Luxury Train Holiday in Namibia in October 2027

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Pretoria to Walvis Bay (15 nights) on Rovos Rail

Pretoria to Walvis Bay (15 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Pretoria

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to Rovos Rail's private Capital Park Station in Pretoria to explore the railway museum and locomotive sheds before a 10h00 departure. The train rolls east through the coal-mining heartland of eMalahleni (Witbank) and descends the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain escarpment after lunch. Dinner is formal en route to Malelane.

Day 2: Kruger National Park

Rise early for a full-day game drive in the world-famous Kruger National Park with tea, lunch, and curio shopping included. Return to the train in the late afternoon as it crosses into the Kingdom of Eswatini for a formal dinner on board.

Day 3: Kingdom of Eswatini

After breakfast and border formalities, disembark at Mpaka to visit the artisans at Swazi Candles and explore the Mantenga Cultural Village, followed by lunch at Mantenga Lodge overlooking Execution Rock. Reboard the train as it crosses back into South Africa towards Zululand. Dinner is formal.

Day 4: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Embark on an early morning game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park - the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and the stronghold that saved the white rhino from extinction. Return to the train for lunch and afternoon tea as you travel south along the KwaZulu-Natal coast towards Durban. Tonight's dinner is "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual.

Day 5: Durban & Valley of a Thousand Hills

Enjoy a guided morning tour of Durban, visiting the botanical gardens and coastal landmarks, before returning to the train for lunch. In the afternoon, the train climbs the steep gradients of the historic Natal Main Line through the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Dinner is formal.

Day 6: Across the Free State & Drakensberg

Spend a leisurely day on board as the train winds along the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains and crosses the golden maize plains of the Free State via Kroonstad and Bloemfontein. Enjoy lectures in the lounge car, lunch, high tea, and a formal dinner.

Day 7: Kimberley Diamond Mine

After breakfast, disembark in Kimberley to visit the Diamond Mine Museum and peer into the Big Hole, dug entirely by hand during the 1870s diamond rush. Return to the train for lunch as the observation car takes the lead across the Great Karoo towards De Aar. Dinner is formal.

Day 8: Upington & The Orange River

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Upington and a scenic boat cruise on the Orange River before reboarding the train at lunchtime. Cross the border at Nakop into Namibia during the afternoon, followed by a formal dinner en route to Holoog.

Day 9: Fish River Canyon & Garas Park

After breakfast, transfer to the rim of the Fish River Canyon - the largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere - to take in its dramatic 550m-deep cliffs. Return to the train for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to Keetmanshoop and the prehistoric Quiver Trees (Aloe dichotoma) of Garas Park. Dinner is formal.

Day 10: Kolmanskop & Luderitz

An early departure takes you to the haunting diamond ghost town of Kolmanskop, where Namib sand dunes fill the abandoned Edwardian houses, followed by lunch in coastal Luderitz. Return to the train for an "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual dinner as it heads north through the Kalahari.

Day 11: Scenic Flight to Sossusvlei

Pack a small overnight bag and transfer to the airstrip for a one-hour light aircraft flight into the heart of the Namib Desert at Sossusvlei. After lunch at your desert lodge, head out on an afternoon desert drive amongst the towering red dunes, followed by a casual bush dinner under the stars.

Day 12: Sossusvlei Dunes & Windhoek

Wake early for a sunrise desert drive and breakfast in the vlei before flying to Windhoek for lunch at the Windhoek Country Club and a city tour including the Trans-Namib Transport Museum. Reboard the train in the evening for a formal dinner bound for Kranzberg.

Day 13: Cheetah Conservation Project

After a relaxed morning on board, disembark after lunch for a transfer to Otjiwarongo to visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund, dedicated to preserving Namibia's wild cheetahs. Return to the train for a formal dinner as it travels north towards Tsumeb.

Day 14: Etosha National Park

Pack your overnight bag and transfer to a luxury lodge in Etosha National Park. Following lunch at the lodge, embark on a three-hour afternoon game drive along the edges of the vast Etosha salt pan. Enjoy a casual dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 15: Etosha Safari & Atlantic Approach

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Etosha National Park before returning to the train at Tsumeb Station for lunch. The observation car leads the train once more as it turns southwest towards the Atlantic coast. Celebrate your final night on board with a "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual dinner.

