Inspirational natural wonders holiday to Namibia and South Africa
Journey slowly and in luxurious comfort from Pretoria to Namibia’s Atlantic coast on one of Africa’s most evocative rail adventures. This remarkable Rovos Rail journey unfolds across South Africa’s interior and deep into Namibia, pairing the romance of classic train travel with expertly guided explorations beyond the tracks. Trace South Africa’s industrial and geological past, with time in Kimberley to explore the story of the diamond rush, before crossing the vast, arid landscapes of the Karoo and Northern Cape.
Crossing into Namibia, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Stand on the rim of the immense Fish River Canyon - second in size to the Grand Canyon - wander among the sculptural quiver trees of Garas Park, and explore the haunting remains of Kolmanskop, where desert sands reclaim a former diamond town near Lüderitz. A fly-out to Sossusvlei offers a striking contrast, with towering red dunes and vast open skies, before returning to train and a tour in Namibia’s capital; Windhoek a lively, cosmopolitan city with a strong German flavour.
Wildlife experiences add further depth, from a visit to a cheetah conservation project to immersive game drives in Etosha National Park, one of southern Africa’s most important wildlife reserves. The journey culminates as the train crosses the Namib Desert to Walvis Bay, where desert meets ocean and the Atlantic marks a fitting end to an extraordinary voyage.
Day by Day summary
Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Johannesburg OR Tambo International
6 nights - Rovos Rail, Pretoria, South Africa
1 night - Sossusvlei Lodge, Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert, Namibia
2 nights - Rovos Rail, Windhoek, Namibia
1 night - Etosha Safari Lodge, Etosha & Surrounds, Namibia
1 night - Rovos Rail, Namibia
Ends - Transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International for your international flight home
At a glance
Namibia, South Africa
11 Nights
Safari
Scenic
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is tailored to your exact travel wishes—no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Guide Price
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Includes flights from JFK
Highlights
Be transported to a bygone era on the elegant Rovos Rail
Marvel at Namibias exquisite landscapes
Enjoy gourmet cuisine in the elegant, wood-paneled dining cars
See the famed Sossusvlei sand dunes
A Big 5 Safari in Etosha National Park
Itinerary Details
Day-by-day
Make it yours
Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes
We've got you covered
Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.
Includes
Accommodation as specified
Meals as specified
Drinks (excluding premium brands)
Light aircraft transfers as detailed in the itinerary
All scheduled safari activities offered by the Rovos Rail
Road transfers as detailed in the itinerary
Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
Community projects contribution with Uthando
Excludes
Gratuities
Personal travel insurance
Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
Visas and visa fees where relevant
Beverages with the exception of all inclusive hotels
Indulge your passions
ACTIVITIES
This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.
Big 5 Safari
4WD Safari
Helicopter Flights
Quad Biking
Desert Tours
Guided Walk
Enriching encounters
ICONIC WILDLIFE
Whether you want to tick the Big Five off your bucket list or seek out specific safari species, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.
White Rhino
Springbok
Spotted Hyena
Southern Giraffe
Rock Hyrax
Ostrich
Oryx
Meerkat
Lion
Leopard
Kori Bustard
Elephant
Cheetah
Brown Hyena
Black Rhino
Sample itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a milestone celebration, a soul-stirring retreat, or simply looking to travel well and with purpose, these itineraries offer a starting point for what’s possible. As a top tour operator in the world, as recognised by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, we will guide you on how to shape the ultimate expedition.
+1 347-708-1755
Namibia, South Africa
11 Nights
Safari
Scenic
Includes flights from JFK
Big 5 Safari
4WD Safari
Helicopter Flights
Quad Biking
Desert Tours
Guided Walk
