Your Journey

Windhoek - Swakopmund -Windhoek

Namibia is renowned for its wide open spaces, its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The Desert Express schedule has been designed to allow passengers to take in all of these. Departures are on Friday's from Windhoek, and on Saturday from Swakopmund. See train Schedule Below.

Board a Journey of Discovery (Windhoek - Swakopmund)

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 food 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.

Swakopmund - Windhoek:

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 visit to a game farm to see lions being fed, 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.

Rates: One way, N$ 1 850.00 pp sharing and N$ 2 400.00 single.

Children up to 12 N$ 910.00, Vehicle one way N$ 450.00

THE ROUTE:

WINDHOEK – SWAKOPMUND (FRIDAYS)

  Winter    Summer  
Check in at Windhoek Station 
11:00
    12:00
Departure from Windhoek Station                                        
12:00
13:00
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
View stars outside 
Breakfast
07:00
07:00
Arrival at  Rand Rifles for dune excursion 
08:00
08:00
Departure from Rand Rifles 
09:17
09:17
Arrival at Swakopmund Station 
10:00
10:00

SWAKOPMUND – WINDHOEK (SATURDAYS)

  Winter    Summer  
Check in at Swakopmund Station 
14:00
14:00
Departure from Swakopmund Station                                  
15:00

15:00
Late afternoon sundowner  
Enjoy drinks in Spitzkoppe lounge, prepare for dinner
Dinner in Welwitschia Restaurant 
19:00
19:00
View stars outside 
Breakfast
07:00
07:00
Arrival at  Lion Feed 
08:00
08:00
Departure from Lion Feed
09:30
09:30
Arrival at Windhoek Station 
10:30
10:30

Winter 1 st April till 31 August .

Dinner 19:00 and 21:00 if two sittings are required