Rovos Rail Namibia Safari: Pretoria to Walvis Bay 11 Nights

Rovos Rail Namibia Safari: An 11-Night Journey from Pretoria to Walvis Bay

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Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 11-night Namibia Safari with Rovos Rail, a journey spanning 3800km from the historic heart of Pretoria, South Africa, to the coastal serenity of Walvis Bay, Namibia. This meticulously crafted rail adventure takes you through a diverse tapestry of landscapes, from the diamond-rich history of Kimberley to the vast, ancient deserts and wildlife havens of Namibia.

Your adventure begins in Pretoria, where you'll settle into the luxurious comfort of your Rovos Rail suite before heading south across the Witwatersrand goldfields. The first major stop is Kimberley, a city forged in the diamond rush of 1871, where you’ll explore the Diamond Mine Museum and the iconic Big Hole. The train then journeys through the starkly beautiful Karoo, a geological marvel that was once an inland sea.

Crossing into Namibia, the tour delves into the country's unique natural wonders. Experience the Orange River with a sundowner cruise in Upington, then marvel at the colossal Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Discover the eerie beauty of Kolmanskop, a ghost town swallowed by desert sands, and the coastal charm of Lüderitz, known for its colonial architecture and diverse wildlife. In Keetmanshoop, you’ll encounter the ancient Quiver Trees of Garas Park, a striking photographic opportunity.

A highlight is the overnight excursion to Sossusvlei, where you’ll fly into the heart of the Namib Desert for an afternoon drive among its ancient, iron-oxide-rich red dunes, culminating in a bush dinner under the stars. The journey continues to Windhoek, Namibia's capital, for a city tour that reveals its German colonial heritage and vibrant modern life. Later, immerse yourself in conservation efforts at the Cheetah Conservation Project in Otjiwarongo, supporting the vital work of saving cheetahs in the wild.

The safari culminates with an unforgettable two-night stay at a lodge in Etosha National Park, renowned for its abundant wildlife and the vast Etosha pan, a 'Great White Place' for game viewing. Enjoy thrilling game drives at dawn and dusk, witnessing a spectacular array of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Finally, the train traverses the ancient Namib Desert, delivering you to Walvis Bay, where your luxurious rail odyssey concludes, leaving you with indelible memories of Africa's wild heart and its most opulent train.

Images: Courtesy - Rovos Rail

Itinerary

DAY 1

PRETORIA

Departure from Pretoria: South Across the Goldfields

Please ensure you check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit the Rovos Rail museum or take a site tour at Rovos Rail Station, arriving two hours prior to departure is recommended. At 11:00, the train departs from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, commencing its journey south across the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Guests are invited to freshen up in their luxurious suites before joining fellow travelers in the comfortable lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. Lunch is served in the elegant dining cars at 13:00. Later in the afternoon, tea is offered in the lounge and observation cars at 16:30. Dinner is a formal occasion, served in the dining cars at 19:30. Please remember to ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy is in possession of your passport.

DAY 2

KIMBERLEY

Kimberley's Diamond Legacy and the Karoo

Begin your day with breakfast served in the dining cars between 07:00 and 10:00. Following breakfast, you'll disembark for a fascinating tour of Kimberley, renowned as the capital of the Northern Cape. This tour includes visits to Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the iconic Big Hole, a stark reminder of the diamond discovery in 1871 that led to the city's establishment. Lunch is served back on board in the dining cars at 13:00. In the afternoon, the observation car will lead the train, offering a different perspective as you travel through the vast semi-desert region of the Karoo. This ancient landscape was once an enormous inland sea, and over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt, forming what geologists call the Karoo system. Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars at 16:30. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars en route to De Aar, an important railway junction, with a formal dress code.

DAY 3

UPINGTON

Upington & The Orange River: Border Formalities

Breakfast is served in the dining cars between 07:00 and 10:00. At 13:00, lunch is served on board. The afternoon brings a walking tour of Upington, culminating in a serene sundowner cruise on the Orange River. The Orange River is South Africa's longest, stretching 2432km (1511mi), rising in the Drakensberg Mountains and flowing westwards to the Atlantic Ocean, forming part of the borders with Lesotho and Namibia. The town of Upington itself was founded in 1884. Dinner is served in the dining cars at 19:30, and the dress code is 'Africa' Theme or Smart Casual. Border formalities for crossing into Namibia will take place during the evening.

