"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right" ...Nelson Mandela
Shongololo Express:Dune express
This route explores the magnificent landscape of Namibia - a beautiful country of extreme contrasts, vast colourful deserts, dunes, almost extra-terrestrial rock formations, great game reserves, delightful coastal towns with old world German hospitality, bushman settlements and the wind vitality of the south Atlantic seaboard. Add to this 3 days to enjoy and explore the many splendours of Cape Town where the tour starts or ends.
Tours Dates:
Northbound Tours
14 Feb 06 - 1 Mar 06
9 May 06 - 24 May 06
29 Aug 06 - 13 Sep 06
Southbound Tours
7 Mar 06 - 22 Mar 06
19 Sep 06 - 4 Oct 06
Contact us for rates and space.
We do not have round-trips starting and ending in Windhoek. Our 16-day long Dune Adventure either starts or ends in Windhoek, with Cape Town at the other end.
Dune Express, The Route
DAY 1: Windhoek The central region is dominated by Namibia's Capital WINDHOEK. It's a small, but bustling city with a population of approximately 190 000 people, situated in an airy basin 1654 meters above sea level in the central highlands.
Built on many hills, Windhoek is flanked by the Auas Mountains to the south west, the Eros Mountains to the northwest and the Khomas Hochland to the west.
Windhoek is often described as a city with a continental atmosphere. This can be ascribed to the particular architecture of it's historical buildings, dating back to German Colonial Rule (1894-1915).
We depart on a city tour at around 08h30, visiting contemporary historical sights. Highlights included are: the Alte Feste Castle, the world renowned Evangelical Luthern Church (Christuskirche), the Namibia Craft Centre in the Old Breweries Building, Heroes Acre Monument and the Railway Museum.
After lunch (guest's own account), we depart on an excursion to the nearby Katatura township. The word Katatura means "the place where we cannot settle" and stands testimony to the hardships that had to be endured by the local people of Windhoek prior to the independence of Namibia in 1990. Highlights include visiting a bustling street market and the home of a local family.
The Train departs in the early evening from Windhoek to Otjiwarongo. Distance Travelled (Excursions): 100 km
DAY 2: Etosha National Park After breakfast, a full day of game viewing in the Etosha National Park awaits. Guests disembark in Otjiwarongo and drive to Etosha. The Park is entered at the Okaukuejo gate.
Etosha owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan - a vast, shallow depression of approximately 500 km. A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan guarantees rewarding and often spectacular game viewing. Until the 1960's Etosha was the largest Game Reserve in the world. For political reasons reduced by 77 percent to 22 270 km2, it is still one of the largest Parks in Africa.
Etosha National Park is home to 114 mammal species and over 340 bird species. Look out for Elephant, Gemsbok, Springbok, the illusive Dik Dik, Predators and the endangered Black Rhino.
Lunch (guest's own account) to be taken at one of the Rest Camps in Etosha.
The afternoon is spent game viewing, before returning to a Tented Camp in Halali for dinner.
The Train travels empty to Tsumeb overnight. Distance Travelled (Excursions): 275 km
DAY 3: Etosha National Park A full day of game viewing in the Etosha National Park is planned for today.
Lunch (guest's own account) to be taken at one of the Rest Camps in Etosha.
Guests return to the train in Tsumeb for dinner and to overnight.
The Train remains stationary in Tsumeb. Distance Travelled (Excursions): 190 km
DAY 4: Ombili Bushmen Settlement After breakfast, there are two options: Option 1 - Depart for a visit to the Ombili Bushmen Settlement. The settlement is home to around 300 San Bushmen. The Ombili Foundation was started to help preserve the San way of life and has raised funds to build a community centre, school and small workshop.
Lunch (guest's own account) to be enjoyed at Mokuti Lodge.
The afternoon is spent at leisure and guests may use the Lodge's facilities or relax alongside the pool.
Option 2 - As above, but instead of relaxing at the Lodge after lunch, a further Game Drive in the Etosha National Park is offered.
Guests return to Tsumeb, where they re-join the Train in the evening. Dinner and overnight on board.
The Train remains stationary in Tsumeb. Distance travelled depends on the chosen option
DAY 5: Lake Otjikoto and Grootfontein After breakfast, there are two options: Option 1 - We take a drive to Lake Otjikoto. As Namibia's largest permanent natural Lake, Otjikoto is situated close to Tsumeb. As part of an underground river system, the lake was exposed when the roof of what was a large dolomite cave, fell in. Lake Otjikoto is small with a diameter of about 102 m, but very deep, with a depth estimated to be in excess of 142 m in places.
The visit to Lake Otjikoto is followed by a stop at the Tsumeb Mining Museum. From 1905, Tsumeb has been closely linked to the mining industry, which has since ceased. The colourful Jacarandas, Flamboyants and Bougainvillea have earned it the name of Namibia's Garden Town.
