| Namibia |
Namibia is a gem for those in search of the wilderness. Located
on Africa's south-west coast, the country has enjoyed stability
since achieving Independence on 21 March 1990. The national
railway system, connected to South Africa, offers an excellent
opportunity to explore some of the most interesting parts of the
nation on a number of train holiday options.
Essentially a desert country, Namibia offers contrasting
landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest
in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of
space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and
rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to
the majestic Fish river Canyon in the south. In the north of the
country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of
the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savannah and lush vegetation.
The Etosha national park, the third largest in Africa, owes its
unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression
of approximately 5 000km². A series of waterholes along the
southern edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often
spectacular game viewing. Germanic influence can still be found
in the country's good road infrastructure, well-equipped rest
camps throughout the country and most cities' architecture. The
perfect choice for nature lovers and photographers alike.
The Desert Express
Seemingly endless semi-arid savannah, wide expanses of gravel
plains and golden-red dune seas lie ahead as you embark on a
magical train journey that will stay with you long after you have
reached your destination.
At Windhoek Station the boarding call spurs you into action.
Once inside the Desert Express you are welcomed by a
refreshing fruit cocktail while you make yourself comfortable in
one of the plush coaches. Slowly the train leaves the city far
behind and soon the hustle and bustle of civilisation is only a
distant memory. The rhythmic swaying of the coaches gently
soothes and relaxes. Later you disembark for a late afternoon
game drive.
As your train journey progresses, vegetation along the way
becomes sparser, revealing more of the rich ochre soil and
rocks. The landscape changes along with the geology - mountain
ranges give way to plains until only lone standing mountains are
visible from time to time. This area is rich in minerals with gold,
marble, granite and semi-precious stones found in abundance.
As darkness sets in, the train comes to a halt. Stars appear like
you have never seen them before, flickering in the sky, almost
close enough to touch. The silence is interrupted only by the
taunting of geckos and the howling of jackals.
Rich gold and amber sunlight is cast over the landscape as the
train continues its journey. This morning you will travel through
the warm sands of the coastal Namib dune sea. It is late
morning when the train pulls into the picturesque coastal town
of Swakopmund.
German architecture dating back two centuries echoes the
town's rich history as an oasis in the world's oldest desert.
Explore the town and its quaint shops, make your way to the
beach for a splash in the Atlantic Ocean, languish in the sun or
continue with your journey.
on Africa's south-west coast, the country has enjoyed stability
since achieving Independence on 21 March 1990. The national
railway system, connected to South Africa, offers an excellent
opportunity to explore some of the most interesting parts of the
nation on a number of train holiday options.
Essentially a desert country, Namibia offers contrasting
landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest
in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of
space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and
rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to
the majestic Fish river Canyon in the south. In the north of the
country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of
the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savannah and lush vegetation.
The Etosha national park, the third largest in Africa, owes its
unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression
of approximately 5 000km². A series of waterholes along the
southern edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often
spectacular game viewing. Germanic influence can still be found
in the country's good road infrastructure, well-equipped rest
camps throughout the country and most cities' architecture. The
perfect choice for nature lovers and photographers alike.
The Desert Express
Seemingly endless semi-arid savannah, wide expanses of gravel
plains and golden-red dune seas lie ahead as you embark on a
magical train journey that will stay with you long after you have
reached your destination.
At Windhoek Station the boarding call spurs you into action.
Once inside the Desert Express you are welcomed by a
refreshing fruit cocktail while you make yourself comfortable in
one of the plush coaches. Slowly the train leaves the city far
behind and soon the hustle and bustle of civilisation is only a
distant memory. The rhythmic swaying of the coaches gently
soothes and relaxes. Later you disembark for a late afternoon
game drive.
As your train journey progresses, vegetation along the way
becomes sparser, revealing more of the rich ochre soil and
rocks. The landscape changes along with the geology - mountain
ranges give way to plains until only lone standing mountains are
visible from time to time. This area is rich in minerals with gold,
marble, granite and semi-precious stones found in abundance.
As darkness sets in, the train comes to a halt. Stars appear like
you have never seen them before, flickering in the sky, almost
close enough to touch. The silence is interrupted only by the
taunting of geckos and the howling of jackals.
Rich gold and amber sunlight is cast over the landscape as the
train continues its journey. This morning you will travel through
the warm sands of the coastal Namib dune sea. It is late
morning when the train pulls into the picturesque coastal town
of Swakopmund.
German architecture dating back two centuries echoes the
town's rich history as an oasis in the world's oldest desert.
Explore the town and its quaint shops, make your way to the
beach for a splash in the Atlantic Ocean, languish in the sun or
continue with your journey.
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| Rovos Rail |
| Rovos Rail offers a luxurious train travel experience to Namibia once each year. Contact us for the latest information... |
| The Desert Express, Namibia's unique rail holiday experience, offers a weekly journey between Windhoek, the capital of Namibia and Swakopmund, Namibia's premier coastal resort. Longer journeys that include the Etosha Game Reserve are also offered. Find out more..... |
| The Desert Express Namibia's own luxury train Multiple departures |
| Phone + 44 (0)1562 632000 69 Pitt Street, Kidderminster Worcestershire, DY10 2UN, England |