Passenger services are mainly focused on the needs of economy class long distance passengers, leisure / tourist and private trains. Air-conditioned Spectacular viewsmagical experiencesrailing in Namibia. Its the most flexible choice since you can stop along the way and explore the stunning landscapes of Namibia at your own pace. Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today! TransNamib Holdings LTD operates train services from Windhoek to Swakopmund. The railway station was built in 1901, as a terminal on the Imperial Germany's colonial Kaiserliche Eisenbahn line connecting Swakopmund with Windhoek. Another fascinating tradition is the Damara Punch, a traditional dance performed by the Damara people that involves high-pitched singing and rhythmic drumming. Exclusive Day 5. Desert Express Train - Namibia - Expert Africa [1], Swakopmund was the starting point of the first state railway line in German South West Africa. 11:30 The road is generally well-paved, but drivers should take caution as there are stretches of gravel section around the Kupferberg Pass. 11:00 Check in at the Windhoek Railway Station 12:00 Visit the historical Railway Museum, cultural performance and welcome drinks at the Station 12:00 The train is on maintenance Desert Express Visit pelican point where you will The first major railway project was started in 1897 when the German Colonial Authority built the "Staatsbahn" (state railway) from Swakopmund to Windhoek.By 1902 the line was completed. Depart from Windhoek (No lunch) Biltong stop at Okahandja. which is crazy. Kokerboom: 6 compartments - Accommodation coach You can find vendors selling kapana in the Katutura township, and its a must-try for any foodie. Children under eight years are not allowed to board the train for safety reasons. There are multiple departures during the day. Arrange for a driver to take you to Swakopmund. TransNamib , via their StarLine passenger service, operates trains from Windhoek to destinations all over Namibia. Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail. All operations ceased in November 2020. As a local, Im excited to share some insider tips to help you make the most of your stay. Arrive Windhoek at 14:00. Page is sponsored by ETS & Passengers can enjoy aircraft-style reclining seats, air-conditioning, vending machines and audio-visual entertainment systems and have a choice of travelling Business Class or Economy Class. yearly in December and January. Starline is an affordable, safe and comfort daily passenger-train service between Windhoek and all major towns connected to the rail system. Depart and guests served with light lunch Arrive at Windhoek Railway station and guests disembark, What to wear: Stuff to Do Trip from Windhoek to Swakopmund - Tripadvisor I thought we were going to make a stop deeper in the tourist area of town as well. Nightlife TransNamib - The preferred bulk transporter of Namibia Desert Express also offers a 7 to 10 days excursion to the South as well as Etosha National Park. Swakopmund (German for "Mouth of the Swakop") is a city on the coast of western Namibia, 352 km west of the Namibian capital Windhoek via the B2 main road. Desert Express 8:00 Dune excursion You are more limited, and it is more expensive than other ways to get there. Desert WALVIS BAY-PRETORIA ITINERARY >, As of 2024, the Namibia Safari and Dune Express will merge to become 11 NIGHTS. Desert Express Train trips in Namibia with rates, prices and fares to Windhoek and Swakopmund you can make physical contact with the seals. Train overnight at a secure siding, 07:00 Recommended option Fly Fly from Eros (ERS) to Walvis Bay (WVB) 1h 28m $71 - $109 Cheapest option Bus Cheetah Feeding & lots more. afternoon game drive. Re: How do I get from Windhoek to Swakopmund 10 years ago Save Your options are limited to what is available. one way. If you only have 2 days, then I suggest you take a tour to Sossussvlei and se the huge dunes there. The train, located at the Windhoek Railway Station, departs twice a week and travels 399 kilometers, covering the distance at an average speed of 100 km/hour. 24 compartments in total Pretoria to Swakopmund - 2 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and 06:30 Breakfast. His grave can be found in the Heroes Acre, and his legacy is still celebrated by many Namibians today. The town has 44,725 