Welcome to Cape Town, commonly referred to as the “Mother City” by locals. Take your time to settle in and to stroll around on your own. In the evening you enjoy a special welcome dinner.

Overnight: Hotel in Cape Town

Today, you discover everything this multicultural melting pot has to offer during a fun and informative city tour. In the afternoon, your journey through Southern Africa truly begins as you board your private train, the African Explorer. Your friendly crew welcomes you aboard, and you discover the incomparable ease of rail travel as the African Explorer whisks you through green valleys and the dramatic tunnels of the Hex River Mountains. You pass the small railroad town of Matjiesfontein with its colonial flair

Overnight: On board

Today you enjoy a day of once-in-a-lifetime views from the comfort of your private train. As gorgeous landscapes pass by your windows, informative and entertaining lectures reveal local customs, culture and history that most travelers miss.

Overnight: On board

From Upington a bus takes you to Augrabies National Park. As you stand before the world-famous Augrabies Falls, your senses come alive with their thunderous roar and refreshing spray—a truly invigorating wonder of the world! As the early evening sets in, your private train takes you further north.

Overnight: On board

Welcome to Namibia—a land of color and texture, with landscapes almost too staggering to take in all at once. You marvel at its sweeping landscapes of deep, ancient ochre and its huge, aquamarine sky. In the distance, silhouettes of animals shimmer beneath the hot sun. You arrive at Holoog Station and take a scenic bus tour to discover the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa.

Overnight: On board

In the morning, you arrive in Mariental, from where you take a scenic bus ride to your lodge (approx. 4 hours). Your lodge is a quiet oasis in the midst of the wilderness—the perfect place for stargazing.

Overnight: Lodge in Namid Desert

Today you take in the otherworldly beauty of the Namib Desert and have the opportunity to stand atop the biggest sand dunes in the world—immense, sculptural sand waves as dramatic and vast as the ocean. You’ve seen them in photographs, but nothing compares to real life. An excursion in open-top vehicles takes you to the famous Sossusvlei salt pan. Later, as the sun begins to set, you have the chance to join a desert safari.

Overnight: Lodge in Namid Desert

Today you head back to the coast, this time to Walvis Bay (aka Whale Bay), a deepwater port city named for its historical abundance of southern right whales. Alternative to the bus ride, you can cover the distance from Namib desert to Walvis Bay in a small plane and take in the desert landscape from a bird’s eye perspective on this panoramic flight (additional supplement, to be paid on spot). Later you continue your journey via air-conditioned bus to the coastal city of Swakopmund, famous for its unique examples of German colonial architecture.

Overnight: On board

In the morning, you head for an exciting catamaran cruise including lunch from Walvis Bay. You might spot sea lions, pelicans, seals and flamingos. Afterwards you have leisure time in Swakopmund, bevor your let the day end with a sundowner.

Overnight: On board

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the Namib Desert. Today you head to the Spitzkoppe—known as Namibia’s Matterhorn—and marvel at its immense, granite peak. The ancient rock paintings you see here speak to the fascination this famous landmark has long held for humankind. Later, you return to your private train, stopping in the evening to enjoy a braai—a traditional African barbecue alongside your train, beneath a fabulously starry sky.

Overnight: On board

After breakfast you drive to your lodge in Etosha National Park. Enjoy all the comforts of your lodge before taking a tour in open safari-vehicles. A unique safari awaits: you might have the chance to observe elephants, wildbeasts, birds and other wild animals, and – with a bit of luck – you might even get a glimpse on lions and the very rare leopards. In the evening you have the chance to enjoy a traditional Boma before dinner.

Overnight: Lodge in Etosha National Park

Today is a safari day, and you jump into a jeep in the golden light of the morning. You set out in search of feathered, furry and fanged creatures in their natural habitats.

Overnight: On board

This morning’s unique train route is a veritable safari. Your private train passes through game farms where giraffe, antelope and ostrich are often visible from your window. Soon, you arrive in the Namibian capital Windhoek, where you embark on a fun and informative city tour. Among the major sights of the day are the Christ Church—which combines neo-Gothic design with local African sandstone—and the Namibian parliament building, also known as the Tintenpalast (German for “Ink Palace”). Later in the day, you visit the township of Katutura, before heading back to relax at your hotel. That evening, you enjoy a special dinner in celebration of your exceptional journey and to say farewell to your fellow travelers.

Overnight: Hotel in Windhoek

After your last delicious breakfast in Africa, you get the shuttle to the airport for your flight home. Looking back on your rail adventure, you smile, remembering the amazing sights you’ve seen, feeling that you’ve become a true African explorer.