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
Your Itinerary
PRETORIA
The whistle sounds, a deep, resonant call, and the train glides from Pretoria, pulling you gently into the landscape. You watch the gold-rich hills of Witwatersrand blur past, a silent testament to history, as you settle into your suite. The scent of polished wood and fine linen surrounds you, a promise of the luxury to come.
You feel the subtle sway of the carriage, a rhythm that begins to untangle the knots of everyday life.Later, over a perfectly crafted dinner, the clink of crystal and the murmur of conversation create a convivial atmosphere.
KIMBERLEY
You step out into Kimberley, the air carrying a faint hint of history, and stand at the edge of the Big Hole, an astonishing testament to human ambition. The scale of it makes you feel small, yet connected to the fortunes and dreams that shaped this land. Later, the train carries you into the Karoo, a landscape of profound silence and ancient geology.
The vastness outside, a canvas of subtle ochres and greens, feels like a deep breath.The observation car becomes your moving gallery, framing the endless horizons. You watch the light shift, painting the distant hills in hues of lavender and gold.
UPINGTON
The Orange River flows wide and slow, reflecting the late afternoon sun as you embark on a sundowner cruise. The air cools, carrying the scent of river reeds, and the sky transforms into a fiery canvas of oranges and purples. You hold a glass, the ice clinking softly, feeling a peaceful quiet settle over the group as the day ends in a spectacular display of nature.Later, back on the train, the energy shifts to an 'Africa' themed dinner.
There's a buzz of anticipation for the border formalities, a tangible crossing into the next chapter of your journey.
AUS
The sheer scale of the Fish River Canyon takes your breath away. You stand at the edge, gazing into a chasm carved by time, feeling the ancient power of the earth. The silence here is profound, vast and humbling, a stark contrast to the gentle rumble of the train. The light plays across the rock formations, revealing layers of deep reds and browns, each telling a story millions of years old.As the train continues its journey, you carry the image of the canyon's grandeur with you.
The desert outside becomes more than just sand and rock; it's a living canvas of resilience.
KEETMANSHOOP & KOLMANSKOP
You walk through the sand-filled houses of Kolmanskop, a ghost town frozen in time. The desert’s relentless advance whispers stories of fortunes made and lost, of lives lived and abandoned.
The silence is broken only by the crunch of sand beneath your feet, a poignant echo of a bygone era. Later, the fresh, salty air of Lüderitz invigorates you, a stark contrast to the desert’s dry embrace.As the train pulls away, heading towards Keetmanshoop, you gaze out at the vast, empty expanse, pondering the resilience of both nature and human spirit.
KEETMANSHOOP & MARIENTAL & REHOBOTH
The Quiver Trees stand like ancient sentinels in Garas Park, their gnarled branches reaching towards the sky in a timeless dance. You feel a sense of wonder at their resilience, standing tall against the harsh desert elements, each tree a living sculpture. The sun casts long shadows, perfect for capturing their unique forms, a moment of quiet contemplation.
As the train continues its journey, the landscape shifts again, a subtle change in texture and color. You find yourself gazing out the window, lost in thought, the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels a soothing soundtrack. Dinner brings a renewed sense of camaraderie, sharing stories and photographs of the day's natural artistry.
SOSSUSVLEI
The light aircraft hums, carrying you over an endless tapestry of red. You look down at the Namib Desert, a vast, ancient sea of sand stretching to the horizon, and feel a thrill of anticipation. Landing at Sossusvlei, the air is dry and warm, carrying the scent of dust and distant scrub. The sheer scale of the dunes, sculpted by millions of years of wind, is breathtaking.
You feel a profound sense of isolation and wonder.As the sun dips, painting the dunes in fiery hues, you embark on a desert drive. The silence is immense, punctuated only by the crunch of tires on sand.
SOSSUSVLEI & WINDHOEK
The desert wakes with you, the cool morning air crisp and clear as you embark on a final drive. Breakfast in the vlei, surrounded by towering dunes, feels like a dream. You watch the sun climb, illuminating the red sands in ever-changing light, a final, lingering image of this ancient landscape before your flight to the city.Windhoek greets you with a different energy, a bustling capital nestled among mountains.
The city tour reveals layers of history and culture, from colonial architecture to vibrant craft markets. It's a fascinating shift from the raw wilderness, a reminder of Namibia's diverse identity.
OTJIWARONGO
The cheetahs move with an effortless grace, their amber eyes holding a wild intelligence. You learn about the dedicated conservationists working tirelessly to protect these magnificent creatures, feeling a deep respect for their mission. The experience is intimate, a powerful connection to the struggle and triumph of wildlife preservation in Africa. It's a reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and nature.As the train departs Otjiwarongo, a sense of purpose lingers.
The formal dinner feels like a celebration of the day's insights, a chance to reflect on the importance of such conservation efforts.
Etosha National Park: Afternoon Game Drive
The open vehicle bumps along dusty tracks, the air thick with the scent of acacia and dry earth. You scan the horizon, heart thrumming with anticipation, and then, there they are: a herd of elephants, silent giants moving through the savanna. The light of the late afternoon bathes the landscape in a golden glow, highlighting the stripes of a zebra, the elegant neck of a giraffe.
Every rustle in the bush, every distant call, sharpens your senses.Dinner at the lodge, under a vast African sky, feels like a culmination of the day’s wild magic. The air is cool, the sounds of the night beginning to stir.
TSUMEB
The morning game drive is crisp, the air cool, carrying the promise of new sightings. You watch a lioness stalk through the tall grass, a moment of primal focus, before the sun climbs higher. Leaving Etosha, a part of you lingers in the wild, but the return to the train brings a different kind of comfort, the familiar luxury a welcome transition.As the train pulls away from Tsumeb, you feel the gentle sway and the steady rhythm of the rails once more.
The '1920s' themed dinner is a delightful change of pace, a chance to step back in time, sharing laughter and stories.
WALVIS BAY
The train slows, and you catch the first glimpse of the Atlantic, a shimmering line where the ancient Namib Desert meets the vast ocean. The air changes, carrying the distinct scent of salt and sea, a crisp contrast to the desert's dry heat. You watch the landscape transform, from endless dunes to the bustling port of Walvis Bay, a profound sense of accomplishment settling over you.As you disembark, the journey’s end feels like a new beginning.
You carry with you the vibrant colors of Namibia, the roars of Etosha, the haunting silence of Kolmanskop, and the luxurious comfort of the train.
Book This Tour
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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.
Media Gallery
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Scenic - Desert Deluxe
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Sosussvlei Breakfast
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Namibia Landscape
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Mokuti Drive Sunset
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Mokuti Drive Day
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Giraffes
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Fly Safari
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Fish River Canyon
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Etosha
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Dune45 Walk
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Dune45 Walk
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Dune
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Desert Trees
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Desert Antelope
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Excursions - Big Daddy Dune
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Scenic - Namibia Kalahari
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Scenic - Namibia Kalahari
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Scenic - Desert Train
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Scenic - Desert Sunsnet
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Scenic - Desert Evening
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Scenic - Desert Dusk
Rovos Rail Train Journeys/Namibia Safari/Scenic - Desert Dining