Day 16: Arrival in Walvis Bay

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast as the train crosses the ancient gravel plains and sand seas of the Namib Desert, arriving at journey's end in Walvis Bay at 12h00, where a complimentary chauffeur transfer awaits.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
5 Oct 2027 (10h00) 1 Deluxe
PULLMAN: ZAR 286,000 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 385,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 480,000 per person sharing
Walvis Bay to Pretoria (11 nights) on Rovos Rail

Walvis Bay to Pretoria (11 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Walvis Bay

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to Walvis Bay Station for check-in at 10h00 before the train departs at 11h00, heading inland across the ancient gravel plains of the Namib Desert towards Otjiwarongo. For rail enthusiasts, the observation car leads the train right behind the locomotive until lunchtime tomorrow. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner on board.

Day 2: Cheetah Conservation Project

After breakfast, transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to the Cheetah Conservation Fund near Otjiwarongo, founded in 1990 to protect Namibia's wild cheetah population. Return to the train for lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner as the train climbs north towards Tsumeb.

Day 3: Etosha National Park

Pack a small overnight bag and transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to a safari lodge bordering Etosha National Park, where wildlife congregates around waterholes fringing the massive 4,760km² salt pan. After lunch at the lodge, head out on a three-hour afternoon game drive, followed by a casual dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 4: Morning Safari & Southbound to Kranzberg

Rise at 06h00 for breakfast and an early morning game drive in Etosha National Park. Return to the lodge to check out and transfer back to the train at Tsumeb Station in time for lunch. Relax over afternoon tea and a formal dinner as the train travels south towards Kranzberg.

Day 5: Scenic Flight to Sossusvlei

Pack your overnight bag and transfer to the airstrip to board a light aircraft for a one-hour scenic flight over the Namib-Naukluft desert to a lodge in Sossusvlei. After lunch and time at leisure, enjoy an afternoon desert drive amongst the towering red star dunes, capped off with a casual bush dinner under the desert sky.

Day 6: Sossusvlei Sunrise & Windhoek

Wake early for a sunrise drive into the vlei and breakfast amongst the dunes before flying to Namibia's highland capital, Windhoek. Enjoy lunch at the Windhoek Country Club followed by a city tour that includes the Trans-Namib Transport Museum. Rejoin the train at 18h00 for a formal dinner as it cuts south through the Kalahari Desert towards Mariental.

Day 7: Keetmanshoop & Garas Park

Enjoy a leisurely morning on board with breakfast and lunch served in the dining cars. At 14h00, disembark to visit Keetmanshoop and Garas Park, home to roughly 300 prehistoric Quiver Trees (Aloe dichotoma). Return to the train for afternoon tea and a formal dinner bound for Aus.

Day 8: Kolmanskop Ghost Town & Luderitz

After an early breakfast, transfer at 08h00 to the abandoned diamond mining ghost town of Kolmanskop, where desert sands drift through grand Edwardian rooms, followed by lunch in the coastal town of Luderitz. Reboard the train at 18h00 as the observation car leads the train towards Holoog. Tonight's dinner is "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual.

Day 9: Fish River Canyon & South African Border

Following breakfast, transfer at 08h30 to the rim of the Fish River Canyon - the largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere at 161km long and up to 550m deep. Return to the train for lunch and afternoon tea as border formalities into South Africa take place en route to Upington. Dinner is formal.

Day 10: Upington & The Orange River

Disembark at 08h30 for a walking tour of Upington and a boat cruise on the Orange River. At 11h00, the train sets off across the vast expanse of the Great Karoo. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner as the train rolls towards Kimberley.

Day 11: Kimberley's Big Hole

At 09h00, enjoy a guided tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the historic Big Hole before returning to the train for lunch as it begins its climb onto the Highveld. Celebrate your final evening on board with a "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual dinner.

Day 12: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast until 10h00 and lunch at 13h00 as the train rolls across the goldfields of the Witwatersrand, arriving at Rovos Rail's private Capital Park Station in Pretoria in the afternoon. A complimentary chauffeur transfer awaits to take you to your hotel or airport in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
23 Oct 2027 (10h00) 9 Deluxe 2 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 258,000 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 327,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 403,000 per person sharing

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Rovos Rail The Blue Train

Suite Categories & Dimensions

Pullman Suite ±7 m²

Wood-panelled cabin with a daytime sofa that converts to twin or double beds (or upper/lower bunks on long hauls) and an en-suite shower, basin, and toilet.

Deluxe Suite ±10 m²

Permanent double or twin beds (no daytime conversion needed), a dedicated lounge seating area, bar fridge, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with shower.

Royal Suite ±16 m²

Occupies half a carriage. Features a permanent double or twin bed, private lounge area, and a full en-suite bathroom with both a Victorian claw-foot bath and separate shower.