inhabitants and covers 196 km2 of land. There are also trains but they also dont leave every day and apparently they take forever and dont necessarily have sleeper cars. Option 4: Take the Train from Windhoek to Swakopmund One of the most significant cultural events in Windhoek is the Windhoek Karneval, a four-day festival that takes place every October. Dinner: Braai or Poitjie at secure siding (open space) Welwitschia: Restaurant However, you can take the train to Windhoek, take the walk to Windhoek, take the shuttle to Swakopmund, take the walk to Swakopmund, then take the bus to Walvis Bay. Drinks on-board, lunch, gratuities and souvenirs are VIDEO PORTFOLIO This option is suitable for those seeking a unique experience, as well as the perfect opportunity to take in the mesmerizing landscapes of Namibia. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-37497020', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car in Walvis Bay and drive 30km north to Swakopmund. Depart for Windhoek with breakfast and lunch on the train. The flight duration is just under an hour, and youll be able to witness Namibias diverse landscapes from above. Have lunch onboard of the cruise and JOIN I understand the drive is 4 hours each way which is a long drive since we have so little time. I cant wait for my trip to Namibia. check in enjoy lunch and rest. can spend the evening at the water hole. 08:40 5h 36m $178 - $518 2 alternative options Bus, shuttle Take the bus from Johannesburg to Windhoek Take a shuttle bus from Windhoek to Swakopmund 29h 13m Drive Drive from Johannesburg to Swakopmund 22h 57m $240 - $360 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Johannesburg (JNB) to Walvis Bay (WVB) flights and Cancellation Passenger Service - TransNamib Day 2. It takes around 4.5 to 5 hours to travel the full distance. Business class N$33 more. VIDEO/PHOTO COLLECTION . Independent Travel in Southern Africa : You can do it! 20:00 Dinner: Braai or Potjie at secure siding (open space) Windhoek to Swakopmund train services arrive at Swakopmund. I was far away from home! Swakopmund train. The train is stationed in Windhoek. What do you suggest? The town has 44,725 inhabitants and covers 196 km2 of land. 18:00 Sundowner at Stingbank It has been very helpful . Enjoy the view and activities along the way, spend a few hours exploring Swakopmund before you board the train for your return to Windhoek. 16 reviews 29 helpful votes Desert Express Train 12 years ago Save In mid April 2007 my husband and I visited Namibia. Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail. Contact & reservations: Luxury Rail Safari in Namibia | Train Journeys and Safaris to Namibia's consists of nine coaches, which are permanently linked via a draw bar. Spitzkoppe: Lounge and Bar The train offers exclusive overnight weekend trips between Windhoek and Swakopmund. All rights reserved. Parallel to this government initiative the Otavi Mining and Railway Company (O . get close with a colony of Cape fur seals. The above field ensures that automated "robots" do not fill in this form and spread junk mail. Copyright 2021 Beyond Babeesh. lounge, which is in the bar area a visit to dune 7 and then back to Swakopmund. To go to Swakopmund from Windhoek, you can take the Intercape bus that leaves from Windhoek. A preliminary Itinerary is as follows: WINDHOEK - SWAKOPMUND - WINDHOEK. ways to tastefully echo the landscape through which you travel. Copyright 2020 Facilit8 Namibia, All Right Reserved, We are the only company offering various possible travel options on the Desert Express, TO BOOK TOURS FOR NAMIBIA AND SOUTHERN AFRICA. That is an easy option, but it does not run every day! This option is best suited for those who want to reach their destination quickly, with limited time. THE ROUTE: WINDHOEK - SWAKOPMUND Check in . Day 4. 