African Explorer Windhoek to Pretoria

African Explorer Windhoek to Pretoria

14-day Journey from Windhoek, Nambibia to Pretoria, South Africa

Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Namib Naukluft National Park, Lüderitz, Fish River Canyon, Upington, Kimberley, Pretoria

19 November - 2 December 2017 (Guiding in English and French)

Journey Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival in Namibia

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

Overnight: AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino (D)

Day 2. Departure on the African Explorer

The African Explorer Windhoek to Pretoria tour starts with a city tour and viewing the neo-Gothic Christ Church and the Tintenpalast, literally the “Ink Palace”, which houses the Namibian parliament. Board the Shongololo Express at Windhoek station. This unique route passes through various private game reserves where giraffe, antelope and ostrich can be visible from the train.

Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D).

Day 3. Etosha National Park

Explore the wonders of the Etosha National Park.

Your air-conditioned buses will cross 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' is the largest salt pan in Africa; herds of wild animals passing through, an unforgettable experience. Overnight stay in a comfortable lodge nearby.

Overnight: Mokuti Lodge (or similar). (BD)

Day 4. On Safari

In the morning, enjoy an extensive safari drive before carrying on to Otjiwarongo where the Shongololo Express awaits. Your journey continues. In the evening you enjoy an African Braai (BBQ) under the starry sky.

Overnight on board. (BD)

Day 5. Spitzkoppe

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

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 6. From the Atlantic Shore into the Desert

This morning, your main luggage remains on board. After breakfast, air-conditioned buses take you to Walvis Bay. Here we hope to see flocks of flamingos and pelicans. After a drive of around five hours, you arrive at the Namib Naukluft National Park, passing the Vogelfederberg hill en route.

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge (or similar). (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 tough; be rewarded with the panoramic view over a sea of apricot-coloured sand. Open-top vehicles take you along an unpaved sandy track to the Vlei, a salt-clay sink surrounded by sand dunes. On the way, you may see oryx antelopes and springboks. As the sun sets, enjoy a romantic journey through the stunning desert landscape.

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge (or similar). (BD)

Day 8. Namib Naukluft National Park

In the morning, travel on by air-conditioned buses from the lodge to Mariental (about 5 hours' drive), where the Shonglolo Express awaits. The train stops at the village of Maltahöhe for brunch complete with freshly-baked bread. As the journey continues, you can attend a Biltong (traditional beef jerky) tasting session.

Overnight on board. (BD)

Day 9. Ghost Town

Morning arrival in Aus station. Your day begins with a bus ride to the ghost town of Kolmanskop. Here, the first diamonds were found in Namibia in 1908. Then on to the harbour town of Lüderitz which is a short journey through the Sperrgebiet (the 'Restricted Diamond Area').

After crossing the Lüderitz peninsula, you reach Diaz Point, set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Back on board at Aus station, the Shongololo Express continues on its journey south.

Overnight on board. (BD)

Day 10. Fish River Canyon

Arrival in Holoog. Our destination today is the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. Enjoy the stunning views. There is also a chance to take a short walk along the canyon’s edge.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 11. Upington and Wine Country

Arrival in Upington in the afternoon. Thanks to the Oranje River, this region is perfect for vineyards. You will enjoy a wine tasting on a typical vineyard. In the early evening, return to the Shongololo Express and continue southbound.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 12. Diamond City Kimberley

In the morning, the Shongololo Express reaches the historical station of Kimberley, the city of diamonds. At the end of the 19th century, the town experienced a diamond rush, from which the diamond empire of De Beers emerged, led today by the Oppenheimers and founded by Cecil Rhodes.

You can view the famous Big Hole, once the largest diamond mind in the world. Visit the restored original buildings of Kimberley’s Belle Époque. In the evening, the train crosses the Vaal-River on its way to the 1,800m high Highveld.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 13. Pretoria

Today you arrive in the South African capital Pretoria. During a city tour, we will show you the Union Buildings, the Nelson Mandela Monument and the home of Paul Kruger. Farewell dinner in the evening.

Overnight: Misty Hills Lodge (or similar). (BD)

Day 14. Goodbye Africa

Transfer to the airport around noon. (B)

Planned Hotels (Subject to Change)

Tour prices include:

Travel documents

Tour prices exclude:

We regret that, due to the intricate logistics of this tour, itinerary changes are sometimes unavoidable.