Namibia is a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine and unconfined space. The wide horizons, the clear unpolluted skies and a population density, which is among the lowest in the world, generate a sense of freedom. This feeling of tranquility and stillness compliments a landscape, which is singular in its colours, full of contrasts of light and shade. The Dune Adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience the harsh realities of the desert landscapes as well as the extraordinary natural phenomena resulting from millions of years of erosion and volcanic activity.

THE ITINERARY

DAY 01 - JOHANNESBURG - OR TAMBO ITERNATIONAL AND HOTEL TRANSFERS                                                      Join the Shongololo Express at Boksburg East station from 08:00 onwards. After being welcomed by your tour guide and the Shongololo Express representatives you may enjoy a cup of coffee and a few biscuits. The train will depart at 10:00 and during your settling-in period, familiarize yourself with the detailed program and the exciting excursions on offer to you during your trip ahead to Namibia!   Enjoy a drink at the bar before the train departs for Upington.

DAY 02 - AUGRABIES FALLS AND BORDER CROSSING

Augrabies National Park

Visiting the Augrabies National Park is not only a highlight because of its waterfalls (even though they are the main attraction). The interesting flora as well as the small Klipspringer is also worth mentioning. Three short hiking trails lead from the rest camp at the park entrance to and around the waterfalls. They are not very difficult to walk, but solid hiking shoes are recommended, because of the rocky ground. In April / May when the Gariep (Orange) River's water level is at its peak, amplitude of 200 meters of water falls almost 60 meters down the granite ravine. (Half day; distance traveled: ± 260 km).

The train departs from Upington and crosses into Namibia late in the evening.

DAY 03 - FISH RIVER CANYON

Fish River Canyon, Giant’s Playground and Quiver Tree Forest

Enjoy an early-morning breakfast before we depart for the Fish River Canyon. Eroded over millennia, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa. Set in a harsh, stony plain, dotted with drought resistant succulents such as the distinctive Quiver Tree or Kokerboom, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon. It took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape. Its full length is 160 km, the width up to 27 km and the depth 550 m. After a quick stopover at the famous Canyon Roadhouse, which is interestingly decorated with old car parts found in the region, we push further to Keetmanshop for lunch (guests’ own account). In the afternoon we visit Giant’s Playground, an impressive jumble of massive dolerite boulders of 160 - 180 million years old. We end our afternoon with a visit to the Quiver Tree Forest, where around 300 specimens of this prehistoric tree, Aloe dichotoma, can be found. They grow between 3 and 5 meters tall and their forked branches reach skywards, affording beautiful photo opportunities.(Full day; distance traveled: ± 300 km).

The train journeys from Keetmanshop to Aus over night.

DAY 04 – LUDERITZ AND KOLMANSKOP

Guests depart in the morning for a drive through the desert to visit the desert horses en route to Luderitz. On arrival guests tour the historical town including the Cross and the ghost city of Kolmanskop. Take a walking tour, and learn about electricity, ice makers and 10 pin bowling back in the 30's!!

Guests rejoin the train at Aus Station.

The train departs Aus for Windhoek in the evening.

DAY 05 - WINDHOEK

Situated in Namibia’s central highlands, Windhoek is an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains.

Windhoek City Tour

The city tour of Windhoek starts with a visit to the TransNamib Transport Museum. The museum is situated in the Windhoek Railway Station and was built from 1912 to 1913. In front of the building is the narrow-gauge locomotive (vintage 1900) which used to operate between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The museum at the Alte Feste Castle offers a range of displays, including the Social History Gallery and the Independence Display. Both give an insight into Namibia’s complex history. At the top of Robert Mugabe Avenue is the Christuskirche or Evangelical Lutheran Church. This is one of the city’s most striking landmarks and was built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles influenced its design and Kaiser Wilhelm II donated its stained- glass windows. Our last visit is the Namibia Craft Centre in the old Breweries Building. (Half day; distance traveled: ± 50 km).

The train departs overnight for Tsumeb Siding.

DAY 6 - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

The tour departs to Etosha National Park, entering via the Namutoni Gate. The Etosha National Park is one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa and was proclaimed a game reserve by German Governor Von Lindequist in 1907. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan (Etosha means “place of dry water”). It is an extensive, flat depression of about 5 000 km². Game viewing takes place from our air-conditioned vehicles. There are 144 mammal species in the park, which covers an area of 22 270 km². These include Elephant, Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest and Black Rhino. Among the predators are Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and several species of wild cat. Hyena and Jackal are the scavengers. Antelope species range from the majestic Eland to the shy little Damara Dik-Dik. The most striking of the antelope species is the Gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings. It also appears on the Namibian coat of arms. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia’s national bird, the Crimson-Breasted Shrike. Lunch (guests’ own account) is enjoyed in one of the camps. We meet the train back at a siding outside the park in the Oshivelo region. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 200 km).

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

1. Etosha National Park and Overnight in a Tented Camp

Guests spend two days one night in the park viewing wildlife from the safety of our air-conditioned vehicles (this time around the central region of the pan). Lunch (guests’ own account) can be enjoyed in the park. The night is spent in a tented camp inside or close to the park. (Full day, including an overnight in a tented camp; distance traveled: ± 250 km).

