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Book your accommodation in Namibia’s National Parks (owned and operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts), including the Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei for your Namibia Travel through the offices of Namibia Reservations!
Click here to start booking. . .
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Travel Gift Vouchers
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Book a holiday or accommodation, with a value of your choice, for a loved one and surprise them with a personalized voucher.
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1=Poor; 2=Below Average; 3=Average; 4=Good; 5=Excellent
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Rating of this Establishment
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3.0
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Number of Ratings received
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2
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- Desert Express -
Namibia’s unique Rail Experience
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Thank you for your interest in Desert Express, Namibia's Unique Rail Experience. We would like to brief you shortly why Desert Express should be an integral part of your agenda on your visit to our magnificent country, Namibia.
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As you know, Namibia is renowned for its wide open spaces and superb sunrises and sunsets. The timetable has been specifically designed to coincide with the sunrises and sunsets. Desert Express departs in the early afternoon on Fridays from Windhoek Station and calls at the Oropoko Lodge for a game drive.
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Upon returning to the train, enjoy a sundowner in the relaxed atmosphere of the elegant Spitzkoppe lounge as you watch the sun set over the endless plains. Dinner will be served in our spacious Welwitschia restaurant as the train makes its onward journey to overnight at a quiet secure siding.
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Early the next morning, Desert Express leaves the siding and continues on its westbound journey. The train will travel through the Namib Desert and stop for a Dune Excursion. The dunes are really unique! The train will then proceed on to its final destination, Swakopmund.
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On the eastbound journey from Swakopmund that departs on Saturdays. A late afternoon will allow you to have a relaxing sundwner. Once back on the train, the evening and a superb three course dinner is on offer for you to enjoy and savour. The next morning we arrive at Okapuka Game Ranch, where you will wittness the lion feeding. The train arrives at the historical Windhoek Station.
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The train has twenty-four compartments -- each accommodating one, two or three passengers. The compartments are fully air-conditioned and heated and have en-suite facilities as standard. Passengers have access to an elegant lounge, unique bistro bar and spacious restaurant that will serve the best in Namibian cuisine. Uniquely shaped large windows throughout the train include the traveller in the wide open spaces.
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Desert Express is operational since 3 April 1998.
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INTERESTING INFORMATION REGARDING DESERT EXPRESS
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Desert Express was designed and built in Namibia, and it took 250 000 manhours during a period of 18 months to complete the construction of the train. The workforce consisted of 40 skilled artisans, 3 supervisors, 2 technical superintendents and 2 senior engineers. Where possible, Namibian products and skills were used. Desert Express was launched on 3 April 1998 by the President of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma.
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Lay-out of Desert Express
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Rhino
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Power Car and Storage
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Meerkat
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6 Compartments - Accommodation coach
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Springbok
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6 Compartments - Accommodation coach
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Oryx
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6 Compartments - Accommodation coach
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Kokerboom
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6 Compartments - Accommodation coach
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Spitzkoppe
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Lounge and Bar
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Welwitschia
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Restaurant
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Stardune
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Bristo Bar
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Starview
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Function/Conference Venue
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The nine coaches are permanently linked via drawbar to minimise coupling and for improved ride comfort.
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VIP’s on board Desert Express
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Include Namibia’s President, Dr Sam Nujoma, our Prime Minister, Mr Hage Geingob, Frank Fredericks, Namibian Olympic Sprinter, Professor Christiaan Barnard, wellknown South African heart surgeon, Michelle McClean, who was crowned Ms Universe and is now a presenter on MNet, Benvinda from Namibia, who won the “M-Net’s Face of Africa” in 1999, Ms Penny Heyns, Olympic swimmer from RSA, Andre Joubert, Springbok Rugby player, Casper de Vries, wellknown entertainer and Ferdinand Rabie, the winner of the first Big Brother television series in South Africa.
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CHECK IN TIMES
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Please note that check-in time is 30 minutes prior to departure, where you will be handed your boarding pass.
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Windhoek
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Windhoek Station, Barnhof Street, Windhoek
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Swakopmund
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Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre
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THE ROUTE:
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Windhoek –Swakopmund Schedule:
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Friday
Winter
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Friday
Summer
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Check in at Windhoek station
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11:30
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12:30
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Depart
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12:00
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13:00
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Welcome drink and open sandwiches
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Game drive at Oropoko Lodge
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15:30
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16:30
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Dinner*
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19:00
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19:00
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Overnight at a secure siding
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Breakfast
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07:00
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07:00
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Dune excursion
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08:00
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08:00
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Arrive Swakopmund station Saturday
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10:00
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10:00
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*Dinner 19:00 & 21:00 if two sittings are required
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THE ROUTE:
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Swakopmund—Windhoek Schedule:
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Saturdays
Winter & summer
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Check in at Swakopmund Station
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14:30
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Depart
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15:00
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Welcome drink and open sandwiches
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Late afternoon sundowner
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Dinner *
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19:00
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Overnight at secure siding
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Breakfast
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07:00
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Lion feed at Okapuka
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08:00
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Arrive Windhoek Sunday
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10:30
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Guests must arrange their own transfer to and from the train
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Rates 2011:
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Rates 2012:
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Per Person sharing: N$ 2900.00, Single: N$ 3700.00
Valid from 01.11.2011 - 31.10.2012
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Return Rates 2012:
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Per Person sharing: N$ 4200.00, Single: N$ 5400.00
Valid from 01.11.2011 - 31.10.2012
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Schedules and timing are subject to change without notice (16,17 Dec)(03,04, 10,11 Feb)
(09,10 Mar)(06,07 Apr)(06,07,27,28 Jul)
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The Desert Express will be closed from 19.12.2011 - 02.02.2012
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