Namibia & the Desert Express

In 2007 Voyages Jules Verne first commissioned the ‘Desert Express’ for a ‘Limited Edition’ series of journeys through the unique landscapes of northern Namibia. Enabling an altogether more comfortable way of enjoying its dramatic scenery and varied wildlife this was a successful operation and we are delighted to announce additional departures.

A tour of southern Namibia by road including the famed dunes of Sossusvlei and Fish River Canyon is combined with the rail journey to the coast and Etosha National Park. The first railway was built at Cape Cross in 1895 with a locomotive from Kerr Stuart & Co of England. The line between Swakopmund and Windhoek was started in 1897 with work on the 382 km journey completed in 1902 when the first passenger train steamed into Windhoek. The northern extension was added later and thus enables a varied six-day itinerary rather than the simple overnight journey from Windhoek to Swakopmund.

VJV Special Event - A Castle in Africa
A special dinner with wine tasting at the castle Hotel Heinitzburg, overlooking Windhoek. This castle was commissioned in 1914 and transformed into a privately owned hotel in 1996.