The train remains stationary overnight at Oshivelo Station. Guests return to meet the train At Otjiwarongo Station on day 07.

DAY 07 - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

This morning is the last opportunity to experience the magic of Etosha’s animal kingdom (this time in the southern region of the park and once again in our air-conditioned vehicles). After lunch (guests’ own account) we depart for Otjiwarongo, where the train will await us for its southwards journey to Omaruru. (Half day; distance traveled: ± 350 km).

Guests meet the train at Otjiwarongo station and the train departs to Omaruru.

DAY 08 - OMARURU

Omaruru, the garden town of Namibia

Omaruru is a town and constituency in the Erongo Region of Namibia. Its official population is 6,792. The town is situated by the Erongo Mountains, on the usually dry Omaruru River.  The town grew around a mission built in 1872 by Gottlieb Viehe, now a museum, and was attacked in 1904 during the Herero and Namaqua Genocide. Captain Franke's Tower was built in this period to defend the settlement.   The town is known for its annual festival, its winery and for the dinosaur footprints at nearby Otjihaenamparero. We’ll visit the biggest wine cellar in Namibia Kristall Kellerei Winery – one of only three in the country! The white wine produced in this vineyard is unique and ‘the tales behind the story’ are interesting.    A unique feature in this town is the Tikoloshe root-carving factory on the outskirts of the town. Hardly any visitor leaves this place without a souvenir bought at this fascinating venue. Enjoy a ride on a traditional donkey cart – available at the station. (Full day: distance traveled: ± 10km + 500m on a donkey cart!)

The ‘braai’ (BBQ) on the station’s platform is another highlight.

The train departs early evening from Omaruru via Kranzberg and Usakos to Swakopmund.

DAY 9 - SWAKOPMUND / SPITZKOPPE AND NORTH COAST

Spitzkoppe, Henties Bay and the Cape Cross Seal Reserve

Spitzkoppe is known as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. It rises to an altitude of about 1 800 m. However, it is by no means Namibia's highest mountain. Due to its striking features and outlines, it is the most famous mountain in the country. Situated in an endless dry landscape, the island of mountains can be seen from quite a distance. The enormous granite rocks were created more than 100 million years ago due to volcanic activities and subsequent erosion. We continue to the small, thriving town of Henties Bay. The town was named after Major Hentie van der Merwe, who discovered a freshwater fountain in the estuary of the Omaruru River. Lunch (guests’ own account) is enjoyed before visiting the Cape Cross Seal Reserve north of Henties Bay. Here a prodigious number of Cape Fur Seals flourish in the cold waters of the Benguela Current. Numerous islets and isolated parts of the shore serve as nurseries for their young. This area is also of historical significance, as the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cão, planted a cross at this point in the year 1486. We make our way back to the train in Swakopmund in the late afternoon. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 350 km).

The train remains stationary in Swakopmund over night.

DAY 10 - SWAKOPMUND / WALVIS BAY

Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside resort on the West Coast, is a place of singular charm. It resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea and enjoys a restful and relaxing atmosphere. The source of Swakopmund’s continental vibe are the graceful Art Nouveau buildings dating back to the turn of the previous century.

INCLUSIVE OPTIONS

Moon Landscape, Welwitschia Drive, Walvis Bay and Dune 7

Our day starts with a drive past Walvis Bay into the Namib Desert and a stop at a lookout point over the valley known as the Moon Landscape. Soft overlaying levels of earth, deposited some 450 million years ago and eroded over millennia, created this eerie landscape. The Welwitschia Nature Drive takes us through vast plains where herds of Oryx, Springbok and Zebra roam the supernatural landscape of these badlands. The hardy survivor of the desert, the Welwitschia Mirabilis, can be seen along this route. One very large specimen, which is specially protected, is estimated to be 1 500 years old. We then return to Walvis Bay for a lunch break (guests’ own account). It is a pretty South African style town with 25 000 inhabitants. Strategically located halfway down the coast of Namibia and with direct access to principal shipping routes, it is a natural gateway for international trade. We visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a great attraction in the Walvis Bay area. The tranquil stretch of water, its natural beauty accentuated by thousands of flamingos gathering at the rich feeding grounds, is over 3 000 years old. Because of its value as a wetland area, it was declared a RAMSAR site (a convention pertaining to wetlands was held in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971). Dune 7, located on the outskirts of Walvis Bay, is the highest sand dune in the area. It is an unforgettable experience for those who feel inclined to challenge the height of this outstanding landmark to admire the view from the top. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 200 km).

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

1. Ocean and Desert Combination Tour

Guests depart from Walvis Bay for a Marine Seal and Dolphin Cruise around the bay. A light lunch of fresh oysters, snacks and sparkling wine is enjoyed on the beach. At Pelican Point, guides with 4 x 4 vehicles await to take you on a ride through a magnificent dune landscape. This tour offers the best of both worlds - the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert!