DAY 4

AUS

Fish River Canyon: Southern Hemisphere's Grandeur

Start your day with breakfast in the dining cars between 07:00 and 10:00. Lunch is served at 12:30 as the train travels along the southern reaches of the Kalahari Basin. At 14:00, you will transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. Rising in the center of the country and flowing south to the Orange River, the Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere and second only to Arizona's Grand Canyon in size. It stretches 161km long, up to 27km wide, and almost 550m deep, revealing a vast rocky landscape of spectacular cliffs. Dinner is served in the dining cars at 19:30 en route to Aus, with a formal dress code.

DAY 5

KEETMANSHOOP / KOLMANSKOP

Kolmanskop Ghost Town & Lüderitz Coast

Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure at 06:00. At 08:00, you will transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to the haunting ghost town of Kolmanskop. Once a bustling diamond mining settlement, it is now being reclaimed by the desert sands. Following your visit, enjoy lunch in Lüderitz, a charming coastal town known for its unique museum, colonial architecture, and diverse wildlife, including seals, penguins, flamingos, and ostriches. Keep an eye out for the elusive legendary wild horses rumored to roam the Namib. At 18:00, you will return to the train, which then departs for Keetmanshoop, with the observation car leading the train until after dinner. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars, with a formal dress code.

DAY 6

KEETMANSHOOP / MARIENTAL / REHOBOTH

Keetmanshoop & Garas Park Quiver Trees

Enjoy breakfast in the dining cars until departure at 07:00. Following breakfast, you will visit Keetmanshoop and Garas Park, home to the unique Quiver Trees (Aloe dichotomy). This prehistoric forest features roughly 300 specimens, with forked branches that reach up to 5m, offering exceptional photographic opportunities. Lunch is served in the dining cars at 13:00, after which the train departs for Mariental. Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars at 16:30. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars en route to Rehoboth, with a formal dress code.

DAY 7

SOSSUSVLEI

Sossusvlei Overnight: Desert Dunes and Starlit Skies

Please pack a small overnight bag for your stay in Sossusvlei; tog bags have been placed in your suite for your convenience. Breakfast is served in the dining cars between 07:00 and 10:00. Afterwards, you will transfer to the airstrip and depart in a light aircraft for a one-hour flight to a Sossusvlei lodge for your overnight stay. After check-in, enjoy lunch and an afternoon at leisure. At 16:30, embark on an afternoon desert drive, followed by a magical bush dinner after sunset. You will overnight at the lodge, with a casual dress code. The dunes of the Namib Desert, created by wind-carried sand from the coast over five million years, are red due to their iron-oxide content. The changing light creates stunning photographic opportunities, and the multi-directional winds form distinctive 'star dunes'.

DAY 8

SOSSUSVLEI / WINDHOEK

Sossusvlei Desert Drive & Windhoek City Tour

Please ensure your overnight bag is ready for collection from your suite before the drive. Bags will be stored in the lodge's baggage area. An early wake-up call with tea and coffee precedes a desert drive with breakfast served in the vlei. Afterwards, you will return to the lodge to use the facilities, check-out, and transfer back to the airstrip. At 12:30, depart in a light aircraft for a one-hour flight to Windhoek. Upon arrival, lunch is served at Windhoek Country Club at 14:00, followed by a comprehensive city tour. This tour includes visits to the Trans-Namib Transport Museum, the Independence Memorial Museum, the striking Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Namibia Craft Centre in the old Breweries Building. Windhoek, situated in Namibia's central highlands, is an attractive city surrounded by the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains. At 18:00, the train departs for Kranzberg. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars, with a formal dress code.

DAY 9

OTJIWARONGO

Cheetah Conservation Project Visit

Breakfast is served in the dining cars between 07:00 and 10:00. Lunch is served at 12:30. At 14:30, you will transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to a cheetah conservation project in Otjiwarongo. Founded in Namibia in 1990, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is dedicated to saving the cheetah in the wild through research, conservation, and education. This visit offers a unique insight into their vital work. At 18:00, the train departs for Otavi. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars, with a formal dress code.

