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The Dune Express

On this magnificent rail journey explore the glorious landscape of - a beautiful country of extreme contrasts, vast colorful deserts, dunes, extra-terrestrial rock formations, great game reserves, delightful coastal towns with old world German hospitality, bushman settlements and the wind vitality of the south Atlantic seaboard. This spectacular 12-day journey starts in Pretoria and winds its way to the coast of Namibia, a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine and seemingly endless space. First stop is Kimberley for a visit to the Big Hole and diamond mine museum village before continuing on to for a walking tour and wine tasting. After crossing the border, guests visit the Fish River Canyon, second in size to the Grand Canyon, followed by tours of historical towns Lüderitz, Kolmanskop and Keetmanshoop. Day seven sees guests overnighting at a Sossusvlei lodge, surrounded by the dramatic dunes of the -Naukluft Park, with visits to the natural Sesriem Canyon and the 170m-high star-dune “45”. The train then leaves the vast stillness of the Kalahari Desert for a city tour of . On day ten guests travel to the Etosha National Park for an overnight stay with game-viewing activities before ending the journey in the quaint seaside town of and Walvis Bay.

Itinerary Day 1 - Your journey starts in Johanesburg

Join the Shongololo Express at 3 PM. The train departs from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria for Kingswood for our overnight stop.

Day 2 - Visit the incredible Augrabies National Park

Visit the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum in Kimberley. Return to the train in Kimberley and depart for Upington. Enjoy lunch on board.

Day 3 - Enjoy exploring Fish River Canyon Morning tour of Upington and wine tasting at Belazel Brandy & Wine Cellar. The train departs Upington for Nakop for border formalities with Namibia. Enjoy lunch on board. Overnight in Holoog.

Day 4 - Fish River Canyon Morning visit to the Fish River Canyon, the largest in the southern hemisphere. Return to the train and depart for Aus for overnight. Enjoy lunch on board. Day 5 - The of Kolmanskop Full-day tour of the ghost town Kolmanskop and Lüderitz, well known for its colonial architecture and wildlife. The train departs for Keetmanshoop for overnight. Day 6 - Keetmanshoop Morning tour of Keetmanshoop. See the Giant’s Playground with its 20km-long dolerite dykes as well as Quiver Tree Forest, home to 300 species of the Aloe dichotomy. Return to the train and depart for Mariental. Enjoy lunch on board. Day 7 - Namib-Naukluft Park Transfer to a Sossusvlei lodge in the Namib-Naukluft Park. Visit the Sesriem Canyon, shaped over millions of years by the Tsauchab River. Overnight at lodge.

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 1/13 Day 8 - Sunrise @ Dune 45 Enjoy sunrise from Dune 45 followed by brunch at the lodge. Take a scenic drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park. The train departs for Rehoboth for overnight. Day 9 - Enjoy the gems of Namibia City tour of Windhoek. See the Trans-Namib Transport Museum, the Alte Feste (Old Fortress), the Evangelical Lutheran Church – a striking landmark – and the Namibia Craft Centre in the old Breweries Building. Return to the train and depart for . Enjoy lunch on board. Day 10 - Etosha National Park Transfer to a lodge in Etosha National Park. Enjoy game-viewing activities. Overnight at lodge.

Day 11 - Game Drive Enjoy a morning game drive before checking out and returning to the train. Rejoin the train in Otjiwarongo and depart for Kranzberg for overnight. Day 12 - End of Tour Arrive at Walvis Bay Station where your tour ends. Check out of the train.

Destination Information Augrabies Falls National Park Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56-m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood. The Khoi people called it 'Aukoerebis', or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18-km abyss of the Orange River Gorge. Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region. Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adapt ultimately survive. The 55 383 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and giraffe.

Aus Aus is a village in Karas Region in southern Namibia. It lies on a railway line and the B4 national road, 230 km west of Keetmanshoop and about 125 km east of Lüderitz. Trains from Keetmanshoop now terminate at the village but formerly continued on to Lüderitz. The village is small but has a number of amenities including a hotel, police station, shop and garage. It is located in the Aus Mountains above the plains of the Namib Desert. The climate is usually hot and arid but snow has been recorded in winter.