(Full day, including lunch; minimum of 4 participants per vehicle required; weather dependent)

2. Mola Mola Seal and Dolphin Cruise

Experience the thrill of dolphins leaping from the water alongside the boat, seals fed by hand, fresh oysters and cold champagne on the calm water of the Walvis Bay Lagoon. This morning-only activity is an experience not to be missed. (Morning; weather dependent)

The train remains stationary in Swakopmund over night.

DAY 11 - SWAKOPMUND

The day is spent at leisure.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

1. Sossusvlei Fly-in

We depart from Swakopmund, flying in a light aircraft over the Namib Desert and along the Kuiseb River. After passing over Tsondabvlei, the only known breeding area of the Lappet Faced Vulture in southern Namibia, we land at Sesriem, from where 4x4 vehicles take us to the highest shifting sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. No part of the desert is visually more stunning than here. The warm tints of the sand range from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, vividly contrasting with the large white clay pans at some of their bases. Lunch will be enjoyed at Sossusvlei Lodge, after which the light aircraft will fly us over these earlier visited shifting sand dunes. From here we fly over the remains of three old diamond camps in the Diamond Restricted Area and cross the coastline at Conception Bay. We pass over colonies of Cape Fur Seals, as well as the “Eduard Bohlen” and “Shaunee” shipwrecks. With the Atlantic surf on the one side and the "long wall" (Namib Dunes) on the other, we reach Sandwich Harbor, a wetland of international importance. After leaving Walvis Bay behind us, we land back in Swakopmund.

(Full day, including lunch; distance covered: ± 630 km; minimum of 5 participants required)

2. Epupa Falls / Ovahimba Fly-in

We depart Swakopmund early morning in a light aircraft for a low-level scenic flight past the Brandberg and over Damaraland and Kaokoland towards Epupa Falls. After arrival at Epupa we are driven to an Ovahimba village in the area - accompanied by a guide and translator. Spend the morning with the Ovahimba in their ‘kraal’. The Ovahimba are a tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists who still live and dress according to ancient traditions. They are tall, slender and statuesque people, characterised by their proud yet friendly bearing. The women are noted for their unusual sculptural beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional adornments. The Ovahimba rub their bodies with red ochre and fat to protect their skin against the scorching sun. On this day we will also be able to see the majestic Epupa Falls. The falls are a series of cascades where the Kunene River loops a total of 60 meters. With its richly coloured rock walls, variety of trees and waving Makalani Palms, the Epupa Falls offer much to see and experience. Lunch will be served at the Omarunga Camp on the riverbed of the Kunene River. In the afternoon we fly on to Opuwo to refuel, then fly along the Uniab Riverbed in search of Desert Elephant, Rhino, Giraffe, Mountain Zebra and other game up to the river mouth area, turning southwards. We return along the treacherous Skeleton Coast. The Skeleton Coast Park stretches from the Ugab River in the south to the Kunene River, which forms the northern border with Angola. The Skeleton Coast is littered with whalebones, shipwrecks and remains of sailors and explorers. The flight further passes over Torra Bay, Palgrave Point, Toscanini, the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and Henties Bay, before we land back in Swakopmund.

(Full day, including lunch; distance covered: ± 1410 km; minimum of 5 participants required)

3. Sossusvlei – "Classic Flight"

Take to the skies on a journey over richly contrasting desert and coastal scenery. Fly over the Namib Desert and see the dry Kuiseb riverbed, which is the dune belt's natural border. Soar over imposing sand formations to Sossusvlei, where the world's highest shifting sand dunes are to be found. As you hover above the coastline, have a glimpse at shipwrecks, seal colonies and flamingos at Sandwich Harbor. Feel free as a bird as you pass over the salt flats of Walvis Bay and the picturesque town of Swakopmund before touching down to reality.

(Duration: ± 2h30; minimum of 5 participants required)

4. Conception Bay Flight

This flight affords stunning views of Swakopmund and its surroundings, including the Swakop River, Richthofen Farm, the Moon Landscape, Goanikontes Oasis, Namib Desert Park, Rössing Mines, Khan River, Walvis Bay, Kuiseb River, White Mountain, Conception Bay, the “Eduard Bohlen” shipwreck, seal colonies, the "Shaunee" shipwreck, the "Long Wall" dune ridge, Sandwich Harbor, the salt pans, Walvis Bay Harbor and Guano Island.

(Duration: ± 1h20; minimum of 5 participants required)

5. Quad Bikes

To explore the dunes, guests are equipped with fully automatic quad bikes. No prior experience is needed as this is a fully-guided tour. The dune sea teems with a multitude of insects and animals. These remarkable dune dwellers live their whole life in permanent contact with grains of sand. Their ties to this habitat are so binding that they cannot exist without it. Evolution has adapted these creatures by means of a complex array of extraordinary body structures, functions and behavioral traits.

(Morning; duration: ± 3h30)

The train departs Swakopmund midday for Windhoek.

DAY 12 - TRANSFER DAY

A late breakfast will be served on board the train. If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. Transfers to the airport will be done as per the flight schedules.