Pacing & Route to Namibia

11 Nights (Southern Dune Express) or 15 Nights (African Trilogy) between Pretoria and Walvis Bay across the Kalahari and Namib deserts.

Atmosphere

Victorian Edwardian elegance. Expect rich wood panelling, openable windows in the observation car, traditional silver-service dining, and a classic, romantic ambience where guests dress formally for dinner.

Connectivity

Intentionally devoid of WiFi, televisions, or onboard radios to preserve the historic golden-era atmosphere and encourage a true, inescapable digital detox.

Pretoria Station

Operates from its own magnificent, privately owned Capital Park Station, which functions as a working locomotive restoration depot, railway museum, and exclusive departure lounge.

Excursions

Includes Kimberley, Upington, Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop ghost town, Luderitz, Garas Park Quiver Trees, a light-aircraft flight and overnight lodge stay in Sossusvlei, Windhoek, and an overnight safari in Etosha National Park.

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, Rovos Rail demonstrated high adaptability by rerouting affected journeys to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), providing guests with a viable luxury travel alternative alongside refund options.

Suite Categories & Dimensions

De Luxe Suite ±8 m²

Elegant daytime lounge that converts into twin beds (with en-suite shower) or a double bed (with three-quarter bath and handheld shower), complete with 24-hour personal butler service.

Luxury Suite ±10 m²

Extended suite offering an extra metre of cabin length, twin or double bed configurations, a full-sized en-suite bathtub with overhead shower, and a private digital entertainment system.

Pacing & Route to Namibia

The Blue Train does not operate cross-border expeditions into Namibia; its scheduled journeys operate between Pretoria and Cape Town (3 days / 2 nights).

Atmosphere

Contemporary five-star luxury. Think of a modern boutique hotel on wheels with soundproofed carpeted carriages, gold-tinted picture windows, personal butlers, and a dedicated post-dinner Cuban cigar lounge car.

Connectivity

Complimentary WiFi and in-suite entertainment screens are available throughout the train for guests who wish to stay connected (or who simply cannot bear to be parted from their inbox).

Pretoria Station

Departs from the main Pretoria Train Station (or occasionally Irene Station in Centurion), where guests are hosted with canapes and live music in a dedicated VIP pre-departure lounge.

Excursions

On its flagship Pretoria - Cape Town service, The Blue Train stops at Kimberley (southbound) or Matjiesfontein (northbound).

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, The Blue Train maintained a firm focus on its primary Cape mainline schedule, cancelling affected Pretoria - Cape Town services while offering guests full refunds or alternative dates.

Luxury Across the Namibian Desert

A rail journey into Namibia presents a striking contrast between the harsh, breathtaking beauty of the Kalahari and Namib deserts and the plush, air-conditioned comfort of your luxury suite. From the Fish River Canyon to the coastal town of Swakopmund, the shifting sands offer a mesmerising daily panorama.

Aboard iconic locomotives like Rovos Rail and The Blue Train, guests are immediately immersed in five-star elegance, creating a striking contrast between the rugged African wilderness outside and the refined luxury inside.

Elegance Amidst the Dunes

The on-board experience is designed to be completely effortless. You can expect spacious, wood-panelled suites with en-suite bathrooms, dedicated room service, and impeccable attention to detail. Dining is a grand affair, featuring multi-course meals prepared by top chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients - all expertly paired with award-winning South African wines.

The pace of the journey is deliberately unhurried, encouraging you to disconnect from modern distractions and savour the passing scenery from a dedicated observation car, perhaps with a classic gin and tonic in hand. Depending on your chosen route, the itinerary often includes curated off-train excursions, such as private game drives or historical town tours, adding rich context to your holiday.

How to Secure Your Suite

Securing your suite on these high-demand routes requires careful planning. Cabins - particularly the premium Royal and Deluxe suites - are strictly limited and often book out many months in advance. To make securing your journey as straightforward as possible, we manage all enquiries through a direct, personalised booking service via WhatsApp and email.

When you find a route and date that aligns with your travel plans, simply click the "Book on WhatsApp" button on the relevant itinerary card above. This will automatically open a pre-filled message directly to our dedicated booking team. If you prefer, you can also reach out via email with your preferred travel dates and cabin class.

From that initial contact, we take care of all the logistics. We personally verify real-time availability with the train operators, confirm the exact pricing per person sharing (pps), and place a provisional hold on your suite. Once you review the details and are completely satisfied to proceed, we will guide you through the secure payment process and issue your official travel documents. You pay the exact public rates set by the train operators - there are no hidden markups or booking fees. Our goal is to provide honest, efficient support from your very first enquiry until the moment you disembark.

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