A comprehensive collection of rare minerals, as well as cannons and other armaments that were dumped into Lake Otjikoto by retreating German forces before the signing of the Khorab Peace Treaty, can be viewed at the Tsumeb Mining Museum.
Lunch (guest's own account) to be enjoyed in Tsumeb.
This afternoon we visit the largest meteorite in the world, the Hoba Meteorite. This 50 ton mass of nickel and iron is between 100 and 300 million years old and crashed to earth some 30,000 to 80,000 years ago.
A visit afterwards to the small town of Grootfontein and its Museum will be a memorable experience. Grootfontein serves the surrounding cattle ranching community and is the last center on the road to Rundu. It lies northeast of Windhoek. A historic Fort from German times, built in 1896, is situated at the top of the hill around which the town developed.
Finally, guests travel to Otavi where they re-join the Train. Dinner and overnight on board.
Option 2 - As above, but instead of driving to the Hoba Meteorite and visiting Grootfontein, guests return to the Train after lunch and travel on board to Otavi.
The Train leaves Otavi in the evening for Ebony Siding. Distance travelled depends on the chosen option
DAY 6: Swakopmund Rising to an altitude of about 1800 metres, Spitzkoppe is situated in an endless, dry plain. The island of mountains can be seen from far away. We continue to Henties Bay for lunch (guest's own account) and for a visit to the Cape Cross Seal Colony.
Return to the Train (now in Swakopmund) in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight on board. The Train remains stationary in Swakopmund. Distance Travelled (Excursions): 300 km
DAY 7: Swakopmund The afternoon is spent at leisure in Swakopmund, Namibia's premier holiday resort with well preserved German Colonial Architecture. Founded in 1892 during the German Colonial Rule, it served as the territory's main Harbour. Today this quaint desert town, hedged by desert and sea, is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended public gardens.
The Train remains stationary in Swakopmund.
DAY 8: Swakopmund Morning at leisure before departing to Walvis Bay. The highlights of the afternoon include a visit to the Wetlands (feeding ground of the flamingos), the Salt Works and Dune 7.
Dinner and overnight on board. The Train remains stationary in Swakopmund. Distance Travelled (Excursions): 80 km
DAY 9: Namib Naukluft / Sesriem Canyon An early breakfast is followed by a scenic drive past Granab and a stop at the Welwitschia plains. This trail is well known for its Moon Landscape. The drive continues over the Gaub and Kuiseb Passes and through the Namib Naukluft to Sesriem.
On arrival, guests check in at the Sesriem Camp before departing to Seriem Canyon. Sesriem derived its name from the time early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from pools 30 to 40 meters below at the bottom of the gorge.
Guests will be provided with lunch packs today (N$30 per person)
Dinner and overnight at Sesriem Tented Camp. During the day, the Train travels empty to Mariental, where it will be stationary. Distance Travelled (Excursions): 350 km
DAY 10: Sossusvlei The highlight in the southern region is Sossusvlei with its monumental dunes, the highest of which is estimated to be 325 m. These star shaped dunes are a sought after topic for artists and photographers.
If guests leave early, they could catch a breathtaking view of the sunrise and return to the Camp for brunch.
A scenic drive over the Tsaris mountains takes us to Duwisib Castle. A short tea / coffee stop (guest's own account) is planned at Maltahoehe, before continuing to Mariental, where guests re-join the Train.
Dinner and overnight on board. The Train travels overnight to Holoog. Distance Travelled (Excursions): 200 km
DAY 11: Fish River Canyon After breakfast, there are two options: Option 1 - Depart before sunrise for a visit to the Quiver Tree Forest. The Quiver Tree is indigenous to the hot and dry southern part of Namibia. The plants are succulents and can reach a height of up to 9 metres. Continue to the "Giant's Playground". This is an area covered in huge black basalt rocks, balanced on top of each other.
We proceed to the Fish River Canyon, one of Namibia's most spectacular geological phenomena. The canyon lies in the lower reaches of one of Namibia's longest rivers, the Fish River. The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world.
Lunch to be enjoyed on board the Train as it begins it's journey into South Africa.
Option 2 - Breakfast will be served before departing to the Fish River Canyon, one of Namibia's most spectacular geological phenomena. The canyon lies in the lower reaches of one of Namibia's longest rivers, the Fish River. The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world.
Lunch to be enjoyed on board the Train as it begins it's journey into South Africa. Distance travelled depends on the chosen option
The Train travels from Holoog to Ariamsvlei (border post) at around noon and will cross into South Africa overnight.
DAY 12: Northern Cape Guests enjoy brunch on board as the train travels through the Karoo to Worcester.
Dinner and overnight on board.
DAY 13: Klein Karoo and Breede River Valley After breakfast there are two options: Option 1 - Guests leave the Train for a visit to the Karoo National Botanical Garden. This is the only stricktly succulent garden in the southern hemisphere and on the African continent. It boasts around 400 species.
We continue to Klein Plasie, which is an open-air museum. It depicts the lifestyle of the early pioneer farmers.
