Jewel of the Desert Windhoek to Cape Town

Itinerary from Windhoek to Cape Town

This is the current 2017 itinerary, Windhoek to Cape Town, on the Shongololo Express Jewel of the Desert.

Day 1 Arrival in Namibia

Arrival at Windhoek airport, where you are welcomed by your tour guide. Transfer to your hotel. (D)

Day 2 Departure on the African Explorer

The day starts with a city tour and viewing the neo-Gothic Christ Church and the Tintenpalast, literally the “Ink Palace”, which houses the Namibian parliament. Then at Windhoek station, it’s “All aboard!” and the Shongololo Express departs! With that proverbial little bit of luck, your journey will be a train safari. This unique route passes through various private game farms where giraffes, antelopes and ostriches are often visible right from the train window! (BD)

Day 3 Etosha National Park

Explore the wonders of the Etosha National Park. Your private train crosses the entire park from the south-west to the east – a chance to see elephants, gnus and other wild animals close up on the journey. The Etosha Pan, an extremely flat salt pan, lies at the heart of the National Park. This shimmering “great white place”, as its name says, is the largest salt pan in Africa – and with herds of wild animals passing through, an unforgettable experience! This exciting day ends with an overnight stay in a comfortable lodge nearby. (BD)

Day 4 On Safari

In the morning, enjoy an extensive safari drive before carrying on to Otjiwarongo where the Shongololo Express is waiting for you. (BD)

Day 5 Spitzkoppe

Shongololo Express stops at Usakos for an excursion to the granite peaks known as the “Spitzkoppe”. A visit to a local school (except in the school holidays) provides an insight into the everyday life of children from the Damara people. Back on board, your train continues to arrive in the late evening in Swakopmund, a town packed with fascinating examples of German colonial architecture. (BLD)

Day 6 From the Desert to the Atlantic shore

This morning your main luggage remains on board. After breakfast, your air-conditioned mini tour buses are waiting to take you to Walvis Bay where, with luck, you can see flocks of flamingos and pelicans. After a drive of around five hours, the mini buses arrive at the Namib Naukluft National Park, passing the Vogelfederberg hill as they approach your lodge for the night. (BD)

Day 7 The Highest Sand Dunes in the World

Early morning is the best time to see the giant dunes of the Namib. Climbing up a dune may be quite tough, but the panoramic view from the top over a sea of apricot-coloured sand is reward enough! Open-top vehicles take you the last few kilometres along an unpaved sandy track to the Vlei, a salt-clay sink surrounded by sand dunes. On the way, you may well be fortunate enough to see oryx antelopes and springboks. As the sun sets, enjoy a romantic journey through the stunning desert landscape. (BD)

Day 8 Namib Naukluft National Park

In the morning, travel on by mini tour buses from the lodge to Mariental (about 5 hours drive), where your private train is waiting. The Shongololo Express stops in the small village of Maltahöhe for a tasty brunch – complete with delicious freshly baked bread! At the small town of Keetmannshoop, there’s just enough time before the sun sets for a trip to the Quiver Tree Forest (the Kokerboom Woud in Afrikaans). (BD)

Day 9 Ghost Town

Morning arrival in Aus station. Your day’s programme begins with a bus ride to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, where the first diamonds were found in Namibia in 1908. From here, the harbour town of Lüderitz is a short journey through the Sperrgebiet (the “Restricted Diamond Area”). After crossing the historical Lüderitz peninsula, you reach the next highlight of the day – Diaz Point, set against the backdrop of the dramatic Atlantic waves. Back on board at Aus station, your private train continues on its journey south. (BD)

Day 10 Fish River Canyon

Arrival in Holoog. The Fish River Canyon, today’s highlight, is the second largest canyon in the world! Climb aboard one of the air-conditioned mini tour buses carried by the train for the excursions and enjoy the stunning views. There is also a chance to take a short walk along the canyon’s edge. (BLD)

Day 11 Upington and the wine country

Arrival in Upington in the afternoon. Thanks to the Oranje River this region is predestinated for winegrowing. You will enjoy a wine tasting on a typical vineyard. IN the early evening you will get back to the train and continue southbound. (BLD)

Day 12 The Victorian town of Matjiesfontein

Arrival in Matjiesfontein. You will have time to discover this small Victorian city with its famous Lord Milner Hotel where Cecil Rhodes and Edgar Wallace used to stay. (BLD)

Day 13 Cape Town

Arrival in Cape Town, and transfer to your hotel. Stroll along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or take the cableway to the top of the famous Table Mountain (on request). As the sun sets, enjoy the panoramic views across the city from the vantage point of Signal Hill – a truly magnificent sight! The evening ends with a special farewell dinner. (BD)

Day 14 Au revoir Africa!

Your memorable journey comes to an end at midday. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)

(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner