Rovos Rail Windhoek, Namibia to Cape Town, South Africa
Africa’s Premium Luxury Train
Travel on this all-inclusive six-night journey from Namibia’s highlands across the Kalahari Desert to South Africa’s Great Karoo and Cape Winelands, and get a flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Windhoek
Experience The Highlights
Itinerary Overview
From the Heart of Namibia to the Mother City
Your journey begins in Windhoek, Namibia’s elegant capital, cradled by rolling hills and watched over by the majestic Auas and Eros Mountains in the country’s central highlands.
From here, the route unfurls across the vast Kalahari semi-desert, its golden grasslands dotted with resilient acacia trees standing sentinel against the horizon.
A true natural wonder awaits at the Fish River Canyon — the largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere, rivalled in scale only by Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Carved by the Fish River as it winds south to meet the Orange River on Namibia’s border with South Africa, the canyon’s sheer scale is humbling.
Crossing into South Africa, the journey continues to Augrabies Falls National Park, where the Orange River is forced through a narrow granite gorge, thundering 56 metres down over an 18-kilometre stretch — a dramatic display of nature’s raw power.
The route then sweeps through the Karoo, an immense semi-desert plateau once submerged beneath an ancient inland sea, its stark, timeless beauty stretching endlessly in every direction.
A charming detour awaits in Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian village where a platform museum and a collection of vintage cars and railway carriages transport visitors back to a bygone era.
The final leg meanders through the picturesque winelands of the Western Cape, rolling vineyards and gracious estates setting an elegant tone for the journey’s grand finale in Cape Town — the beloved Mother City, where the adventure draws to a fitting and unforgettable close.
| Day 1 | Windhoek | Rovos Rail |
| Day 2 | Leisure Onboard via Keetmanshoop | Rovos Rail |
| Day 3 | Fish River Canyon | Rovos Rail |
| Day 4 | Augrabies Falls | Rovos Rail |
| Day 5 | Leisure Onboard via The Karoo | Rovos Rail |
| Day 6 | Matjiesfontein | Rovos Rail |
| Day 7 | Cape Town | Rovos Rail |
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Itinerary Overview
Windhoek, Namibia — Departure
- Surrounded by rolling hills and the Auas and Eros Mountains
- Journey begins in Namibia’s central highlands
Kalahari Semi-Desert
- Traverse golden grasslands and hardy acacia woodland
Fish River Canyon
- Largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere
- Second in scale only to Arizona’s Grand Canyon
- Formed by the Fish River flowing south to meet the Orange River
Augrabies Falls National Park
- Located on the banks of the Orange River
- Falls plunge 56m through an 18km granite gorge
The Karoo
- Vast semi-desert region, once an ancient inland sea
Matjiesfontein
- Quaint Victorian village
- Platform museum
- Collection of historic cars and railway carriages
Western Cape Winelands
- Scenic drive through the picturesque wine region
Cape Town, South Africa — Arrival
- Journey’s end in the Mother City
Meals On Board
(unless adjusted): Breakfast 07:00-10:00 • Lunch 13:00 • Tea 16:30 • Dinner 19:30
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
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Accommodation Options On Rovos Rail
Vintage carriages combine with modern luxuries in three suite types available in double or twin: Royal ±16m2 (two per carriage), Deluxe ±10m2 (three per carriage) and Pullman/Pullman Gold ±7m2 (five per carriage).
ROYAL SUITES ±16m² • ±172ft²
Featuring classic wood panelling, period charm and modern conveniences, these coaches offer a refined and comfortable ride. Each Royal Suite spans half a carriage and includes its own private sitting area, along with an ensuite bathroom fitted with a Victorian-style bathtub, a separate shower, toilet and basin. Suites are designed for one or two guests, with a choice of double or twin bed arrangements. Every mattress is reversible, offering a plush side and a firmer side — guests will find the softer side facing up by default, though this can be switched upon request. Pillows are filled with faux-down microfiber and wrapped in a cotton down-proof cover. Double beds are dressed with fitted sheets and blankets during the day, with single duvets provided for the evening. A personal host or hostess is on hand throughout the journey and attends to each suite daily. Please note that suite availability may vary, and actual layouts could differ slightly from those pictured.
Classic Wooden Style
These wood-panelled coaches blend classic period character with the conveniences of modern travel. Suites are designed for one or two guests, with a choice of double or twin bed configurations. Each comes with its own ensuite bathroom, space for suitcase storage, compact cupboards fitted with hangers and shelving, bed linen, toiletries, robes and slippers, a hairdryer, a shaver socket and a USB charging point. Every mattress is reversible, offering a plush side and a firmer side — guests will find the softer side facing up by default, though this can be switched upon request. Pillows are filled with faux-down microfiber and wrapped in a cotton down-proof cover. Double beds are dressed with fitted sheets and blankets during the day, with single duvets provided for the evening. A personal host or hostess is on hand throughout the journey and attends to each suite daily. For further information on onboard life, including amenities, travelling with children, currency, excursions, laundry, luggage, medical matters, mobility and more...
Price Includes
preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks on excursions; flight from O.R. Tambo/Cape Town International Airport to Windhoek;
transfers and entrance fees as per itinerary; government tax.
Price Excludes
All other beverages; international sparkling wine; gratuities;
personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights.
Why African Signature
Curated Destinations
The Right Place We don’t do "everywhere." We focus on the corners of Africa where the fences are down and the wildlife is still truly wild. From the floodplains of the Zambezi to the dry pans of the Kalahari, we only send you to regions where the land is vast enough to get lost in and the sightings are worth the journey.
Tailored Experiences
The Ground Level Safari isn't just about sitting in a vehicle. It’s about the crunch of grass under your boots on a walking safari, the silent glide of a boat through a reed bed, or the patience of sitting at a waterhole for three hours. We design your days around the rhythm of the animals, not the schedule of a hotel.
Sustainable Stewardship
The Real Impact Travel here has to mean something. We partner with people who are actually on the front lines—the ones running anti-poaching units, protecting habitat, and ensuring local communities see the value in keeping these lions and elephants alive. Your trip is what keeps those boots on the ground.
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
We Are Here To Help
Connect with an Africa Specialist to discuss this Signature Experience.
Travel Insurance
Protect your investment and don’t forget Travel Insurance! This is mandatory for all our bookings.
In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation with repatriation of remains. 24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveller with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents and much more.
Why Buy a Travel Insurance Plan? Because Travel Mishaps Occur Every Day! No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for:
If a family member gets sick. If your baggage is lost. If your trip is delayed. Your passport is lost or stolen. If the weather prevents your travel. You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury – your health insurance may not be valid overseas, and medical evacuations can be really expensive. If you miss a flight connection (- e.g. only 80% of US flights arrive on time) You don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Sometimes, even expert travellers need a little help.
Whilst we will provide you with a Temporary Membership to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Evacuation scheme in Tanzania, this has to have a corresponding international insurance to cover hospital and emergency cover when you land at the nearest available medical facility.
Please be sure that the travel insurance that you have is right for you!
Signature Luxury Rail Experiences
Our Concierge Is Here To Help
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our concierge in the bottom right corner. They will assist you or put you in contact with one of our African Specialists.
