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Aboard the Desert Express: Namibia’s Deserts, Canyons and Wildlife by Private Train

Program Number: 19638RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/16/2012 - 10/30/2012;
Duration: 14 nights
Location: Namibia
Price starting at: $7,920.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Train Treks
Meals: 35; 12 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 10 Lunches, 12 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Traverse Namibia’s boundless landscape aboard the luxury Desert Express — a private train journey that brings you to ancient rock art, deep canyons, towering sand dunes, the unique micro-climate at the intersection of desert and Atlantic Ocean coastline and the abundant wildlife of Etosha National Park.




Highlights

• Discover Namibia’s vast and largely undeveloped landscapes by private train and side excursions via motorcoach.
• Explore Sossusvlei — the highest sand dunes in the world, in the oldest desert — the Namib, whose geographic location along the Atlantic enables the existence of a myriad of uniquely-adapted wildlife.
• Game drives in Etosha National Park reveal a bountiful population of lion, elephant, giraffe, many species of antelope and more than 340 bird species.



Activity Particulars

Participants must be able to climb a few flights of stairs and walk on uneven surfaces up to two miles over the course of the day. Some field trips and excursions will be in part or wholly on foot.



Motorcoach travel over gravel roads for up to five hours at a time. Game drives in Etosha National Park are in open safari vehicles, driving over unpaved roads for up to three hours at a time.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Johannesburg, 1 night; flight to Windhoek, 1 night; embark Desert Express train, 2 nights; disembark Mariental, coach to Namib Desert, 2 nights; embark Desert Express train, 2 nights; disembark, coach to Etosha National Park, 2 nights; embark Desert Express train, 1 night; disembark Windhoek, 1 night; departure.



Day 1
Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night




Days 2-3
Arrival Johannesburg (South Africa)
1 night
Flight to Windhoek
1 night

In Johannesburg, take in a morning presentation at the Apartheid Museum by a staff member who details the history of Apartheid in South Africa. Fly to Windhoek, Namibia for an introduction to the city center before heading north into the mountain landscape.
Lodging: Four-star hotel, mountain lodge.



Days 4-5
Desert Express Train
2 nights

Board the Desert Express Private train and begin your journey southward through the Auas Hills. Traverse the pristine semi-desert landscapes that lead to the dry riverbed and gorges of the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. On board presentations offer a look into the history of Namibia, the geology of the canyon and the colonial history of South Africa. A motorcoach excursion and walks at the canyon’s edge enable you to take in the breathtaking views. The train heads north into the Kalahari Desert for an excursion into the small village of Keetmanshoop and the Quiver Tree Forest.
Lodging: Desert Express Train



Days 6-7
Coach to Namib Desert
2 nights

Leave the train with your hand luggage for a two-night exploration of the towering dunes of Sossusvlei. The dunes, in the world’s oldest desert, support an unlikely cast of uniquely-adapted wildlife such as the oryx and the skink. Take in a presentation on the Namib Desert and spend an evening stargazing. On a second excursion, admire the geologic wonders of the Sesriem Canyon.
Lodging: Desert lodge.



Days 8-9
Desert Express Train
2 nights

Continue by road up the Atlantic Coast. The scenery alternates from desert to the bizarre rock formations of the Gaub-Pass and the dry riverbed of the Kuiseb Canyon. Stop en route at the port town of Walvis Bay. In Swakopmund, stroll along the waterside promenade and through the streets lined with German-influenced architecture then reboard the Desert Express. The train heads inland and an excursion by motorcoach explores the Spitzkoppe, a granite mountain, visible from miles around, and the ancient rock art of the San people.
Lodging: Private cabin on train.



Days 10-12
Coach to Etosha National Park
2 nights
Desert Express Train
1 night

Leave the train again to explore the abundant wildlife of Etosha National Park. En route, learn the geological history of the Etosha Pan. From the lodge, set out on extensive game drives to search for antelope, elephants, lions, giraffe and over two hundred species of birds.
Lodging: Comfortable lodge.



Days 13-15
Train to Windhoek
1 night
Overnight flight to the U.S.A.
1 night

Back on board the Desert Express for the final journey, take in the views of the wild and open land as the train rolls through private game farms on its way back to the capital city of Windhoek. Disembark the train and explore Windhoek, its colonial past, residential neighborhoods and the township of Katutura where you visit a skills development project for women as well as a typical market.
Lodging: Centrally-located hotel.




Namibia

Etosha, the “Great White Place of Dry Water,” is one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries, encompassing 8,850 square miles of African wilderness that is home to 114 mammal and 340 bird species. Wildlife is easy to see in the mostly open landscape that consists of a series of saltpans, dwarf shrubs, open grassland and mopane savannah.
Accommodations
Johannesburg: Four-star hotel. Windhoek: Mountain lodge. Namib Desert: Desert lodge. Etosha National Park: Comfortable lodge. Aboard Desert Express: Private train cabin.
Meals and Lodgings
   Airport Grand Hotel
  Johannesburg, South Africa 1 night
   Okapuka Lodge
  Windhoek, Namibia 1 night
   Desert Express Train
  Desert Express Train, Namibia 2 nights
   Namib Desert Lodge
  Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia 2 nights
   Desert Express Train
  Desert Express Train, Namibia 2 nights
   Kempinski Mokuti Lodge
  Etosha National Park, Namibia 2 nights
   Desert Express Train
  Desert Express Train, Namibia 1 night
   Kalahari Sands Hotel or similar
  Windhoek, Namibia 1 night
 Airport Grand Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The Airport Grand Hotel & Conference Centre is conveniently located ten minutes drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport and is centrally located.
  Contact info: 100 North Rand Rd.
Bardene, Boksburg, 1462
Johannesburg,   South Africa
phone: +27 11 823 1843
web: www.airportgrand.co.za
  Room amenities: TV, digital safe, phone, A/C, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, Wi-Fi internet access
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi internet, fitness room, swimming pool, currency exchange, 24 hour room service
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Contact Travel Provider Additional nights are available on request. Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services after you enroll.

 Okapuka Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: The Okapuka Lodge used to be cattle farm built in 1917 but by 1986, it was transformed into a mountain lodge.It's built in bush land savannah afoot the Otjihavera Mountains with a large variety of birds and mammals.
  Contact info: P.O. Box 5955
Windhoek,   Namibia
phone: + 264 61 234 607
web: www.natron.net/okapuka/main.html
  Room amenities: The rooms have thatched roofs, great architectural care has been taken to blend the rooms in with the surrounding bush. Amenities include: phone, coffee making facilities, minibar.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, bar, wine cellar
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Desert Express Train
Type: Train
  Description: The Namibian-German designed Desert Express went on its maiden voyage through the Namib Desert in 1998. The interior, a modern reminiscence of classy journeys of past days, reflects the colors and the motives of the country: beautiful glass engravings of the Namibian fauna and flora, handmade amber-coloured leather armchairs in the saloon- and bar wagon, and red golden woods with lovingly processed animal motives.
  Contact info: Lernidee Erlebnisreisen
Eisenacherstr.11
Berlin,  10777 Germany
phone: +49 30 786 0000
  Room amenities: The 24 sleeping compartments are split over 4 coaches. Each compartment has two lower beds (188cm x 70cm), which can be transformed to chairs in the daytime. If needed, a third bed can be folded down. The large panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views and are ideal for photography. Every compartment has a shower, toilet and a pivoting wash basin with hot and cold water. The modern fixtures of the compartments include individually adjustable air conditioning, safe, hair-dryer and 220 V socket (adapter available).
  Facility amenities: In the “Welwitschia” Restaurant and in the “Stardune”-Bistro, first-class 3-course meals are served in two seating sessions. Enjoy Namibian gourmet cuisine with game, like Oryx or Kudu, and fresh ocean specialities together with fine South African wines. In the “Spitzkoppe” bar coach relax with an ice cold Windhoek Lager or a refreshing cocktail.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Each compartment has a shower, toilet, and pivoting wash basin with hot and cold water.

 Namib Desert Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: The Namib Desert Lodge is at the foot of the red ‘fossilized’ dunes. Oryx antelope and springbok make frequent appearances at the lodge's illuminated watering hole.
  Contact info: Kasteelstr 24
P.O. Box 80205
Namib-Naukluft Park,   Namibia
phone: +49 30 786 0000
  Room amenities: TV, private bathroom
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, swimming pool, bar. The lodge features an inviting terrace with views of the fossilized dunes
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: All rooms have private bathrooms.

 Kempinski Mokuti Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: The Kempinski Mokuti Lodge is the first international branded 5* lodge in Namibia. The lodge combines unique African charm with the reputation of a long tradition of excellent service and surpreme quality of the Kempinski brand.
  Contact info: P.O. Box 403
Tsumeb,   Namibia
phone: +264 61 388 400
web: www.kempinski.com/en/mokuti/Pages/Welcome.aspx
  Room amenities: All rooms combine European Luxury with traditional African charm, flaunted as thatched-roof chalets. Room Amenities include: mosquito net, minibar, coffee/tea making facilities, TV, A/C, ceiling fans, hairdryer, safe, phone.
  Facility amenities: Concierge, Wi-Fi internet access, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, swimming pool, room service, spa, fitness center, business center with computers
  Smoking allowed: No

 Kalahari Sands Hotel or similar
Type: Hotel
  Description: The hotel is centrally located on Independence Avenue, the main street of Windhoek.The Kalahari Sands Hotel has a total of 173 rooms, incorporating: 151 Twin rooms, 16 Luxury rooms, 5 Deluxe suites, 1 Presidential. suite.
  Contact info: 129 Independence Ave.
Gustav Voigts Centre
Windhoek,  9000 Namibia
phone: +264 61 280 0000
web: www.suninternational.com/.../Hotels/KalahariSands/.../default.aspx
  Room amenities: A/C, TV, phone, 220 V electricity, hairdryer, refrigerator, coffee making facilities, 24 hour room service, safe, minibar, internet connection, universal adaptor socket
  Facility amenities: Spa, business center (computers, printers, fax, open 7:00-23:00), currency exchange, ATM, restaurant, bar, laundry/dry cleaning service, swimming pool
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Contact Travel Provider Contact the Travel Provider.
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program starts in Johannesburg, South Africa on Oct. 17, 2012 at the program hotel. You will be staying at Airport Grand Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends in Windhoek, Namibia on Oct. 29, 2012 at the program hotel. You will be staying at Kalahari Sands Hotel or similar the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is not available for this program.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Johannesburg
  Transportation to site: A group arrival transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air inclusive program and arrive on the group date. Program Only Participants can take the group transfer as long as their flight arrives at or around the same time as the group. Airport shuttles to the Hotel Grand in Johannesburg are available for those arriving at different times, however it is advised to check with the hotel prior to arrival as shuttle times vary.
  From End of Program
  Location:  US Arrival
  Transportation from site: A group departure transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air inclusive program and depart on the group date. Program Only Particpants can take the group transfer as long as their flight departs at or around the same time as the group. Independent transfers can be arranged for those whose flights do not coincide with the group transfers. It is not reccommended to arrange your own transfer at this location.
Elevation Note: Windhoek: 5,250 ft.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Overnight flight to South Africa
(Tuesday, October 16)
   
 Afternoon: Overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Day 2: Arrival in Johannesburg
(Wednesday, October 17)
   
 Afternoon: Arrive in Johannesburg, transfer to the hotel and check in.
 Dinner: Light dinner at the hotel. Program Orientation during dinner.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Airport Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Apartheid Museum / Flight to Windhoek
(Thursday, October 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning presentation at the Apartheid Museum. Meet a staff member of the museum who will discuss the history of Apartheid in South Africa, followed by a visit to the museum. Here, learn the history of the rise and fall of the apartheid system and the adversity that affected over 20 million people up to the period of liberation in 1994 and beyond. Depart for the airport and fly to Windhoek.
 Lunch: Light lunch on the plane.
 Afternoon: Arrive in Windhoek, transfer to the city center for a brief introduction to the Namibian capital, which lies 1, 600 m (5,250 ft) high and is surrounded by the Khomas-Hochland Mountains. You will see buildings from colonial times and gain an insight in the contrasting life styles between the exclusive residential area Ludwigsdorf and the township of Katutura. Arrive at the hotel and check in.
 Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Okapuka Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Board the Desert Express Train
(Friday, October 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.
 Morning: This morning explore Katutura, you will see buildings from colonial times and gain an insight in the contrasting life styles between the exclusive residential area Ludwigsdorf and the township of Katutura. Also, visit a skills development project for women as well as a typical market. Then, board the train, leaving the historic train station of Windhoek and rolling slowly southwards through the Auas Hills.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Make yourself comfortable in your compartment and enjoy the scenery. Your study leader will give a presentation about Namibia and its history.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Desert Express Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Fish River Canyon
(Saturday, October 20)

Note: If participants have difficulty walking at the canyon, they can board the bus at any point along the way.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Drive through pristine landscapes to the gorge of the Fish River Canyon. The second biggest canyon on earth undoubtedly belongs to nature's wonders of Southern Africa. Take a walk along the canyon's edge and enjoy breathtaking views into the 500m deep and 160 km long canyon. It developed predominantly during the pluvial times - a rainy climatic epoch - many millions of years ago.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Presentation: Colonial History of South West Africa. The train heads northwards through the Kalahari. In the small village Keetmanshoop you'll have time for a short excursion to the Quiver Tree Forest. Learn the history of this forest and its unique flora.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Desert Express Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Namib Desert
(Sunday, October 21)

Note: The bus ride from the train station in Mariental to the lodge is approximately 4 hours, part of the ride is on gravel road.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Arrive in Mariental, depart the train motorcoach ride through a barren and mountainous landscape. Enjoy a presentation en route on Karakul Sheep breeding in Namibia and its important social and cultural role.
 Brunch: Enjoy a traditional Namibian brunch in Maltahohe.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a presentation en route on the world's oldest desert: The Namib. The Namib stretches along the coast of Namibia to form one of the most spectacular and richest deserts in the world. Gently sloping toward the Atlantic Ocean, it is patterned by a sea of giant red sand dunes. Learn about the unique adaptations of species in this extremely harsh environment. Arrive at the lodge and check in.
 Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.
 Evening: Spend the evening star gazing.
   
Accommodations: Namib Desert Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Day 7: Namib Dunes
(Monday, October 22)

Note: The excursion to the dunes will be in 4WD Land Rover vehicles.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.
 Morning: Depart early in the morning to the brick-red, glowing, gigantic dunes of Sossusvlei. View dead camel thorne trees and dunes up to 900 feet high, continuing on to Sesriem Canyon, where layers of conglomerate stone are exposed. Enjoy a presentation on the formation and movement of dunes in the Namib Desert.
 Lunch: Late lunch at the lodge.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the lodge. At sunset enjoy a sundowner drive with snacks and drinks. The drive is in open jeeps, at sunset, stop on top of a dune, this involves a 50m walk up the dune.
 Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Namib Desert Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Walvis Bay and Swakopmund
(Tuesday, October 23)

Note: The drive to Swakopmund is approximately 5 hours on gravel roads.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.
 Morning: Enjoy a presentation en route about the survival of two German geologists who escaped World War Two in the Namibian Desert. Stop to see the bizarre rock formations of the Gaub-Pass and the Kuiseb Canyon. Passing the Vogelfederberg, known as the Ayer's Rock of Namibia, continuing on to the harbour village of Walvis Bay. This was a South African enclave until 1994. Then drive to Swakopmund, which has a very German character due to to its colonial past.
 Lunch: Boxed lunch at Vogelfederberg
 Afternoon: You will have some time to stroll along the waterside promenade in Swakopmund before boarding the train.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Desert Express Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: The Spitzkoppe (Matterhorn of Namibia)
(Wednesday, October 24)

Note: The excursion to Spitzkoppe begins with an easy walk along a gravel road, to see the granite mountain. Then participants will reach a point where they have to climb up the slope. This is very steep, and there is a chain to pull themselves up. This climb is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties, participants can choose to stay at the bottom of the mountain.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Depart Swakopmund early by train. The route between Swakopmund and Windhoek was established in 1902 and is the oldest train track in the country. At Usakos, the train stops for an excursion to the 1700m high Spitzkoppe, a characteristic granite mountain, visible from miles around. In Bushman's Paradise you can see ancient rock paintings of the Bush People. En route to Spitzkoppe, enjoy a presentaion on the bus on the history of geological erosion in northern Namibia.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Enjoy and on-board presentaion on the San Bushmen, the oldest tribe in Southern Africa. This presentation is dedicated to the San, the original inhabitants of Southern Africa. Taste the traditional dried meat used by the Voortrekkers on their long journeys.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Desert Express Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Etosha National Park
(Thursday, October 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Travel to Etosha National Park, one of Southern Africa's most distinquished game reservers. Etosha, meaning "Great White Place", is dominated by a massive mineral pan formed hundreds of millions of years ago. The perennial springs along the edges of the Etosha Pan draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds. Arrive at the lodge and check in. Then enjoy a presentation on the geological history of the Etosha pan.
 Lunch: Late lunch at the lodge.
 Afternoon: Enjoy some free time, later accompany your study leader to a nearby reptile farm.
 Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Kempinski Mokuti Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: On Safari
(Friday, October 26)

Note: There is an extensive game drive in park over bumpy unpaved roads in 4x4 open safari vehicles. Prepare for dust and cool morning weather.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.
 Morning: The morning is reserved for an extensive game drive in the park. The animal herds of Etosha Park rely on the water holes, so the park offers ideal conditions for watching and taking pictures of the animals. With luck you may see, elephants, lions, gnus, and other game.
 Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.
 Afternoon: Enjoy another open vehicle Safari drive observing the herds of Etosha park.
 Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Kempinski Mokuti Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Crossing the Damaraland
(Saturday, October 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.
 Morning: This morning there will be one more opportunity for close encounters with the African animal kingdom. The windows of the bus can be opened for taking brilliant photographs. In the Etosha Park, the bus reveals a further advantage: From your elevated view-point it is much more comfortable to observe the animals gathering at the watering places.
 Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.
 Afternoon: Leave the park during the late afternoon via the Namutoni Gate. Board the train. Enjoy and on-board presentation on Namibia in the context of modern Africa and what the future holds.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: At Leisure.
   
Accommodations: Desert Express Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Windhoek
(Sunday, October 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Early in the morning, the journey might become a train safari, because the train route leads through private game farms. Sometimes giraffe, springbok and ostriches can be seen. Around noon, the train rolls into the train station of Windhoek.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the hotel and check in. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Kalahari Sands Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Departure
(Monday, October 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to the airport for overnight flights home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15: Arrive back in US.
(Tuesday, October 30)
   
 Morning: Arrive back in the US from your overnight flight.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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