Train hauled by two blue locomotives winding through green, scrub-covered hills

African Explorer ‘Desert Jewel’

This special train crosses Namibia’s magnificent landscapes. This unique journey begins in Cape Town and then takes you to discover the full diversity of Namibia: from the Fish River Canyon to the apricot-coloured dunes of Sossusvlei, and from the charming little town of Swakopmund to Etosha National Park.

Dates and prices

Fixed departure dates (see Services)

Dates

Price from, in CHF p.p.

01.01.2025 - 31.12.2027

CHF p.p. 13,455

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Red sand dunes, acacias and a pool of water in a vlei in the Namib Desert

Coach/minibus tour

Flights/fly-in safari

Rail journey

German-speaking guide

Itinerary
African Explorer ‘Desert Jewel’

Print ITINERARY

Day 1 Departure from Switzerland Flight from Zurich via Frankfurt to Cape Town.

Day 2 Cape Town Arrival in Cape Town, where your guide welcomes you at the airport. The afternoon is free for a first personal exploration of the city.

Day 3 Departure of the African Explorer After a guided tour of Cape Town, you board your special train. The journey begins at Cape Town station and heads for the vast open plains of the Great Karoo, passing through the small town of Matjiesfontein.

Day 4 Northern Cape Enjoy the passing scenery and learn more about your destination through fascinating lectures on board the train.

Day 5 Augrabies Falls Stop in Upington, from where you travel by bus to visit the famous Augrabies Falls. The journey continues after the excursion.

Day 6 Fish River Canyon By bus, you cross the semi-desert landscapes to the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world and considered one of the treasures of Southern Africa. The more energetic can go on a short hike. If the schedule allows, an excursion to the Quiver Tree Forest is planned before sunset.

Days 7–8 Namib Desert From Mariental, you travel by bus to Namib-Naukluft National Park. Immerse yourself for two days in the calm and vastness of the world’s oldest desert, the Namib. The first light of day creates a magical spectacle on the orange dunes of Sossusvlei. In the evening, you enjoy a romantic sunset in the heart of this unique landscape. Overnight at a lodge in the Namib Desert.

Day 9 Swakopmund After a drive of approx. 5 hours, you reach Swakopmund on the Atlantic Ocean – a town that in many ways resembles a small German town. The afternoon is free to stroll along the seafront promenade before returning to your train in the evening.

Day 10 Walvis Bay This morning, you set off on a catamaran cruise with brunch on board. With a little luck, you will see seals, pelicans, flamingos and other marine animals. Back on land, the rest of the day is free.

Day 11 Spitzkoppe Early in the morning, your train leaves Swakopmund heading east. On the way, there is a stop for an excursion to the Spitzkoppe massif, which rises to 1,700 metres above sea level.

Day 12 Etosha National Park You continue by bus to your lodge in Etosha National Park (approx. 150 km). Enjoy the comfort of your accommodation before setting off on a safari in an open vehicle (optional, at extra cost). An unforgettable experience awaits you: you can observe elephants, wildebeest, birds and other wild animals up close, especially near the waterholes. With a little luck, you may also spot the rarer lions or leopards. Etosha’s herds depend on the waterholes for almost the entire year, making this park of more than 22,000 km² an exceptional place for wildlife viewing. Before dinner, you will have the chance to enjoy a traditional evening in an African boma.

Day 13 Etosha National Park In the morning, safari in an open vehicle in Etosha National Park, in search of elephants, lions and other iconic animals of the savannah. In the afternoon, return south on board your train.

Day 14 Windhoek Early in the morning, your train passes through private game farms, where giraffes, springboks and ostriches can often be seen along the tracks. In the late morning, arrival at the station in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. You discover the city’s main sights on a guided tour. Transfer to your hotel and farewell dinner.

Day 15 Departure from Namibia The morning is free. At midday, you say goodbye to your guide and begin your journey home.

Day 16 Arrival in Switzerland Arrival in Zurich.

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