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Board a Journey of Discovery.
Seemingly endless semi-arid savannah, wide
expanses of gravel plains and golden-red dune seas lie ahead as you embark
on a magical journey that will stay with you long after you have reached
your destination.
At Windhoek Station the boarding call spurs
you into action. Once inside the Desert Express you are welcomed by a
refreshing fruit cocktail while you make yourself comfortable in one of
the plush couches. Slowly the train departs, leaving the city far behind.
Soon the hustle and bustle of civilisation is only a distant memory. The
rhythmic swaying of the coaches gently soothes and relaxes. Later you
disembark for a late afternoon game drive.
As your journey progresses, vegetation
along the way becomes sparser, revealing more of the rich ochre soil and
rocks. The landscape changes along with the geology - mountain ranges give
way to plains until only lone standing mountains are visible from time to
time. This area is very rich in minerals with gold, marble, granite and
semi-precious stones abundant here. Some believe that diamonds can be
found towards the west. Many have come from afar and given up everything
they've ever owned to find their fortune on these unforgiving plains.
Until now their endeavours have proved fruitless.
Travel of a different kind unfolds as the
fragrant aroma floats in from the kitchen and you embark on a journey of
gastronomic delight. Succulent offerings of the finest Namibian venison or
seafood accompanied by an outstanding bouquet of choice wines - enough to
please any discerning palate. As darkness sets in, the train comes to a
halt. Stars appear like you have never seen them before, flickering in the
sky, almost close enough to touch. The symphony of silence is interrupted
only by the taunting of geckos and the howling of jackals.
Rich gold and amber sunlight is cast over
the landscape as the train heads for the distant horizon. This leg of the
journey takes you to the warm sands of the coastal Namib dune sea. Shortly
after breakfast, you are on a giant sand dune feeling the sand under your
bare feet. Make it all the way to the top and you are rewarded with the
sight of the blue Atlantic Ocean in the distance, beyond the rows of
rolling Namib dunes. It is still morning when the train pulls into the
picturesque coastal town of Swakopmund.
German architecture dating back two
centuries echoes the town's rich history as an oasis in the world's oldest
desert. Explore the town and its quaint shops, make your way to the beach
for a splash in the Atlantic Ocean, languish in the sun or continue with
your journey.
CHECK
IN TIMES & SCHEDULES:
Please note that check-in
time is 30 minutes prior to departure, where you will
be handed your boarding pass.
Windhoek: Windhoek
Station, Bahnhof Street, Windhoek
Swakopmund: Swakopmund
Station at the train in the Spitzkoppe coach.
THE ROUTE:
WINDHOEK – SWAKOPMUND as from
1 April 2005
Winter
Summer
Weekender
Check in at Windhoek
Station
11:30 12:30 same
Departure from Windhoek
Station
12:00 13:00 same
Late afternoon game drive
with sundowner app. 2
hours
Enjoy drinks in Spitzkoppe
lounge, prepare for dinner
Dinner in Welwitschia
Restaurant
19:00 19:00
same
View stars
outside
Breakfast
07:00 07:00
same
Arrival at Rand Rifles for
dune excursion
08:00 08:00
n/a
Departure from Rand
Rifles 09:17
09:17
n/a
Arrival at Swakopmund
Station
10:00 10:00
08:30
Some
prefer to do the trip from the coast, making their way inland to Windhoek
from Swakopmund.
The Swakopmund station is your point of
departure if you are heading inland. Crossing the gravel plains of the
Namib, you head off to granite-like gneiss formations of the Kahn River
Valley. Sundowners are served in the open, as the last light of day is
cast over the barren landscape. As the Desert Express approaches its
stop-over for the day, a delectable three-course feast is presented by the
master chefs.
Nightfall brings it's own spectacular
display as you gaze at the blanket of stars in the sky. Civilisation
becomes a forgotten concept with no distraction from the lights of the
city, only silence. Inside you are encapsulated in supreme comfort in the
spirit of true Namibian hospitality.
After a scrumptious breakfast you make
your final excursion into the wild. An early morning game drive brings you
to almost within an arms length of a big variety of game in their natural
savannah habitat and now, once again, it's time to rejoin civilisation.
Slowly the Desert Express nears Windhoek
station, signalling the end of your journey. The time has come to bid
farewell to the supreme comfort and friendly service. It is with a heavy
heart that you say goodbye to the Desert Express and its friendly staff.
Your soul is rejuvenated and memories of a
land untouched by humans still lingers with you.
THE ROUTE:
SWAKOPMUND – WINDHOEK as
from 1 April 2005
Winter and Summer Weekender
Saturday Sunday
Check in at Swakopmund
Station 14:30
Departure from Swakopmund
Station 15:00
06:00
View the sun setting over the
Kahn River Valley
Enjoy sundowner drinks, relax
Dinner in Welwitschia
Restaurant 19h00
Breakfast
07h00
07:00
Arrival at Game Ranch for
game drive
08h00
Lunch 12:30
Arrival at Windhoek
Station 10h30 16:00
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