Cape Cross Seal Reserve. Cape Cross Seal Reserve is situated 150 km north of Swakopmund on the west coast of Namibia. The reserve is the home of one of the largest colonies of Cape Fur Seals in the world. The name refers to the large stone cross erected in the area by Portuguese settlers in the 16th century.

Etosha National Park It was proclaimed as Namibia's first conservation area in 1907 by the then German Government. Consisting of saline desert, Savannah and woodlands the National Park is one of the largest Game Reserves in Africa. Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow depression of approximately 5000 sq km, which for most part of the year is a bleak expanse of white cracked mud, which shimmers with mirages. The salt pan fills with water briefly in the summer months, when it attracts pelicans and flamingos in particular. Also attract a variety of animals, including Black Rhinoceros and Black Face Impala.

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 2/13 Fish River Canyon The Fish River Canyon is located in Namibia. It is one of the largest canyons in the world (definitely the largest in Africa), as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It features a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 mi (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia, but its flow in the present is a puny trickle compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past. It cuts deep into the plateau which is today dry, stony and sparsely covered with hardy drought resistant plants such as succulents. The river flows intermittently, usually coming down in flood in late summer, and when it ceases to flow it becomes a chain of long narrow pools on the sandy rock-strewn floor of the chasm. At the lower end of the Fish River Canyon, the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais provides an oasis in the desolate rocky wastes.

Henties Bay Henties Bay is a coastal town in Erongo Region, Namibia. It is located 70 km north of Swakopmund and is an important holiday settlement. 70 kilometres to the north of the town is the seal colony of Cape Cross. The town has 3,300 inhabitants and owns 121 square kilometres (47 sq mi) of land.

Johannesburg

Known as eGoli (place of gold),it is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in . The city is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world, and Africa's only officially designated global city. It houses the South African Constitutional Court - South Africa's highest court. It has the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The city is considered as a transit point for connecting flights to Cape Town, Durban, and the Kruger National Park. It has many attractions places such as the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City- a large amusement park, and The Johannesburg Zoo. Also have several art museums, such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery and the Mandela Museum.

Keetmanshoop Keetmanshoop is a city in Karas Region, southern Namibia, lying on the Trans-Namib Railway from Windhoek to Upington in South Africa. It is named after Johann Keetman, a German industrialist and founder of the city. Before the arrival of Europeans, the area was known as Nu-gouses, which means "Black Marsh" and indicated the presence of a spring in the area. In 1860 the Rhenish Missionary Society founded a mission there to christianize the local Nama. The first missionary, Johann Georg Schröder, arrived in Keetmanshoop on April 14, 1866, which is now marked as the founding date of Keetmanshoop. The mission station was named after the German trader Johann Keetman who supported the mission financially, but never actually visited the place himself.

Kolmanskop Just outside of Lüderitz lies the ghost town of Kolmanskop. This previously bustling diamond town is now abandoned, and fights a constant struggle against being buried under the shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert.

Luderitz Lüderitz is a harbor town in southern Namibia, lying on one of the least hospitable coasts in Africa. It was founded in 1883; Lüderitz began its life as a trading post, with other activities in fishing and guano-harvesting. The town has re-styled itself in an attempt to lure tourists to the area, which includes a new waterfront area for shops and offices. The town is known for its colonial architecture, including some Art Nouveau work, and for wildlife including seals, penguins, flamingos and ostriches. It is also home to a museum, and formerly lay at the end of a railway line to Keetmanshoop.

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 3/13 Namib Desert The Namib Desert is a desert in Namibia which forms part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park one of Africa's largest. The desert occupies an area of around 50 000 km. The area is considered to be the oldest desert in the world, having endured arid or semi-arid conditions for at least 80 million years. A number of unusual species of plants and animals are found only in this desert. The Namib is an important location for the mining of tungsten, salt and diamonds. Access is via light aircraft from Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay at the north end of the desert, or overland on gravel roads.

Omaruru Omaruru is a town and constituency in the Erongo Region of Namibia. Its official population is 6,792, although local estimates range between 6,000 and 12,000. The town is situated by the Erongo Mountains, on the usually dry Omaruru River. It is located on the main paved road from Swakopmund to Otjiwarongo. The name in the local Otjiherero language means 'bitter milk', as the cattle used to browse on a local bush that turned their milk bitter. The town is known for its annual festival where the Hereros commemorate their past local chiefs, its winery and for the dinosaur footprints at nearby Otjihenamaparero.

Otjiwarongo Otjiwarongo is a large town in Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia. It is situated in central-north Namibia, lying on the Trans-Namib Railway. The name means "Pleasant Place" or "Place Where Fat Cattle Graze" in Otjiherero. The main interest for tourists is Otjiwarongo's proximity to the Waterberg Plateau Park. Otjiwarongo is home to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, an internationally-recognized organization dedicated to ensuring the long-term survival of the cheetah through research, conservation and education.

Quiver Tree Forest The Quiver Tree Forest is a forest and a well-known tourist attraction of southern Namibia. It is located about 14 km north of Keetmanshoop, on the road to Koës, in the Gariganus farm. It comprises about 250 specimens of Aloe dichotoma, a species of aloe that is also locally known as "quiver tree" because bushmen use its branches to make quivers. The forest is spontaneous; the highest quiver trees are 2-3 centuries old. The forest was also declared a national monument of Namibia on June 1st 1995.

Spitzkoppe The Spitzkoppe (also referred to as Spitzkop, Groot Spitzkop, or the "Matterhorn of Namibia"), is a group of bald granite peaks or bornhardts located between Usakos and Swakopmund in the Namib desert. The granite is more than 700 million years old and the highest outcrop rises about 1784 meters (5857 feet) above sea level. The peaks stand out dramatically from the flat surrounding plains. The highest peak is about 700m above the floor of the desert below. A minor peak- the Little Spitzkoppe - lies nearby at an elevation of 1584 metres above sea level. Other prominences stretch out into a range known as the Pontok Mountains.

Swakopmund Swakopmund is Namibia's premier beach resort and is one of the best preserved examples of German colonial architecture in the world. It was founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German South-West Africa. It is one of the few places anywhere outside of Europe where a sizable minority of the population speaks German and has German roots. Notable buildings in the city include the Altes Gefängnis prison and the Wörmannhaus public library. Attractions in Swakopmund include a transport museum, the National Marine Aquarium, a crystal gallery and spectacular sand dunes near Langstrand south of the Swakop River. Outside of the city, the Rossmund Desert Golf Course is one of only 5 all-grass desert golf courses in the world.

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 4/13 Upington Upington is the main commercial, agricultural and educational center of the Green Kalahari and Gordonia regions in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. This Southern Kalahari Desert town is situated within the fertile Orange River valley - A glittering green ribbon, which brings life-giving water from the Lesotho Highlands and snakes across the semi-arid Northern Cape landscape. The Orange River that flows through Upington is the result of the confluence of the Orange and Vaal rivers at the town of Douglas, approximately 300 km upstream. Upington is a holiday destination with all the amenities required for the many tourists who stay or travel through it, as well as an agricultural hub for one of the most intensive sultana grape farming areas in the country. The economy of Upington relies heavily on agriculture, tourism and the services industry and many large South African companies dealing with wine, table grapes, dried fruit and livestock farming have their head offices in the town.

Walvis Bay Walvis Bay, is a port in Namibia and the bay on which it lies. The bay has been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbor, protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. Being rich in plankton and marine life, these waters drew large numbers of whales attracting whalers and fishing vessels. A succession of colonists exploited the location and resources of this strategic harbor settlement. The harbor's value in relation to the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope had caught the attention of world powers since it was discovered. This explains the complicated political status of Walvis Bay down the years. The town lies at the end of the TransNamib Railway to Windhoek, and on the B2 road. Walvis Bay's attractions include the artificial Bird Island, centre of a guano collection industry, the Dune 7 sand dune, salt works, birdlife and a museum. Kuisebmund Stadium, home to two clubs in the Namibia Premier League, is also located in the city.

Windhoek Windhoek is the capital of the Republic Namibia. It is located in the Khomas Region, and is a major trade centre of sheep skins. Windhoek was originally inhabited by the Herero, and then became the centre of a Nama chief. occupied the region in 1885, and it became the seat of colonial rule in 1892, as the capital of the colony of German South-West Africa. During World War I, Windhoek was captured by South African troops and became a South African Mandate under the League of Nations. Until the independence of Namibia was inaugurated in 1990, Windhoek was recognized as the capital of .