7 Day Swakopmund & Etosha Holiday: If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Windhoek and Swakopmund is 360.88 km. namibweb.com - The online guide | YouTube | 16:10 Windhoek is a city full of hidden gems and fascinating stories. Things to Do The last option to travel from Windhoek to Swakopmund is via train. Plan wisely, stay safe and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and charming people of Namibia, one of Africas hidden gems. Depart and guests served with late light lunch Many rental car companies offer suitable vehicles for driving through Namibias rugged terrain, and youll need them if youre planning to explore the countrys national parks. The cheapest way to get from Windhoek to Swakopmund is to take a plane, tickets to which cost from 40 USD and travel time is 2 hours. Gate where you will exit. I will earn a small commission if you book or buy something through this site. Windhoek to Swakopmund | Tickets & Timetables | Rome2Rio WALVIS BAY-PRETORIA ITINERARY 11n 2024 >, Rovos Rail. Casual to Semi Formal for Dinners. Heres my trip overview: Is Backpacking in Africa Expensive? Desert Express is a full member of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN). Rail and Relax from Windhoek to Swakopmund and return..there is no more comfortable way to experience Namibia. LAY-OUT OF DESERT EXPRESS 1map has found 4 routes to get to Swakopmund from Windhoek by car, plane, shuttle, train. The fastest trip from Windhoek to Swakopmund by plane lasts 2. The Desert Express is a train that travels . Stardune: Bistro Bar There are 4 ways to get from Windhoek to Swakopmund by plane, bus, car or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. One of the most fascinating stories from Windhoeks past is the story of Hendrik Witbooi, a respected Nama leader who fought against German colonial rule. Two of the most popular cities for visitors are Windhoek, the capital, and Swakopmund, a charming coastal town. Since these two destinations are located about 360 kilometers apart, transportation is a vital consideration when planning a trip. the Desert Express is NON-OPERATIONAL and NO dates or rates have been released nor has it been advised that the train is or will be travelling. This blog contains affiliate links. The quickest way to get from Windhoek to Swakopmund is to take a plane, tickets to which cost on average 65 USD and travel time is 2 hours. In most cases these places of accommodation will arrange your transfers -contracted out through private companies. Culture Stay overnight and return. Oryx: 6 compartments - Accommodation coach More importantly, train travel is regarded as one of the safest transportation modes, and the trains are equipped with top-notch facilities. Die Bahnstrecke Swakopmund-Windhoek ist eine stillgelegte Hauptbahnstrecke in Sdwestafrika, dem heutigen Namibia.Sie wurde ab September 1897 erbaut und bis 1990 unter dieser Streckenbezeichnung (zuzglich des 1914 errichteten Weiterbaus nach Walvis Bay) betrieben.. Heute wird die Strecke - teilweise auf einer nrdlich davon gelegenen neuen Trasse - ber Swakopmund hinaus bis Walvis . 13:00 Depart: Guests served with light lunch Exploring Namibia TV Arrive Swakopmund (Rand Rifles) 08:00. One compartment sleeps two adults and one child Rates include dinner, Guests disembark. Itineraries Desert Express Train in Namibia | See Namibia Dunes and Wildlife by TransNamib provides locomotive power for hauling capacity to visiting foreign tourist trains, coming mostly from South Africa. Arrive Walvis Bay. Regular passenger trains marketed as StarLine are run by TransNamib on the following routes: Windhoek to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, runs Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, departs 19:15, arrives next day at Swakopmund 05:02 & Walvis Bay 07:15. How to get from Windhoek to Swakopmund - 1MAP . In this guide, well explore the various transportation options and provide useful information to help you choose the best option for your journey. If this doesn't work out I would then take the public shuttle option as they are punctual and reliable. There is another shuttle service called Sunshine Tours which I haven't used, but they do have a better timing schedule to maximise your time in Swakop. Do you have 2 days (and 3 nights)? Unscheduled time changes can occur due to unforseen & unplanned circumstances. Windhoek to Swakopmund - Windhoek Forum - Tripadvisor Exquisite wine list or 2 nights (and 1 day)? Human intervention is required. Although the trip by rail takes longer it provides a comfortable ride where there is onboard entertainment, free WIFI and refreshments available to passengers during this enjoyable journey. Desert Express Train - Namibia Forum - Tripadvisor The cheapest way to get from Windhoek to Swakopmund is to take a plane, tickets to which cost from 40 USD and travel time is 2 hours. Your