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Iconic journeys
Experience Africa’s stunning and expansive landscapes in style aboard the luxurious Shongololo Express.
Your first-class safari adventure will see you taking one of six scenic routes across the plains and undulating hills of South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Enjoy delicious modern and traditional cuisine before retiring to the bar to sample distinguished South African wine, and feel the wind blow through your hair on the open-air balcony in the observation carriage at the back of the train. Dedicated to maximising your expedition time, the Shongololo Express travels throughout the night, arriving at a new destination each dawn.
Accompanied by your professional guides with a wealth of knowledge at their disposal, you’ll be sure to get the most from your daily excursions. Track the mighty Big Five on safari through Etosha National Park. Explore houses knee-deep in sand at the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop, once a thriving mining settlement, now abandoned and reclaimed by the Namib Desert. Hike your way through the awe-inspiring ravines and soaring rock faces of the vast Fish River Canyon, spotting leopards, timid Springboks and Hartman zebra. Admire the European-inspired architecture of Namibia’s thriving capital Windhoek. Observe seals and penguins in the charming Luderitz harbour town, and admire the otherworldly ‘upside down’ flora and extraordinary rock formations of Quiver Tree Forest.
One departure for 2020, which is 28 May
Trip Highlights
- Seeing Africa by train
- Spotting the Big Five in Etosha National Park
- Exploring the second largest canyon in the world
- Drinking delicious wine from a South African vineyard
Start your Journey
Day 1
Swakopmund to Otijwaringo
Your adventure begins today, as you depart from Walvis Station for Otjiwarongo for our overnight stop. Take this opportunity to observe the stunning scenery as you go by.
Day 2
Otjiwarongo to Etosha National Park
Today you'll be transferred to your lodge in Etosha National Park, ready to take on the day's game-viewing activities; track the Big Five on a wild safari and marvel at Namibia's unique flora, before returning for an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3
Etosha National Park to Kranzberg
Your day begins with a morning game drive through Etosha National Park, before you'll check out and return to the train for the journey to Kranzberg for an overnight stop.
Day 4
Kranzberg to Windhoek to Mariental
Today you'll be touring Namibia's thriving capital Windhoek, where you'll explore the Trans-Namib Transport Museum, the Alte Feste (Old Fortress), the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Namibia Craft Centre in the old Breweries Building. Later on that afternoon, you'll depart for Mariental for an overnight stay.
Day 5
Mariental to Sossusvlei
This morning you'll be transferring to Sossusvlei Lodge in the Namib-Naukluft Park, where you'll visit the mighty Sesriem Canyon - shaped over millions of years by the Tsauchab River.
Day 6
Sossusvlei to Keetmanshoop
After taking in sunrise at the soaring Dune 45, you'll be served brunch at the lodge, before being taken on a scenic drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park. As the day draws to a close, you'll board the evening train to Keetmanshoop.
Day 7
Keetmanshoop to Aus
After a morning tour of Keetmanshoop and it's German architecture, you'll venture to the Giant’s Playground with its 20km-long dolerite dykes, as well as the strange and fascinating Quiver Tree Forest - home to 300 species of the Aloe dichotomy. You'll then board a midday train to the desert settlement of Aus, a former prisoner-of-war camp in 1915.
Day 8
Aus to Kolmanskop and Lüderitz to Holoog
Enjoy a full day tour of the eerie ghost town Kolmanskop and coastal town of Lüderitz, renowned for its charming European-inspired architecture and wildlife. Your train will depart for Holoog at 18.00pm.
Day 9
Holoog to Nakop
Today you'll embark on a visit to the incredible soaring rocky towers and pools of Fish River Canyon, the largest in the southern hemisphere. At midday your train departs for Ariamsvlei and Nakop for border formalities.
Day 10
Nakop to Modderrivier
Your day begins with a morning tour of the quiet town of Upington, fringed with palm trees, ready for exquisite wine tasting at Belazel Brandy & Wine Cellar. At 11:00am, your train will depart for Modderrivier.
Day 11
Modderrivier to Kimberly to Potchefstroom
Today you'll visit the extraordinary Big Hole, filled with turquoise waters, the Diamond Museum in Kimberley, William Humphreys Art Gallery and McGregor Museum, with your train departing Potchefstroom at 15:00pm.
Day 12
Potchefstroom to Pretoria
At 11:45am you'll arrive in the Rovos Rail station where the tour culminates. From here you can check out of the train and continue on with your adventure.
Includes
- Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis
- Excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Government tax
- Included in off-train accommodation
- Accommodation
- Meals at lodges/hotels/clubs/resorts
Excludes
- Lunches off the train
- All beverages
- Laundry
- Gratuities
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Excluded in off-train accommodation:
- All beverages
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
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