Station at 11am the following day.
star star star star star Castello Di Monte Pretoria, South Africa On the doorstep of the Jacaranda City, beneath the canopied purple blossoms in the sub-tropical suburb of Waterkloof sits Castello di Monte. A beautiful blend of Italian architecture and African landscape, Castello di Monte is your castle escape. This Tuscan estate offers a luxurious, elegant experience, brimming with tranquility.
Kimberley Enjoy breakfast in the dining cart before embarking on a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum. In the afternoon travel through the Karoo a vast semi-desert region with the observation cart leading the train offering a different aspect on your outlook.
star star star star star Rovos Rail South Africa Rovos is an institution of luxury rail travel, not just in South Africa but known the world over. Step aboard and be transported to an era of elegance. Service is wonderfully professional whilst still being warm and friendly, the entire dining experience is one of stunning cuisine paired with majestic South African fine wines and formal attire is a refreshing requisite for evening meals. Watch the ever-changing scenery unfold beyond the window as you relax within the vintage wooden panelled coaches.
Upington & The Orange River Enjoy a walking tour of Upington before a sundowner cruise on the Orange River. The longest river in South Africa, the Orange River rises in the Drakensberg Mountains, flowing westward through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. Dinner will be served as you journey to Ariumsvlei on the Namibian border.
Fish River Canyon As the train travels along the southern reaches of the Kalahari Basin you will arrive at Fish River Canyon. Second in size only to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, it is certainly the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere and forms an impressive landscape of rocky outcrops and spectacular cliffs.
Kolmanskop & Luderitz Enjoy lunch in Lüderitz, known for its museum, colonial architecture, and wildlife, including seals, penguins and flamingos. Be sure to look out for the illusive, legendary horses rumoured to roam the Namib.
Keetmanshoop & Garas Park This morning go off train to visit Keetmanshoop and Garas Park. This unique desert region is known for its Quiver Tree Forest and rich colonial history.
Sossusvlei After breakfast aboard the train, you will be transferred to a nearby airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Sossusvlei Lodge where you will spend the night. Enjoy an afternoon desert drive and bush dinner. Namibia’s iconic sand dunes burn red in colour and as the light changes so does the appearance of the dunes making for great photographic opportunities. The lodge offers panoramic views over the desert, blending adventure with serene natural beauty.
Sossusvlei & Windhoek Start the day with an early morning desert drive before taking the one hour flight to Windhoek. After a delicious lunch, enjoy a city tour of the key sites winding up at the Namibia Craft Centre in the old Breweries Building before retiring back to the train for the evening.
Otjiwarongo Spend a leisurely morning on the train before visiting the Cheetah Conservation Fund, learn how the CCF is working to protect the wild cheetahs that live in Southern Africa and what you can do to be a part of this.
Etosha National Park Transfer today to Etosha Lodge in Etosha National Park. Your overnight stay here combines the thrill of the African bush with well-appointed accommodations and guided safaris. Enjoy unforgettable encounters with Africa’s big game in a breathtaking, natural setting.
Walvis Bay & Swakopmund Your final morning aboard this luxurious train concludes as you traverse the Namib Desert to Walvis Bay where you will disembark and continue on to Swakopmund. Enjoy a last night in Namibia exploring this quaint costal town before your onward flight home the following day.
star star star star Strand Hotel Swakopmund, Namibia Strand Hotel Swakopmund is the perfect hotel to explore Swakopmund from. With its extensive, unique and creatively entertaining Restaurants, Bars, Deli, Lobby-Lounge, Sea Facing Terraces, and Beach Kiosk, all set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by the ocean on three sides, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is a social epicentre and destination in itself for all visitors and residents of Swakopmund.