Pre Day: Cape Town
Having a “pre-day” means that one is able to acclimatise and unpack prior to the first day of touring. Activities that could be undertaken in the afternoon include the following: A stroll around the False Bay area / Leisurely walk along the beach walkway to St. James, where a variety of small restaurants are situated / A short walk to the beach for a refreshing swim. A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed and breakfast.

The train remains stationary in Muizenberg for the night.

Day 1: Cape Town
Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with the paternal presence of Table Mountain overlooking all.

(Please Note: the activities as described in the options below could also be executed in a different order)

1. Cape Point: We will visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which are world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora and for the magnificent setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The estate of 528 hectares supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. This is followed by a visit to Hout Bay, where a large fleet of colourful fishing vessels enhance the bustling ambience of this attractive resort. Fresh seafood is a speciality at Mariner’s Wharf. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular sea cliff routes in the world. It was built between 1915 and 1922 and recently upgraded. We follow this drive to Simon’s Town. In years gone by, sailing fleets from Europe soon discovered that Table Bay was extremely dangerous during the winter months. While exploring, Governor Simon van der Stel discovered the bay, which could give safe anchor to the visiting sailing ships during winter. Simon’s Town is a charming little coastal town. It became a naval base in 1814 and is home to the SA navy today. A visit to the Boulder’s Penguin Colony will form part of this option as well: In 1983 a pair of African Penguins was spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders and in 1985 they began to lay eggs. Since then the colony has grown rapidly, increasing initially at about 60% a year. By 1997 there were 2 350 adult birds. They are remarkably untroubled by people and Boulders is the only place in the world where one can actually swim amongst the penguins. This day will not be complete without a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve: Sir Francis Drake called it"the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth". Yet many vessels, wrecked by the turbulent seas, have found their resting-place along this rocky coastline. The Nature Reserve is situated at the southern tip of the peninsula. The 7 675 hectare reserve is filled with priceless indigenous flora and fauna, some 2 700 species of indigenous plants and over 250 species of birds as well as troops of baboons and many species of antelope. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 150 km)
2. Cape Town City Tour: Our city tour will commence with an exhilarating cable car ascent of Table Mountain (weather permitting and at your own cost). It provides breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The mountain is home to over 1 500 species of plants, many of these are found nowhere else on earth. Our city tour continues with a walk through the Company Gardens, followed by a visit to the “Bo-Kaap Museum”: The first Malays arrived in the Cape as political refugees and slaves during the 17th century. Nearly two centuries later after emancipation, these Islamic people moved into the area known today as the Bo-Kaap, building mosques with picturesque minarets and their own style Georgian houses with Dutch influence. One of the oldest Cape Town buildings houses the museum. It is furnished as a Muslim house of the 19th century and documents the history of the Cape Malays. On our way to the V&A Waterfront, we will stop at Diamond Works, where you’ll follow a tour of the diamond cutting studio, a jewellery manufacturing workshop, a jewellery design studio as well as a gemmological laboratory. Our lunch stop will be at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a development that has brought new life to the old harbour of the Dutch East India Company in Table Bay. The complex offers shops, craft markets, restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres as well as delightful views over the harbour. In the afternoon we will drive through District 6. By 1900 the largest group of people then referred to as “Malay”, “Mixed and Other” or “Coloured” lived in poor conditions here. Yet the area was vibrant and full of colour with busy streets and vivacious lifestyles. Various religions and cultural heritages flourished and mingled. In the 40s the apartheid government removed the residents and most of the buildings. Today the city still grapples with the problem of what to do with this valuable real estate, but also to deal with the strong emotions that still charges the issue. We end our city tour with a visit to the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving building in South Africa. This pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 as a maritime replenishment station for the ships of the Dutch East India Company. The stone walls between the bastions are 150 m long and 12 m high.(Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 100 km)

1. Two Oceans Aquarium: The Aquarium is located at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and offers an exciting insight into the indigenous fresh and seawater creatures of South Africa.
2. Robben Island Tour: For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known as the place where Nelson Mandela and the other heroes of the struggle were imprisoned.
3. Helicopter Flights: Various helicopter flight options from the V&A Waterfront and back, starting from only 15 minutes (including only the city bowl) to half an hour or longer (also including the Cape Peninsula) are offered. The train remains stationary in Muizenberg for the night. An evening shuttle service will be available to go to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Day 2: Cape Town

1. Cape Point: See Day 01
2. Cape Town City Tour: See Day 01
3. Hermanus in Whale Season (July to November only): We make our way to Hermanus, once a renowned fish market and whaling station. The whale hunts were stopped by international treaty in 1935. The WWF includes Hermanus in its list of 12 best whale-viewing sites in the world, but it tops the list when it comes to land based whale watching. The natural cliffs allow for whales to be seen from as little as 5 metres away. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 295 km)

1. Two Oceans Aquarium: See Day 01
2. Robben Island Tour: See Day 01
3. Helicopter Flights: See Day 01

The train remains stationary in Muizenberg for the night.

Day 3: Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl)
The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. A mediterranean climate and winter rainfall creates some of the best wines in the world. The rich, fertile soils along the Breede River and the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl areas have become justly famous for their Whites, Reds, Sherries, Ports and Brandies.

1. Four Passes Route: We travel along Baden Powell Drive to the Sir Lowry’s Pass. The view from the summit here affords superb vistas over Somerset West, False Bay and Table Mountain. Our journey continues to Viljoen’s Pass and the Elgin Valley with its fruit orchards. The third pass, Franschhoek Pass, offers splendid views over vineyards, plantations and rugged peaks. Back through a landscape of fruit farms, Cape Dutch houses and vineyards to Stellenbosch followed by Paarl and finally via the Huguenot Tunnel to Worcester. One wine tasting is included in this excursion. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 300 km)
2. Historic Stellenbosch and Franschhoek: We make our way to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country, lying in the heart of the Winelands. There is a superb number of delightful early Cape Dutch houses. Driving over Helshoogte Pass we reach Franschhoek to visit the Huguenot Memorial and Museum. Then to Paarl named after the huge granite dome of rock overlooking the town, and finally via the Huguenot Tunnel to Worcester. One wine tasting is included in this excursion. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 200 km)
3. Hermanus in Whale Season (July to November only): We make our way to Hermanus, once a renowned fish market and whaling station. The whale hunts were stopped by international treaty in 1935. The WWF includes Hermanus in its list of 12 best whale-viewing sites in the world, but it tops the list when it comes to land based whale watching. The natural cliffs allow for whales to be seen from as little as 5 metres away. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 385 km)

Guests rejoin the train in Worcester where it remains stationary for the night.

Day 4: Klein Karoo / Breede River Valley

1. Worcester / Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden: Worcester, the capital of the Breede River Valley, founded in 1822, is the service centre for the surrounding wine and fruit growing areas. We visit the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden. This is the only garden devoted to succulents in the Southern Hemisphere and boasts some 400 naturally occurring species. It is also a haven for rare and endangered plants - over 300 being protected and propagated here. (Morning activity; distance travelled: +/- 20 km)
2. Worcester / Klein Plasie Museum: Worcester, the capital of the Breede River Valley, founded in 1822, is the service centre for the surrounding wine and fruit growing areas. We visit the Klein Plasie Living Museum, depicting the lifestyle of the early pioneer farmers. Here one gains an insight into their living conditions and experience how they manufactured soap, rolled tobacco, forged horseshoes, milled wheat, spun wool and so much more. (Morning activity; distance travelled: +/- 20 km) The train departs for Matjiesfontein in the early afternoon. A mid-afternoon stop (duration: +/- 3 hours) is scheduled in this tiny Victorian village which is also a National Monument, situated in the heart of the Karoo. With its grand Lord Milner Hotel, charming Victorian villas and a plethora of other attractions, it holds the key to a golden age of grace, elegance, and discovery. Enjoy a drink at the bar before the train departs for its long journey to Namibia.

Day 5: Northern Cape to Namibia
Travelling through the Great Karoo, a place of vast plains and endless blue mountains, guests experience a land of enchantment and mystery. After the full-packed programme in the Cape, guests have time to relax and recoup before exploring Namibia. Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of travel) is served on board. Use the time and the presence of the experienced tourist guides at hand to inform yourself of the wonders of the magnificent country looming in the distance. The train travels during the day and crosses into Namibia (via Upington) in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Fish River Canyon

1. Fish River Canyon, Giant’s Playground & Quiver Tree Forest: Enjoy an early-morning breakfast before we depart for the Fish River Canyon. Eroded over millennia, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa. Set in a harsh, stony plain, dotted with drought resistant succulents such as the distinctive quiver tree or kokerboom, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon. It took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape. Its full length is 160 km, the width up to 27 km and the depth 550 m. After a quick stopover at the famous Canyon Roadhouse, which is interestingly decorated with old car parts found in the region, we push further to Keetmanshoop for lunch (guest’s own account). In the afternoon we visit Giant’s Playground, an impressive jumble of massive dolerite boulders of 160 - 180 million years old. We end our afternoon with a visit to the Quiver Tree Forest, where around 300 specimens of this prehistoric tree, Aloe dichotoma, can be found. They grow between 3 and 5 metres tall and their forked branches reach skywards, affording beautiful photo opportunities. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 300 km)

The train journeys from Keetmanshoop to Mariental over night.

Day 7: Mariental / Sesriem Cayon

1. Duwisib Castle and Overnight at Sesriem Tented Camp: Duwisib Castle is situated amongst rolling red hills about 72 km south-west of Maltahöhe. It’s a solid rectangular structure of red sandstone with battlements and turrets on its corners. Built by the legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife, Jayta, the castle was completed in 1909. Most of the construction materials, including the furniture and fittings, were shipped all the way from Germany, off-loaded at Lüderitz and transported to Duwisib by ox-wagon. Today the interior of the castle and much of its original furniture and artwork, including firearms dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, can still be seen. We travel further to the tented camp at Sesriem and check in for the night. Guests then visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon. Erosion of many centuries has incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30 to 40 m, there are pools of water that are replenished intermittently by good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time of early pioneers who found that they needed to tie six (‘ses’) lengths of rawhide thong (‘riem’) together to draw up water from the deep pools. (Full-day activity including an overnight in a tented camp; distance travelled: +/- 450 km)

The train travels empty over night via Windhoek to Swakopmund. It is not possible for guests to stay on board!

Day 8: Sossusvlel / Namib Naukluft
In Pietermaritzburg we will be stationed at the railway station - a red brick building with contrasting iron stone facing. Here, in 1893, Mahatma Gandhi was put off the train as a person of colour. The city has numerous parks and gardens and many historical buildings reflecting both British and Boer occupation.

1. Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Namib Naukluft Park, Welwitschia Drive and the Valley of the Moon: The highlight of Namibia’s southern region is Sossusvlei with its monumental dunes. Guests leave early for Dune 45 in order to watch the sun rise over the dunes. After this breathtaking view, brunch awaits at the camp. Brunch is followed by a scenic drive through the Namib Naukluft Park. Not only is the park the largest nature conservation area in Namibia, but it is also rated as the fourth largest in the world. Landscapes range from impressive mountains to desert plains and high dunes, from deep gorges to an estuarine lagoon. The Welwitschia Nature Drive takes us from vast plains where herds of Oryx, Springbok and Zebra roam the eerie landscape of the badlands (also known as the Valley of the Moon). The hardy survivor of the desert, the Welwitschia Mirabilis, can be seen along this route. One very large specimen, which is specially protected, is estimated to be 1 500 years old. (Full-day activity; distance travelled +/- 480 km)

Guests rejoin the train in Swakopmund, where it remains stationary over night.

Day 9: Swakopmund / Walvis Bay
Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside resort on the West Coast, is a place of singular charm. It resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea and has a restful and relaxing atmosphere. The source of Swakopmund’s continental atmosphere is the graceful Art Nouveau buildings dating back to the turn of the century.

1. Walvis Bay and Dune 7: The morning is free to explore the town. After an early lunch (guest’s own account) we depart for Walvis Bay. It is a pretty South African style town with 25 000 inhabitants. Strategically located halfway down the coast of Namibia and with direct access to principal shipping routes, it is a natural gateway for international trade. Visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a great attraction in the Walvis Bay area. The tranquil stretch of water, its natural beauty accentuated by thousands of flamingos gathering at the rich feeding grounds, is over 3 000 years old. Because of its value as a wetland area, it was declared a RAMSAR site (a convention pertaining to wetlands was held in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971). Dune 7, located on the outskirts of Walvis Bay, is the highest sand dune in the area. It is an unforgettable experience for those who feel inclined to challenge the height of this outstanding landmark to admire the view from the top. (Afternoon activity; distance travelled: +/- 80 km)

1. Mola Mola Seal & Dolphin Cruise: Experience the thrill of dolphins leaping from the water alongside the boat, seals fed by hand, fresh oysters and cold champagne on the calm water of the Walvis Bay Lagoon. This morning-only activity is an experience not to be missed. The train remains stationary in Swakopmund over night.

Day 10: Swakopmund / Spitzkoppe and North Coast

1. Spitzkoppe, Henties Bay and the Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Spitzkoppe is known as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. It rises to an altitude of about 1 800 m. However, it is by no means Namibia's highest mountain. Due to its striking features and outlines, it is the most famous mountain in the country. Situated in an endless dry landscape, the island of mountains can be seen from quite a distance. The enormous granite rocks were created more than 100 million years ago due to volcanic activities and subsequent erosion. We continue to the small, thriving town of Henties Bay. The town was named after Major Hentie van der Merwe, who discovered a freshwater fountain in the estuary of the Omaruru River. Lunch (guest’s own account) is enjoyed before visiting the Cape Cross Seal Reserve north of Henties Bay. Here a prodigious number of Cape Fur Seals flourish in the cold waters of the Benguela Current. Numerous islets and isolated parts of the shore serve as nurseries for their young. This area is also of historical significance, as the Portuguese navigator, Diago Cao, planted a cross at this point in the year 1486. We make our way back to the train in Swakopmund in the late afternoon. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 350 km)

The train remains stationary in Swakopmund over night.

Day 7: Swakopmund
This day is spent at leisure.

1. Sossusvlei – “Classic Flight”: Take to the skies on a journey over richly contrasting desert and coastal scenery. Fly over the Namib Desert and see the dry Kuiseb riverbed, which is the dune belt’s natural border. Soar over imposing sand formations to Sossusvlei, where the world’s highest shifting sand dunes are to be found. As you hover above the coastline, have a glimpse at shipwrecks, seal colonies and flamingos at Sandwich Harbour. Feel free as a bird as you pass over the salt flats of Walvis Bay and the picturesque town of Swakopmund before touching down to reality. (Duration: +/- 2h30; minimum of 5 participants required)
2. Conception Bay Flight: This flight affords stunning views of Swakopmund and its surroundings, including the Swakop River, Richthofen Farm, the Moon Landscape, Goanikontes Oasis, Namib Desert Park, Rössing Mines, Khan River, Walvis Bay, Kuiseb River, White Mountain, Conception Bay, the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck, seal colonies, the “Shawnee” shipwreck, the “Long Wall” dune ridge, Sandwich Harbour, the salt pans, Walvis Bay Harbour and Guano Island. (Duration: +/- 1h20; minimum of 5 participants required)
3. Quad Bikes: To explore the dunes, guests are equipped with fully automatic quad bikes. No prior experience is needed as this is a fully-guided tour. The dune sea teems with a multitude of insects and animals. These remarkable dune dwellers live their whole life in permanent contact with grains of sand. Their ties to this habitat are so binding that they cannot exist without it. Evolution has adapted these creatures by means of a complex array of extraordinary body structures, functions and behavioural traits. (Morning activity; duration: +/- 3h30)
4. Combination Tour: Guests depart from Walvis Bay for a Marine Seal & Dolphin Cruise around the bay. A light lunch of fresh oysters, snacks and sparkling wine is enjoyed on the beach. At Pelican Point, guides and 4 x 4 vehicles await to take us on a ride through a magnificent dune landscape. This tour offers the best of both worlds – the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert! (Full-day activity, including lunch; minimum of 4 participants per vehicle required)

The train departs over night from Swakopmund to Otavi.

