Namibia & South Africa by Rail

Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is a coastal town in Namibia that is known for its stunning landscape and rich culture. The town is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and boasts a picturesque view of the bay. The area is characterized by its sand dunes, which are some of the highest in the world, and its lagoon, which is a haven for birdwatchers. It is also a popular spot for marine activities such as sea kayaking and fishing.

In addition to its natural beauty, Walvis Bay has a rich history that is tied to its role as a hub for the fishing and shipping industries. The town has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, including German colonialism and apartheid-era segregation, which have left their mark on the local culture.

Walvis Bay is home to a diverse population that includes indigenous people, descendants of European colonizers, and immigrants from neighboring countries.

Visitors to Walvis Bay can explore the towns history and culture through its museums and galleries, or by taking part in local festivals and events. Whether you are interested in outdoor activities, cultural exploration, or simply soaking up the beauty of the natural landscape, Walvis Bay has something to offer.

Namib Desert

Stretching along the Atlantic coastline of Namibia, the Namib Desert is one of the oldest and most visually striking deserts on Earth, with landscapes shaped over millions of years. Defined by vast open spaces, towering rust-red dunes, and stark white salt pans, this remarkable region offers a sense of scale and serenity unlike anywhere else in Africa.

At the heart of the desert lies Sossusvlei, home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world. These iconic dunes, best experienced at sunrise and sunset, shift in colour from deep amber to burnt orange, creating a photographer’s dream. Nearby, Deadvlei presents an otherworldly scene, where ancient, blackened camel thorn trees stand in dramatic contrast against a bleached clay pan and towering dunes.

The Namib forms part of the vast Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of Africa’s largest conservation areas. Despite its arid environment, the desert supports an astonishing variety of life, including oryx, springbok, and desert-adapted wildlife that have evolved to thrive in extreme conditions. Birdlife is equally impressive, particularly around seasonal water sources.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Namib Desert offers a range of immersive experiences. Guided nature drives, scenic flights over the dune seas, and quad biking excursions provide different perspectives of this dramatic terrain, while hot air balloon safaris deliver a truly unforgettable sunrise experience. Stargazing is exceptional, thanks to the region’s remote location and minimal light pollution, revealing some of the clearest night skies in the world.

Whether exploring the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, discovering hidden desert wildlife, or simply soaking in the silence of this vast wilderness, the Namib Desert promises a deeply moving and unforgettable travel experience.

Located just outside the town of Otjiwarongo, the Cheetah Conservation Fund offers one of the most meaningful wildlife experiences in Namibia. Dedicated to the long-term survival of cheetahs in the wild, this world-renowned conservation initiative combines research, education, and community outreach, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to connect with Africa’s fastest land mammal while supporting vital conservation efforts.

A visit to the centre is both educational and inspiring. Guests are introduced to the challenges facing cheetahs today, including habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, as well as the innovative solutions being implemented to protect them. Expert guides share insights into cheetah behaviour, biology, and conservation strategies, creating a deeper understanding of the species and its fragile future.

One of the highlights of the experience is observing cheetahs up close in a safe and ethical environment. Whether watching a feeding session or seeing these graceful animals in large natural enclosures, the experience is both powerful and respectful, offering exceptional photographic opportunities while maintaining the animals’ wellbeing.

Beyond cheetahs, the centre also focuses on broader ecosystem conservation. Visitors may learn about livestock guarding dog programmes, which help local farmers protect their herds without harming predators, as well as habitat restoration and research initiatives that benefit Namibia’s wider biodiversity.

Activities typically include guided tours of the education centre, access to the on-site museum, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding reserve.

A visit to the Cheetah Conservation Project in Otjiwarongo is more than just a wildlife encounter—it is an opportunity to engage with conservation in action, gaining a greater appreciation for the delicate balance between people, predators, and the environment.

With easy access by road or air, Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most established and sought after national parks. From open plains to arid savanna and some of the best game viewing around, this park has a lot going for it. Etosha pan is the most recognizable feature of Namibia’s premier national park. It is so enormous that you can see it from space. This 120 km (75 mi) long dry lakebed is the heart of the park and in fact is eponymous with the park itself, whose name translates to “Great White Place” after the characteristic coloring of this massive salt pan.

In the late dry season animals congregate in the hundreds around the many water sources, queuing to quench their thirst. When the rains arrive the area is transformed, bringing a plethora of birdlife that comes to take advantage of ideal feeding conditions. Thousands of flamingos and other water birds descend to the flooded salt pans to take advantage of this time of plenty.

Sossusvlei is a photographer’s dream. In fact it is so unique and beautiful that it is hard to take a bad picture. Only a five hour drive from Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, it is one of the most sought after and unique destinations in the country. The stark yet ethereal beauty of Namibia is on full display here with the skeletal remains of old camel thorns strewn amongst salt pans, surrounded by some of the most spectacular sand dunes in the world. This endless expanse of wilderness is home to desert adapted species such as the Gemsbok (Oryx).