DAY 10

Etosha National Park: Afternoon Game Drive

Please pack a small overnight bag for your stay in Etosha. Breakfast is served in the dining cars between 07:00 and 10:00. Afterwards, you will transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to an Etosha lodge for your overnight stay. Guests are welcome to utilize the lodge's pool and facilities. Enjoy lunch followed by check-in. At 15:00, embark on an afternoon game drive, lasting approximately 3 hours, offering opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. Dinner is served at 19:30 at the lodge, with a casual dress code. Etosha National Park, covering 22270km², is renowned for its exceptional game viewing, home to many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The park gets its name from the vast Etosha pan (4760km²), a 'Great White Place' that forms part of the Kalahari basin.

DAY 11

TSUMEB

Etosha National Park & Return to the Rails

Please ensure your overnight bag is ready for collection from your suite and proceed to checkout by 10:45; your bag will be loaded into the vehicles. The time for your morning game drive will be confirmed. Breakfast is served at the lodge from 06:00 until 07:00, followed by a morning game drive in the Etosha National Park. Afterwards, return to the lodge to freshen up and check-out by 10:45. At 11:00, you will transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to the train at Tsumeb Station. Lunch is served in the dining cars at 13:00. The observation car will be leading the train until tomorrow. Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars at 16:30. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars, with a '1920s' Theme or Smart Casual dress code, as the train travels southwest towards the Atlantic Ocean.

DAY 12

WALVIS BAY

Walvis Bay: Arrival at the Atlantic Coast

Please ensure your luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival and that you have your passport readily available. Breakfast is served in the dining cars between 07:00 and 10:00 as the train traverses the ancient Namib Desert towards Walvis Bay. At 12:00, you will arrive at your journey's end in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The Namib Desert stretches for over 2000km along the Atlantic coasts of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. Its geology consists of vast sand seas near the coast, with gravel plains and scattered mountain outcrops further inland. The name 'Namib' originates from Khoekhoegowab, meaning 'vast place,' and having endured arid conditions for 55-80 million years, it is considered potentially the oldest desert in the world.

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms

25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking. 75% balance due no later than 65 days prior to tour departure date. All reservations are subject to availability and will be confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit. A provisional booking will be held for 14 days, after which the 25% deposit is due.

Cancellation Fees

Timeframe Before Departure	Cancellation Fee
More than 95 days	10% of total tour price
95–66 days	25% of total tour price
65–36 days	50% of total tour price
35 days or less / failure to travel	100% of total tour price (no refund)

A 5% Administrative Fee will be charged by Palace Tours on any applicable refunds. All cancellation fees apply to the full tour price before any discounts or coupons. Cancellation insurance is compulsory as these fees will not be waived. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.

Change of Date / Name / Occupancy

Changes may be requested up to 125 days prior to departure and are subject to availability and supplier approval. No changes will be permitted within 65 days prior to departure. Any request within this period will be treated as a cancellation and subject to the applicable cancellation fees. All changes may incur additional costs, which will be advised prior to confirmation. No changes will be processed without written authorization and payment of any applicable fees.

Payment Methods

Payments may be made via bank transfer or credit card. All payments must reference the booking number and be supported by proof of payment. Refunds, when applicable, will be processed to the original form of payment. Any exchange rate fluctuations or bank charges are the responsibility of the client.

What's Included

Accommodation on board
All meals on board
All beverages on board
Room service
Limited laundry
Excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable)
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Government tax
Flights to/from Sossusvlei
Overnight bag
Off-train accommodation (Sossusvlei and Etosha) including meals, water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices

What's Not Included

All off-train beverages (excluding water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices at lodges)
International sparkling wine
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Visas
Travel insurance
Pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation, and flights

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and is required to cover cancellation fees, medical emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances. Clients are responsible for securing their own insurance coverage and should travel with a copy of their policy including the insurance company name, policy number, and 24-hour medical emergency telephone number.

Passports & Visas

Valid passports and any required visas are the sole responsibility of the client and must be obtained prior to departure. Passports must have at least five blank visa pages and must be valid for at least six months from the return-home date. This tour passes through South Africa and Namibia; please confirm visa requirements for your nationality well in advance.