options are limited to what is available. Excursions There are two sections: a smokers and non-smokers. There are no plans to operate the Desert Express again in the near future. Tourism It is part of the TransNamib railway network. I can't give a personal recommendation as I haven't used them though. will not be held Namibia is a unique country with vast, sparsely populated regions and fascinating destinations. Air-conditioned History of rail transport in Namibia - Wikipedia 14:30 Depart from Windhoek (No lunch) Biltong stop at Okahandja. Thanks for sharing your awesome trips. Alternatively, you can take the drive to Walvis Bay. You just need to be flexible with time. Otherwise, leave at sunrise and drive to Swakopmund. The ride cost me 140 Namibian Dollars. *Flights are offered on select dates only. Locals dress up in elaborate costumes and take to the streets for a parade, accompanied by music, dancing, and plenty of beer. 20:00 Enjoy your time in this beautiful part of the world! Travel Guide. Desert Express also offers a 7 to 10 days excursion to the South as well as Etosha National Park. Children 13 + years: Standard Adult Rates, WINDHOEK SWAKOPMUND / SWAKOPMUND -WINDHOEK (One Way), VEHICLE TRANSFER RATE (One Way): N$ 1,900, Windhoek 12:00 There are 4 ways to get from Keetmanshoop to Swakopmund by train, shuttle, car or plane Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. I really appreciate it! DESERT EXPRESS: NORTHERN NAMIBIA SCHEDULE ( MOKUTI LODGE) 7 DAY SWAKOPMUND & ETOSHA HOLIDAY Day 1. Namibias unique rail experience offers an overnight weekend get-away from Starview: Function / conference venue. Recommended option Train, shuttle Take the train from Keetmanshoop to Windhoek Take a shuttle bus from Windhoek to Swakopmund Depart by bus to Etosha southern gate at Okaukuejo. See 11-night 2024 itineraries below. How do I get from Windhoek to Swakopmund - Tripadvisor www.namibweb.com PRETORIA-WALVIS BAY ITINERARY > 15:00 Arrive at Windhoek Railway station. The tour includes: onboard accommodation, elegant StarLine Passenger Service landscapes with a pick nick lunch in the Desert Depart after lunch depart for 9-11 NIGHTS 3400km In 1980 this extension was replaced by an alternative route behind the dunes that allowed for higher axle load.[4]. Take shuttle, or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Namibia Safari - Rovos Rail I didnt realize I had missed my stop until we were halfway to Walvis Bay! Its a vibrant neighborhood that offers a unique perspective on daily life in the city, and youll find some of the best street food and local markets there. Other options include (beginning with the quickest mode): Depart from Eros Airport, Windhoek, arrive in Walvis Bay. Its IATA code is ZSZ. Another option for traveling between Windhoek and Swakopmund is flying. It is at no extra cost to you and the tiny commission I make helps keep the blog up and running! Day 6. Find cheap tickets from Windhoek to Swakopmund, browse timetables, compare travel options, and book your journey with Rome2Rio. Services - TransNamib but nowhere else. The quickest route follows the B2 highway, which connects Windhoek to Swakopmund directly. To get back to Windhoek you can take a shared taxi, but also there is a gas station near the taxi stand just outside of town where you can take a shared car that is the same price (around 140 Namibian Dollars) yet goes much faster. Kindly note that, as a moving hotel, the train requires a minimum booking capacity to run, thus please double check booking status before making any payments. Railway stations on the TransNamib Railway, "Swakopmund, Railway Station (ZSZ) information", "The Development of the Namibian Railway Network. Somewhat of a misnomer, the luxury Namibia Desert Express actually takes 22 hours to cover the 350km from Windhoek to Swakopmund, but that allows you plenty of time to appreciate the train's opulence and gaze at the desert landscape through vast windows, while reclining in soft leather seats. I hope this insiders guide inspires you to go beyond the usual tourist spots and discover the rich culture and history of this vibrant African city. Upon arriving at the Swakopmund Airport, visitors then can take a taxi or hire a car to complete their journey. 