Day 12: Grootfontein / Tsumeb

1. Hoba Meteorite, Grootfontein, Tsumeb, Lake Otjikoto: We visit the largest known meteorite in the world, the Hoba Meteorite. This 50 ton mass of nickel and iron, between 100 and 300 million years old, crashed to earth some 30 000 to 80 000 years ago. We continue to Grootfontein for a visit to the Grootfontein Museum, before heading to Tsumeb for a lunch break (guest’s own account). In the afternoon, we visit the Tsumeb Mining Museum. Here, a comprehensive collection of rare minerals can be viewed. In the Khorab Room one can see cannons and other armaments that were dumped into Lake Otjikoto by retreating German forces. This was done shortly before the signing of the Khorab Peace Treaty. Our day ends with a visit to Lake Otjikoto, Namibia’s largest permanent natural lake. As part of an underground river system, the lake was exposed when the roof of what was once a large dolomite cave, fell in. The lake is small with a diameter of about 102 m, but very deep. The depth is estimated to be in excess of 142 m in places. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 160 km)
2. Morning Train Ride, Tsumeb Museum, Lake Otjikoto: You can choose to stay on the train during the morning, as it journeys from Otavi to Tsumeb. After arrival and lunch in town (guest’s own account) we visit the Tsumeb Mining Museum. Here, a comprehensive collection of rare minerals can be viewed. In the Khorab Room one can see cannons and other armaments that were dumped into Lake Otjikoto by retreating German forces. This was done shortly before the signing of the Khorab Peace Treaty. Our day ends with a visit to Lake Otjikoto, Namibia’s largest permanent natural lake. As part of an underground river system, the lake was exposed when the roof of what was once a large dolomite cave, fell in. The lake is small with a diameter of about 102 m, but very deep. The depth is estimated to be in excess of 142 m in places. (Afternoon activity; distance travelled: +/- 30 km)

The train remains stationary in Tsumeb for the night.

Day 13 – Etosha National Park

1. Etosha National Park: The tour departs to Etosha National Park, entering via the Namutoni Gate. The Etosha National Park is one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa and was proclaimed a game reserve by German Governor Von Lindequist in 1907. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan (Etosha means “place of dry water”). It is an extensive, flat depression of about 5 000 km². There are 144 mammal species in the park, which covers an area of 22 270 km². This includes Elephant, Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest and Black Rhino. Among the predators are Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and several species of wild cat. Hyena and Jackal are the scavengers. Antelope species range from the majestic Eland to the shy little Damara Dik-Dik. The most striking of the antelope species is the Gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings. It also appears on the Namibian coat of arms. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia’s national bird, the Crimson-Breasted Shrike. Lunch (guest’s own account) is enjoyed before departing to Halali Camp in the Etosha National Park. Here we overnight in a tented camp. (Full-day activity including an overnight in a tented camp; distance travelled: +/- 250 km)

The train travels empty from Tsumeb to Otjiwarongo. It is not possible for guests to stay on board!

Day 14: Etosha National Park

1. Etosha National Park: After breakfast at Halali Camp, guests spend the day game viewing in Etosha. Lunch (guest’s own account) can be enjoyed in the park. We exit the park via the Okaukuejo Gate and return to the train in Otjiwarongo in the late afternoon. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 350 km)

Guests rejoin the train in Otjiwarongo from where it departs over night to Windhoek.

Day 15: Windhoek
Situated in Namibia’s central highlands, Windhoek is an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains.

1. Windhoek City Tour: The city tour of Windhoek starts with a visit to the TransNamib Transport Museum. The museum is situated in the Windhoek Railway Station and was built from 1912 to 1913. In front of the building is the narrow-gauge locomotive (vintage 1900), that used to operate between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The museum at the Alte Feste Castle offers a range of displays, including the Social History Gallery and the Independence Display. Both give an insight into Namibia’s complex history. At the top of Robert Mugabe Avenue is the Christuskirche or Evangelical Lutheran Church. This is one of the city’s most striking landmarks and was built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles influenced its design and Kaiser Wilhelm II donated its stained-glass windows. Our last visit is the Namibia Craft Centre in the old Breweries Building. The rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure. (Morning activity; distance travelled: +/- 50 km)

The train remains stationary in Windhoek for the night.

Day 16: Transfer Day
A late breakfast will be served on board the train. If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. If guests are flying from Windhoek International Airport, their flight may only be in the evening. In this case optional tours within the Windhoek area may be undertaken.