Health & Medical

Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. Please inform us at the time of booking if you have any medical conditions, physical disabilities, or allergies. Anti-malarial precautions are recommended for certain areas visited on this itinerary, including Etosha National Park. Please consult your clinic or doctor for the latest medical advice prior to travel.

General Conditions

All services are provided subject to availability and supplier terms and conditions. Schedules, routing, and excursions are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Times are approximate and excursion arrangements may be altered due to operational, weather, or other factors beyond our control. The operator is not liable for loss, damage, injury, delays, or unforeseen events beyond its control. Participation in tours and related activities is voluntary and at the client's own risk.

Guest Indemnity

Although certain limited insurances have been arranged, the operator and its agents, servants, or employees shall not be liable for any loss or damage to passengers' luggage or effects. The passenger waives any claim against the operator, its servants, agents, employees, or subcontractors for any injury and/or loss of any nature whatsoever (including consequential loss) arising directly or indirectly from any aspect of the tour, including any form of transport used. This waiver binds the passenger's executors, heirs, trustees, and dependants. The passenger accepts all services and facilities voluntarily, with full knowledge that they may expose them to injury, danger, or loss.

Important Note

All timeframes are based on the local time of the destination. To allow sufficient processing time, clients must submit payment or cancellation requests with a minimum 5-day advance margin prior to the applicable deadlines.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Your Tour Price Includes

Luxury accommodation on board the train
All meals served in the dining cars
All beverages on board (excluding international sparkling wine, which can be pre-ordered)
Room service
Limited laundry service (10 items/day, 48-hour turnaround)
All excursions as per the itinerary with a qualified guide (where applicable)
All entrance fees for scheduled activities
Government tax
Onboard amenities as detailed (toiletries, dressing gowns, etc.)
Flights to/from Sossusvlei for the lodge stay
Overnight bag for Sossusvlei stay
Accommodation at Sossusvlei lodge
Meals, water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices at Sossusvlei lodge

Your Tour Price Excludes

All off-train beverages (except those included at Sossusvlei lodge)
International sparkling wine (can be pre-ordered at an additional cost)
Gratuities (suggested ±ZAR450 / ±US$25 per guest per night on board, and per day for lodge guides/staff)
Personal expenses
Visas for entry to various countries
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation, and flights (unless specified)
All other beverages at off-train accommodation
Laundry at off-train accommodation

Accommodations

Accommodation Overview

Each Rovos Rail train features accommodation carriages, elegant dining cars, a comfortable lounge car, a small gift shop, a dedicated smoking lounge, and an observation car with an open-air balcony. The suites are designed for privacy, comfort, and luxury, offering double or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms, and a range of facilities to ensure a pampered journey. All suites are serviced daily and include adequate storage with cupboards and hangers.

Royal Suites

These expansive suites occupy half a carriage, offering ±16m² (±172ft²) of space. Each Royal Suite features a private lounge area and a lavish en-suite bathroom, complete with a Victorian bath, a separate shower, toilet, and basin.

Amenities

Minibar
Air conditioning
Writing desk
Luggage shelf
Cupboards
Safe
En-suite bathroom with toilet, basin, bath, and shower

Bed Configurations

Double: 200×189cm, Split Twin: 200×75cm

Deluxe Suites

Offering ±10m² (±108ft²) of space, Deluxe Suites provide a comfortable lounge area and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin.

Amenities

Minibar
Air conditioning
Writing desk
Luggage shelf
Cupboards
Safe
En-suite bathroom with toilet, basin, and shower

Bed Configurations

Double Lengthways: 189×189cm, Double Crosswise: 189×160cm, Split Twin: 189×75cm

Pullman Gold Suites

These suites, designed for longer journeys like the Namibia Safari, offer ±7m² (±76ft²) of space. Each Pullman Gold Suite includes an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin. During the day, the split twin beds are configured as comfortable couches.

Amenities

Minibar
Air conditioning
Fold-out writing desk
Luggage shelf
Cupboards
Safe
En-suite bathroom with toilet, basin, and shower

Bed Configurations

Double: 189×189cm, Split Twin: 189×75cm

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

Check-in Information

For your Rovos Rail Namibia Safari, please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. If you wish to visit the Rovos Rail museum or take a site tour at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, it's recommended to arrive two hours prior to departure. Your check-in location in Pretoria is Rovos Rail Station, 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park. Passports are required at check-in; no vouchers are needed. Your luggage will be tagged and placed directly in your suite, where you'll also find a full itinerary pack.