Activities presented include the rolling of Tobacco, roasting of coffee, making of candles, baking of bread in an outside oven, etc.
This is also our lunch stop (guest's own account).
Return to Worcester in the afternoon and visit the KWV Brandy Cellar for a tour.
Option 2 - Drive to Montagu for a tractor / trailer ride to the summit of the Langeberg mountains.
Lunch (guest's own account) to be enjoyed in Robertson, before visiting Soekershof (a hedge maze). The maze is regarded as one of the largest hedge mazes in the world.
Return to Worcester in the late afternoon for a tour of the KWV Brandy Cellar.
Dinner and overnight on board. The Train remains in Worcester overnight. Distance travelled depends on the chosen option
DAY 14: Swartland, West Coast, Winelands, Hermanus After breakfast there are three options: Option 1 - PLEASE NOTE THAT OPTION 1 IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON THE SOUTHBUND ROUTE (WINDHOEK-CAPE TOWN) AND NOT ON THE NORTHBOUND ROUTE (CAPE TOWN-WINDHOEK) After breakfast, guests head off to Ceres for a visit to the Fruit Factory. Ceres has one of the biggest sheds for fresh fruit in the southern hemisphere. Tourists can view the process of washing, sorting and packaging of fruit. Trousers and closed shoes are recommended.
En route to Tulbagh, we make a tea / coffee stop at the Toll House on Michell's Pass. Continue to Malmesbury for a visit to the Bokomo Mills, the oldest Milling Company in South Africa.
After lunch (guest's own account) we travel to the West Coast Ostrich Show Farm before driving to Muizenberg.
Option 2 - Travel via Villiersdorp and over the Franschhoek Pass into the valley of the French Huguenots - a short stop at the Huguenot Memorial is included.
Continue to Paarl and the University town of Stellenbosch for lunch (guest's own account). A walk along Dorp Street with it's historical houses as well as a visit to "Oom Samie se Winkel" are highly recommended.
Drive to the coastal town of Muizenberg.
Option 3 - Whale Watching in Hermanus - Regarded as one of South Africa's Big 6, these majestic ocean mammals migrate to the Cape coast during mating season.
PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN THOUGH WHALE WATCHING IS SEASONAL (JULY-NOVEMBER), THE COASTAL ROUTE IS BEAUTIFUL IN ITSELF.
In the afternoon, we travel the coastal route past Kleinmond, Betty's Bay and Gordon's Bay to Muizenberg.
Dinner and overnight on board. The Train travels empty from Worcester to Muizenberg during the day. Distance travelled depends on the chosen option
DAY 15: Cape Town After breakfast there are two options: Option 1 - A ride up Table Mountain is weather permitting and the ticket for the ride is therefore not included.
We visit a nearby township before our final stop at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Option 2 - This option includes a visit to the Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, Boulders Penguin Colony and Hout Bay.
Dinner and overnight on board. the Train remains stationary in Muizenberg. Distance travelled depends on the chosen option
DAY 16: Cape Town After breakfast there are two options: Option 1 - Half day tour of Cape Town city, including Table Mountain. The ride up Table Mountain is weather permitting and the ticket for the ride is therefore not included.
Option 2 - Half day tour of Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point as well as Boulders Penguin Colony. Distance travelled depends on the chosen option
Transfers can be arranged to either a hotel or to the Airport.
Dune Express(Accommodation) The capacity on the Train is 78 guests. There are 6 sleeper carriages. Four carriages have six double / twin and two single compartments (all carpeted). One carriage has five double / twin and two single compartments (all carpeted). One carriage has 4 double / twin and two single compartments (all carpeted).There is a fan, plug point and safe in each compartment. The windows open.
Shongololo Dune Express - 16 Day Tour - Windhoek to Cape Town OUR RATES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. PLEASE STATE YOUR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AS WELL AS INTENDED TIME OF TRAVEL WHEN REQUESTING RATES FROM US ON THE E-MAIL ADDRESS:
SUPPLEMENTS: Add 50% of the per person sharing rate for single travellers occupying double compartments
Included: One pick-up transfer Accommodation and travelling on the train Breakfast and dinner Guided excursions in our touring vehicles (including entrance fees) One drop-off transfer at the end of the trip
Excluded: Additional transfers Pre - or post nights on the train Pre - or post nights in a hotel Beverages Lunch Visas Inoculations Additional activities like bungee jumping, horse riding, etc. Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, gratuities, etc.
there are LIGHT & PLUS rates. The PLUS rate is based on our current business model, where the price includes an arrival transfer (airport-train), a departure transfer (train-airport), accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and all daily off-rail activities.
The LIGHT rate offers a price that includes everything that is included in the PLUS rate except that the number of off-rail activities is limited to 5. The balance of these off-rail activities can be bought on board the train. Clients can choose which 5 activities they want included. (However: activities marked as "Specialised activities", such as open-vehicle game drives, are not forming part of the daily off-rail activities to choose from, and must be paid extra, whether the clients are on the PLUS or the LIGHT option).