Price Chart All Rates in US$ per person including ALL taxes and surcharges Group Tour Rates Class Dates Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate Emerald For departure May 11,2017 US$ 9,869 US$ 6,579 N/A Gold For departure May 11,2017 US$ 7,869 US$ 5,246 N/A

Departures

May 2017 11

PLEASE NOTE: The above rates are calculated based on the local currency (ZAR) and are subject to change based on exchange rate fluctuations. Your balance payment will be due and payable based on the exchange rate at that

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 5/13 time. An option to pay in full and lock in today’s exchange rate is also available; please contact us for details. Included in the package price: •Arrival transfer: airport - train •Departure transfer: train - airport •11 Nights accommodation on board the train •Breakfast and dinner daily •A free choice of available Land Excursions NOT included in the package price: •Available Specialized Activities •Domestic or international airfare •Lunches or beverages •Laundry, gratuities or purchases of a personal nature •Hotel accommodation not specified in the itinerary** •Visas where applicable •Travel insurance •Transfers between the train and hotels

Accommodation Mowani Mountain Camp , Damaraland (n/a) Damaraland, Namibia From the moment you arrive at Mowani, you will be spoiled with the services and attention of our excellent staff, who go out of their way to make your stay as unique and enjoyable as humanly possible. Mowani Mountain Camp consists of 12 luxury tents, all with en-suite facilities, decorated beautifully in East African style.

Facilities Pool deck • Guided nature drives • Hiking trips • Excursion to explore the historical site of Twyfelfontein • Suite Facilities: Built high upon a rocky outcrop • The views from every room are spectacular • Butler service • Private lounge • Music centre • Satellite television • Private dining and bar facilities • Open-air bush bathroom • Tent Facilities: Private hide-away • En-suite bathrooms • Wooden deck offering an open view of the wonderful Damara landscape.

Namutoni Resort , Etosha National Park (n/a) Etosha National ParkNamibia Namutoni is located in the eastern side of Etosha National Park. It centers on an old German Fort, overlooking the King Nehale waterhole. The Fort has been developed into the hub of activity, offering two restaurants, a relaxation lounge, a bar, crafts boutique, curio shop, jewelers and bookstore.

The Fort area is for pedestrian access only, and an elevated decked walkway along the water-hole facing wall will provide opportunities for enjoying the surrounding scenery, wildlife and the spectacular sunsets. Accommodation is provided in comfortable double rooms or bush chalets.

Facilities 20 bush chalets (2 beds) • 24 double rooms • Camping • African fusion restaurant • Steakhouse • Bar • Curio shop • Jewelers • Bookstore • Swimming pool • Activities: Historic fort • Flood-lit waterhole • Guided night drives • Guided morning and afternoon game drives

Okaukuejo Resort , Etosha National Park (3 -Star) Western Park Entrance, Etosha National Park, Namibia Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and is famous for its flood-lit waterhole where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 6/13 family chalets.

Facilities Restaurant • Bar • Shop • Swimming pool • Kiosk • Camping facilities • Room Facilities: 5 premier waterhole chalets • Waterhole chalet double rooms • Family chalets (2 rooms, 4 beds) with braai • 25 Bush chalets (2 beds) with braai • 40 Double rooms • Attractions & Activities: Flood-lit waterhole • Guided night drives • Guided morning and afternoon game drives

Okonjima Bush Camp , Otjiwarongo (n/a) Otjiwarongo, Namibia Not only is Okonjima a luxury lodge, but it is also home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization, committed to long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. Okonjima is halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park. Our goal is to make your stay here the highlight of your trip through Namibia.

Facilities Camp facilities: Curio shop • Swimming pool • Outside fireplace • Restaurant • Bar • Activities: Cheetah tracking on foot and the Cheetah Project • Leopard tracking • Birding • Photography • The Bushman Trail • Suite facilities: 8 luxury thatched African-style chalets • 3 luxury en-suite tents (for guides & pilots) • a secluded swimming pool • Queen-size bed as well as a 3/4 bed in each chalet • Mini- bar • Telephone • Private safe • The front 180° of canvas paneling may be rolled up for a spectacular view • All chalets are between 80m -100m apart from each other • Near a waterhole where wildlife may be viewed

Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa , Sossusvlei (5 -Star) Sossusvlei area District road C26 Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa is located only 21 km from Sesriem, the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park and Sossusvlei. The lodge is a harmonious blend of luxury and nature with each room offering a spectacular view of the Namib Desert. The lodge offers guests a luxury home after a day spent in the desert!