15:00 DAY 1 - Friday. The Desert Express 14:30 Important: Kindly take note that schedules & timings are subject to change This is a good option if you can stomach crazy driving! Windhoek to Swakopmund 13 years ago Save We will be travelling from Windhoek to Swakomund via the main tarmac road. Visit craft market in Okahandja. Fun fact: the restaurants interior is decorated with over 1,500 bras collected from patrons over the years! will this give us enough time to complete the trip? Your blog is very resourceful and assists in planning. Not sure what time sunset is in July, I presume early. confirm pricing. While many tourists flock to the Independence Museum and Parliament Gardens, there are some hidden gems that are not as well-known. salt pan, and the lagoon where you might see plenty of flamingos and afterwards After breakfast you will go on game drive towards the Namutoni Please note that in 2020 the Desert Express ceased operating indefinitely. www.namibweb.com and ETS I mean, with a name like Swakopmund why wouldnt you want to go there? Attractions 21:00 Swakopmund railway station (German: Bahnhof Swakopmund) is a railway station serving the town of Swakopmund in Namibia. Group & Charter rates will be sent on request. Report inappropriate content 1-4 of 4 replies Sorted by 1 Jeremiah A Colorado Level Contributor 229 posts 1. This Another must-see is the Heroes Acre, a monument dedicated to those who fought for Namibias independence from South Africa. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop with the freshest and most exciting happenings in your city. Desert Express Train, Namibia - Book your Desert Express Experience here. 1. Car transportation: on request. after lunch its back to the yacht club and then proceeds by bus to visit the Fortunately, getting from Windhoek to Swakopmund isnt a complicated endeavor. aspects of the product, to afford, you, our esteemed passenger "the best possible Meerkat: 6 compartments - Accommodation coach 15:00 Depart: and guests served with late light lunch on train If you ride your car with an average speed of 112 kilometers/hour (70 miles/h), travel time will be 03 hours 13 minutes. Desert Express is Namibias distinctive rail experience that provides a unique luxury excursion across the magnificent landscape of Namibia. Visit the historical Railway Museum, cultural performance and This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Day 1 Otjiwarongo for overnight on the train. We will definitely update our status at least 45 days before departure. En Route returning to Windhoek you will experience the most beautiful Sunset Activity.dont loose out, welcome on board. Zanzibar City to Swakopmund - 2 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio Keetmanshoop to Swakopmund - 3 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio Burnt amber upholstery, rich golden-red woods and animal motifs are just a few Two bus companies offer services between Windhoek and Swakopmund, both of which include fully air-conditioned coaches with comfortable seating. Distance from Windhoek to Swakopmund - Distance Calculator Tsumeb Office. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Desert Express since its inception, has and will continue to amend various You'll never know when it'll arrive at the station so don't ask someone waiting for you :) Beautiful landscapes and. How to travel cheap from Windhoek to Swakopmund? On the last morning, the train travels the Namib to the perfectly preserved 19th-century German Hansa town of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey. discontinued A small safe is available for valuables, Spitzkoppe Lounge To get to Swakopmund from Windhoek you can take a flight from Windhoek. Trains from Windhoek to Swakopmund depart from Windhoek. 12:00 Visit the historical Railway Museum, cultural performance and 2023. Swakopmund (German for "Mouth of the Swakop") is a city on the coast of western Namibia, 352 km west of the Namibian capital Windhoek via the B2 main road. The rest of the train, especially the restaurant and thecompartments are NO SMOKING ZONES. Gift shop, Welwitschia Restaurant If a charter is too expensive I would check into an Air Namibia flight. If youre visiting Windhoek, Namibias capital city, get ready for a uniquely African experience. Two bus companies offer services between Windhoek and Swakopmund, both of which include fully air-conditioned coaches with comfortable seating. Johannesburg to Swakopmund - 2 ways to travel via plane, bus, shuttle welcome drinks at the Station 12:00 08:40 Visit Okahandja craft market Dinner, overnight & breakfast on Flights from Windhoek to Swakopmund arrive at Walvis Bay. The German colonial railway was taken over by the Railways of South Africa after World War I and linked into the network of South Africa. Its a big country but the roads are good. 1map has found 4 routes to get to Swakopmund from Windhoek by car, plane, shuttle, train. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Whether you prefer the flexibility and scenic landscapes of driving, the quickness of flying, the affordability of bus travel, or the unique experience of train travel, theres an option for you. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-37496427', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane is $3,000. The building of German South West Africa 's railways began with a small mining rail line at Cape Cross in 1895. It was an absolute delight. Traveling by train from Swakopmund to Windhoek - YouTube Cheetah feeding and buffet lunch at Okapuka That is an easy option, but it does not run every day! See Also: My Tips for Taking Trains Across Africa. Windhoek's train station is in the city centre, just off Bahnhof Street. For this option, an individual will have to use a domestic airline, Westair Aviation. through the desert, connecting these two towns twice a week. Enjoy the view and activities along the way, spend a few hours exploring Swakopmund before you board the train for your return to Windhoek. to build a railway line from the German port of Swakopmund to Windhoek, to use existing, 600 mm ( 1 ft 11 58 in) gauge military Feldbahn material, and to entrust a railway brigade with the construction work, which began in September 1897. You can opt for a pit-stop at the beautiful town of Okahandja, see the famous Spitzkoppe, or enjoy a few hours in the town of Usakos, all of which are in between the two destinations. There are so many reasons to visit Namibia that its hard to know where to start. 11:30 Cheetah feeding and Buffet lunch at Okapuka Lodge The train offers exclusive overnight weekend trips between Windhoek and Swakopmund. 14:30. beautiful country since 3 April 1998. Dinner on-board, Ala-carte menu Train overnight at a secure siding, 07:00 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 21:00 Night entertainment & Ohungi around the fire, 07:00 Breakfast en route to Okahandja Full bar services Max 2 adults & 1 Child per compartment The team typically replies in a few minutes. Train from Windhoek to Swakopmund. Tickets from NTrip Rhino: Power car and storage Do any hotels provide a shuttle service. Check in at the Windhoek Railway Station. UPDATE, SCHEDULES AND FACILITIES. I have contacts if you wish to explore this route. Special Tourist Trains The train will travel through the Namib Desert and finally behind the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, where it will stop for sixty minutes, to allow passengers to disembark and take a walk. Check in, lunch, rest and PRETORIA-WALVIS BAY ITINERARY 11n 2024 > The most popular option for traveling from Windhoek to Swakopmund is driving. Will take you forever to arrive and is not recommended for your itinerary. If youre looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Windhoek, consider visiting the Katutura township. It drops you off a little ways outside of town before it continues to Walvis Bay, the more industrial seaside town about a half an hour away. The taxi stand is actually just the Puma gas station there and its really clean and chill. Where are you staying in Windhoek or Swakopmund? Arrive at Swakopmund railway station & guests disembark It felt like the shore of Lake Superior in my home state Michigan, but then you see pink feathers on the ground and a flock of Flamingos flying overhead and poof back to reality. On the cruise 10:00 Arrive at Swakopmund Railway Station. Namibia: How to go to Swakopmund from Windhoek - Beyond Babeesh Like in the rest of the region, the combies leave when full. Click "Search" to see current routes for all types of transport. Another option is to take a tour of the citys street art, which features murals and graffiti that celebrate the citys culture and history. 14:00 Game drive at Okapuka Ranch It is the capital of the Erongo administrative district.