One of the most mysterious natural phenomena of the surrounding Namib Desert are the weird and wonderful fairy circles that give the desertscape an eerie lunar appearance. These are perfectly circular patches of grass that are inexplicably spaced evenly apart and never overlap. The area is extremely dry but every so often when it does rain it can transform the pans into a paradise for thousands of waterbirds, with the appearance of a sea of stunning wildflowers.

Windhoek, translated from the Afrikaans language to “Wind Corner,” is Namibia’s capital and largest city. Hosea Kutako International and Eros Airports service the city and, together with Namibia’s excellent road network, provide easy access to most of the country, although distances can be vast. Positioned centrally, Windhoek links important coastal towns to the country’s hub and is connected by well maintained national roads to South Africa and Botswana.

Although mostly a starting point for a trip elsewhere, local attractions include Christuskirche, the oldest church in the country, the Independence Memorial Museum, the National Botanic Garden of Namibia, the Tintenpalast (seat of the government), and the old fort, “Alte Feste.” The influence of the German colonial period can still be seen today in architecture, street names, German beer, bread and sausages. The German carnival is celebrated every year.

The Kalahari Desert covers a huge area of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. The classic scenery of long red sand dunes, which can turn green during the summer months, includes fascinating plant life and, although it is often overlooked for the epic sand dunes of the Namib desert and for the wildlife in Etosha, it still offers a raw and authentic experience with plenty of its own desert-adapted flora and fauna.

The Kalahari is also one of the ancestral homes of the Khoisan bushman, who have lived here for more than 20,000 years. Traditionally nomadic hunter-gatherers living in small cluster groups across Southern Africa, they were forced into the Kalahari away from other tribes, but now many live a more sedentary lifestyle and rely less on their traditional hunter-gatherer origins. However, to spend time with these fascinating people is truly a privilege.

Past the towns of Mariental and Reheboth, past the iconic Quiver tree forest you can travel to the south of the country to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of the first ‘peace parks.’ At an impressive 38,000 km2, the area offers good wildlife viewing, where you can find cheetah and leopard as well as the famous black maned lions.

Though not a Big 5 park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has plenty to offer including fantastic bird of prey sightings. The park is actually located in both South Africa and Botswana but there is a park entrance on the South African and Namibian border. To access the park, you do not even need to get a visa for South Africa, provided you also exit through the same Namibian gate again.

Located in southern Namibia, Keetmanshoop is a small, historic town that serves as the gateway to the remarkable Garas Park. Best known for its collection of distinctive quiver trees, this region offers a unique glimpse into Namibia’s stark and beautiful desert landscapes.

Garas Park is home to around 250 quiver trees, or Aloe dichotoma, a striking desert species named for its use by the San people, who crafted arrow quivers from its branches. The forest is particularly atmospheric at sunrise and sunset, when the trees are silhouetted against glowing desert skies.

Nearby, Giants Playground features unusual dolerite rock formations stacked in dramatic, almost sculptural formations, adding to the area’s otherworldly appeal.

While wildlife is limited, the landscapes themselves are the highlight—quiet, vast, and visually striking. Keetmanshoop and Garas Park make for a memorable stop when exploring southern Namibia or travelling towards the Fish River Canyon.

Kolmanskop Ghost Town

Located just inland from the coastal town of Lüderitz, Kolmanskop is one of Namibia’s most fascinating and photogenic historical sites. Once a thriving diamond mining settlement in the early 1900s, the town was built during the German colonial era and quickly grew into a surprisingly luxurious outpost in the desert, complete with grand homes, a ballroom, hospital, and even an ice factory.

Following the decline of diamond yields, Kolmanskop was gradually abandoned, leaving the desert to reclaim it. Today, drifting sands fill the once-elegant buildings, creating an eerie yet captivating atmosphere where history and nature intertwine. Walking through the crumbling structures offers a glimpse into a bygone era, with faded pastel walls, broken windows, and dunes spilling through doorways.

Guided tours provide valuable insight into the town’s history and the lives of those who once lived here, while allowing access to many of the preserved buildings. The site is particularly popular with photographers, as the shifting light and textures create ever-changing compositions throughout the day.

A visit to Kolmanskop is both haunting and beautiful—an unforgettable stop that contrasts sharply with Namibia’s natural landscapes, offering a unique perspective on the country’s rich and complex past.

Lüderitz

Perched along the windswept Atlantic coastline of Namibia, Lüderitz is a charming and atmospheric coastal town known for its colourful German colonial architecture, rugged scenery, and rich history. Surrounded by desert on one side and the ocean on the other, Lüderitz offers a striking contrast to Namibia’s inland landscapes.

