Windhoek to Swakopmund Aboard The Desert Express ~ Luxury Train Travel Across Namibia
Jun 14, 2004, 4:09 pm
#16
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
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Great report, Seat 2A!
Another time, take the opportunity to go up to Etosha. One can rent the cheapest car (as long as it isn't a "bakkie", or pickup type,) and book accommodations in Etosha ranging from backpacker tents to hotel rooms to very nice rondavels. 6AM to 6PM you can hit the paved roads and watch the incredible wildlife - they even have wild black rhinos there - and it doesn;t have to cost much.
Unfortunately, the National Geo videos would not have us believe it is that easy - it seems too exotic, too remote. But Etosha is a fantastic experience, and you don't have to see your lions being fed in small enclosures. (In fact when we were there, one visitor who nodded off at the benches by the waterhole in Okaukuejo wound up being the main meal himself - for an old lioness that had taken up station under a deadfall looking for easy pickings!)
Another time, take the opportunity to go up to Etosha. One can rent the cheapest car (as long as it isn't a "bakkie", or pickup type,) and book accommodations in Etosha ranging from backpacker tents to hotel rooms to very nice rondavels. 6AM to 6PM you can hit the paved roads and watch the incredible wildlife - they even have wild black rhinos there - and it doesn;t have to cost much.
Unfortunately, the National Geo videos would not have us believe it is that easy - it seems too exotic, too remote. But Etosha is a fantastic experience, and you don't have to see your lions being fed in small enclosures. (In fact when we were there, one visitor who nodded off at the benches by the waterhole in Okaukuejo wound up being the main meal himself - for an old lioness that had taken up station under a deadfall looking for easy pickings!)
Jun 16, 2004, 12:49 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
Second Train for Desert Travel
"NAMIBIA will soon acquire a second passenger luxury train with a speed of 120 km per hour, to complement the tourist Desert Express train that transports tourists within the country."
Source
johan
Source
johan
Jun 20, 2007, 1:01 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: MUC
Programs: LH Sen // HH Dia; Bonvoy LTTE
Posts: 3,205
Great report about your experience on the Desert Express. I really liked the the additional info about the train and about Namibia.
I was very surprised to read that only a single Desert Express train has been built.
I was very surprised to read that only a single Desert Express train has been built.
Jun 22, 2007, 9:43 am
#20
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SFO/STS
Programs: UA Gold-1MM, Hhonors Diamond, Marriott/SPG Gold
Posts: 1,090
Seat 2A, thanks.
You really inspired me. I am in the early planning stages of my next trip to Africa, including Botswana and Nambia. I will be sure to now try to include this train trip. I think I had read an article about it a couple of years ago, but your very detailed trip report has really inspired me.
thanks,
You really inspired me. I am in the early planning stages of my next trip to Africa, including Botswana and Nambia. I will be sure to now try to include this train trip. I think I had read an article about it a couple of years ago, but your very detailed trip report has really inspired me.
thanks,
Jun 24, 2007, 10:19 am
#22
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Programs: AA EXP UA 2KMM AMB
Posts: 2,399
It's 3 years late, but oh well, this report is so vivid and well written I have to say thank you Seat 2A.
Wow, a train ride along the Southern African continent. Certainly quite intriguing and something I'd like to do one of these days. ^
Wow, a train ride along the Southern African continent. Certainly quite intriguing and something I'd like to do one of these days. ^