Dining Schedule

Meals on board Rovos Rail are served in one sitting only within the elegant dining cars. Breakfast is available from 07:00 to 10:00, lunch is served promptly at 13:00, and tea is offered at 16:30. Dinner is a formal affair, commencing at 19:30. A gentle gong heralds the serving of lunch and dinner. The bar service operates from 07:00 until approximately 01:00.

Dress Code

During the day on board the train, the dress code is smart casual – neat, conventional, yet relatively informal clothing pieces. For dinner, the dress code is formal: gentlemen are required to wear a collar and tie (a jacket is optional), while ladies are encouraged to wear cocktail/evening dresses or suits. The Namibia Safari includes themed evenings ('Africa' and '1920s') where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual. For off-train excursions, comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion, and hats are recommended. Game drives in open vehicles suggest dressing in layers, as mornings can be cool, warming up considerably, and afternoons can cool down again.

Electricity & Connectivity

Each suite is equipped with 220V AC 50Hz 3-point round-pronged wall plugs, along with 110V/220V 2-pin plugs for shavers and chargers. USB ports are also available in each suite. International adaptors are provided if needed. The train's power is supplied by a generator, and while generally reliable, certain breaks in power are necessary for servicing. In keeping with the spirit of train travel, there is no radio, television, or WiFi on board the train. The use of mobile phones and laptops is confined to the privacy of your suites. WiFi is available at Rovos Rail lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria, and at most off-train accommodation, though not always guaranteed.

Climate & Weather

The journey traverses diverse regions, experiencing various climates. For example, Walvis Bay averages 16-22°C in Jan/Feb, while Etosha Pan ranges 18-31°C in Jan/Feb. September/October sees temperatures in Etosha rise to 15-32°C. Mornings on game drives can be cool, warming up considerably, and afternoons can be warm before cooling down. Warm clothing, hats, comfortable shoes, and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available.

Onboard Amenities

Your suite includes a range of South African biodegradable and/or recyclable products: soap (40g), bamboo tissues, shampoo (50ml), hand and body wash (50ml), hand and body lotion (50ml), lip balm (15ml), insect repellent spray (for journeys over 4 days), reusable bamboo rounds, bamboo ear buds, a compostable shower cap, ear plugs, sun cream, razors, and nail files. Plug-in hairdryers are available in your bathroom unit or upon request. Comfortable one-size-fits-all dressing gowns and slippers are provided for use on board, with the option to purchase them from the Gift Shop. A limited laundry service (10 items per day) is available, with a 48-hour turnaround; no dry-cleaning facilities are offered.

Medical Information

All guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. Please inform Rovos Rail at the time of your reservation if you have any medical conditions, physical disabilities, or allergies. While there is no doctor permanently on this specific journey, the train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, an automated external defibrillator, and a wheelchair. Anti-malarial precautions are recommended for areas like Etosha. Recommended immunisations include Hepatitis A + B, Polio, Tetanus, and Cholera (low risk). A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if traveling to/from DRC and Angola. Please consult your clinic or doctor before travel. For urgent medical advice, you can contact Travel Doctor Africa at local 0861 300 911 or international +27 (0) 11 214 9030.

Luggage

Luggage can be stored in your suite under the bed or above the door on a luggage rack. While there are no strict restrictions on board, carrying more than two large suitcases is not recommended. For overnight trips or plane transfers, a Rovos Rail tog bag is provided, and a soft bag is preferable for flights with a weight restriction of 15kg.

Currency

In South Africa, only Rands are accepted, and major credit cards are taken on the train. Outside South Africa (Namibia, eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, DRC, Angola), Rands are accepted, but US Dollars are widely accepted and cash is highly recommended. Hotels and major dealers typically accept credit cards. Be aware that US Dollar notes printed before 2013 or those that appear worn will not be accepted. Low denominations are recommended for shopping and gratuities, while larger denominations are useful for exchanging to local currency, especially in Tanzania.