Founded during the German colonial era, the town retains a distinct European character, with pastel coloured buildings, ornate facades, and landmarks such as the iconic Felsenkirche perched dramatically on a rocky hill. The quiet streets and seaside setting create a unique and nostalgic atmosphere, making it a fascinating place to explore on foot.

Beyond its architectural charm, Lüderitz is a gateway to several notable attractions. Just outside of town lies Kolmanskop, a haunting abandoned diamond mining settlement where desert sands have reclaimed once grand homes. Along the coastline, Diaz Point marks the landing site of Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, offering dramatic ocean views, a historic lighthouse, and abundant seabird life.

The surrounding peninsula is equally captivating, with windswept bays, rocky outcrops, and the chance to spot marine wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins. Despite its remote location, Lüderitz has a lively character supported by its fishing industry and welcoming community.

Lüderitz is ideal for travellers seeking something a little different, where history, ocean, and desert meet in a setting that feels both remote and refreshingly unique. Whether exploring its historic streets, visiting nearby landmarks, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery, Lüderitz offers a memorable and distinctly Namibian experience.

The Fish River Canyon is Africa’s largest canyon and is situated in the south of Namibia, forming a tributary with the Orange River. The canyon measures 160 km (99 mi) in length, up to 27 km (17 mi) in width, and the dramatic inner canyon reaches a depth of 550 m (1804 ft). From long, challenging hikes through deep ravines to the hot springs of Ais-Ais, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Namibia.

Set along the banks of the life giving Orange River in the arid Northern Cape, Upington is a tranquil oasis surrounded by desert landscapes, lush vineyards, and wide open skies. Known for its warm climate and relaxed atmosphere, the town offers a refreshing contrast between fertile riverbanks and the stark beauty of the Kalahari Desert.

Upington is best known for its flourishing wine industry, producing distinctive wines from grapes grown along the Orange River. Visitors can enjoy tastings at local cellars or simply take in the peaceful scenery of vine lined riverbanks shaded by camel thorn trees. The town itself is small and welcoming, making it an ideal stopover for travellers exploring the Northern Cape or journeying between South Africa and Namibia.

The surrounding region offers a variety of natural attractions. A highlight is Augrabies Falls National Park, where the Orange River plunges dramatically into a deep granite gorge. The falls are particularly impressive during the high water season, while the park also offers scenic viewpoints, walking trails, and the chance to spot desert adapted wildlife.

Outdoor activities in and around Upington include river cruises, canoeing, and birdwatching, as well as exploring the vast landscapes of the nearby Kalahari. The area is also known for its exceptional stargazing, thanks to minimal light pollution and clear desert skies.

Upington offers a peaceful and authentic experience of South Africa’s Northern Cape, where river, desert, and vineyard landscapes come together. Whether used as a convenient stopover or a destination in its own right, it provides a unique perspective on one of the country’s most remote and captivating regions.

Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, is also often called the Diamond Capital of the World. Without the frenzied pace of larger cities, this city offers the lessons learned from the past, the convenience of modern facilities and the promise of a bright future, as its people rally to ensure its growth and prosperity. It is an enigmatic city whose character is difficult to pin down. Modern goods are sold from antiquated buildings and hyper-modern structures reach towards the sky in a curious mix of old and new, modern and historic. Long-time inhabitants exchange friendly greetings on the city streets as they walk past historic buildings into a fast food restaurant on the corner.

Development started in 1871, when diamond deposits were found on the farm Vooruitzig, which belonged to the De Beers brothers. By 1872, a mining town, home to more than 50,000 people, had grown where once only the springbok roamed. First called New Rush, the town’s name changed to Kimberley in 1873 to honour the Earl of Kimberley, who was the British Secretary of State for the colonies at the time. In a short time, the haphazardly planned tent town mushroomed into a city of substance and was the first in the Southern Hemisphere to install electric streetlights and the first in South Africa to have a stock exchange. Today, the town is best known for The Big Hole and diamond musuem.

For Rovos Rail passengers, a highlight of their journey is a visit to the private station at Capital Park, Pretoria. The once-bustling hub of steam locomotion is now the headquarters for Rovos Rail. The gracious railway station serves as the departure or arrival point for most of the train journeys.

The property boasts an ever-expanding railway museum – showing a historical collection of train paraphernalia – in addition to its other comprehensive facilities and will, with the addition of semaphore signals and a footbridge, recreate the atmosphere of a fully-fledged railway system. It is intended that, with time, this facility should become the foremost working train museum in the world.

The eyes of rail enthusiasts will be drawn to the vast carriage and locomotive sheds where teams of dedicated personnel keep the rolling stock in perfect order. This roofed workshop of 10,000 m2 straddles 15 railway lines with concrete inspection pits below, and is the ultimate repair and maintenance facility for any train operation. The low, red-bricked buildings alongside the new 300 m platform house laundries, gleaming stainless-steel kitchens, and well-stocked storerooms. This is the busy hub of a provisioning operation that is world-class in terms of efficiency and attention to detail.