Facilities Lounge / Pool Bar • Open air tower-rooms • Spacious restaurant • Swimming pool • Jacuzzi • Wellness centre with 5 treatment rooms • Aroma baths • Quad bike tours • Nature drives on our private domain and nature drives to Sossusvlei • Scenic flights • Hot air ballooning • Horse-riding in the desert • Chalets Facilities: 25 luxury rooms • En-suite facilities • Air-conditioning • Safe • Mini bar • Coffee & tea facilities.

The Stiltz , Swakopmund (n/a) Swakopmund, Namibia The Stiltz is unique in every aspect. Its wooden bungalows built on stilts offer the most spectacular views in Swakopmund overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the river-bed or the sand dunes and the bird rich lagoon at the river mouth. Each private bungalow has been attended to in the finest detail, interlinked by wooden walkways to the others and to the main dining bungalow. You will feel in a different space, yet you are only minutes away from the charming town center with plentiful restaurants, many activities and all the amenities you could wish for.

Facilities 9 bungalows: 3 twins, 4 doubles, and one honeymoon bungalow • All accommodate 2 people each • One family bungalow which accommodates up to 4 people • Luxury villa accommodating up to 6 people • En-suite bathrooms with shower • Balcony with views of the dunes, the lagoon and the ocean • Mini bar • Breakfast included in the price • Activities in and around: Skydiving • Sailing • Sand-boarding • Dolphin Cruises • Quad Bike Trips • Kayaking with Dolphins • Desert Trips • Camel Rides • Flying Trips • Paragliding • Aquarium • Snakepark • Horse Riding • Fishing, Boat and Beach.

Kiripotib Guestfarm , Windhoek (n/a) Private Bag 13036, Windhoek

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 7/13 Experience pure Namibian guestfarm hospitality in a timeless African Kalahari desert setting. Here, in the very heart of nature, you will appreciate seemingly endless vistas over African grass savannah, rugged mountains and the stunning contrasts of the green Kalahari and the nearby rich red dunes. Apart from relaxing in the charming accommodation, Kiripotib visitors will also be intrigued by a guided tour of the African Kirikara Art workshops, their karakul carpet weavery, jewelry design studio and the sublime Kirikara gallery itself with its cornucopia of collectables for the connoisseur.

Facilities Home cooked Namibian cuisine prepared with produce fresh from the farm and gardens • Outdoor Boma • Dining room indoors • Chalets Facilities: Own shaded terrace overlooking the swaying grasslands and distant mountains. • Tea and coffee making facilities • Minibar • Safe • Own bathroom • Separate toilet • Guest Rooms: Three stylish and peaceful rooms • Private shower • Toilet • Mini safe • Tea and coffee making facilities • Activities: Farm tour • Witnessing the daily farm routines • Hiking trails • Sundowner game drive • Kalahari Nature Experience • Stargazing visit to private observatory.

Thule Hotel , Windhoek (n/a) 1 Gorges StreetWindhoekNamibia Thule, a mythical place Scandinavian legends say exists at the frontier of reality - the edge of the world, the place where the real and the imaginary touch. High up on a hill above the city of Windhoek where the free winds blow and far horizons beckon, the unique Thule Hotel offers unsurpassed mountain views, an exclusive getaway, and warm hospitality. It offers the relaxing pleasures of a remote country estate. Yet, it is only two kilometers away from the heart of the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek.

Facilities Alfresco dining at the balcony • Pool • Functional conference room • Coffee and cake is the perfect accompaniment to a leisurely afternoon • Private bar • A la carte restaurant • Room Facilities: En-suite guest rooms • Luxury VIP guest room • Physically disabled friendly • Air-conditioned • Television • Mini- bar • Safe • Coffee and tea-making facilities • Hairdryer • Heated bathroom floor • Towel rails.

** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Travel Tips & FAQ's GENERAL INFORMATION ACCOUNTS Guests will be requested to sign for on-board purchases throughout the trip. This includes signing for drinks, additional excursions, optional extras, purchases of a personal nature etc. All accounts are to be settled on the evening before departure. Please note that drinks purchased on the last night of the trip will be settled on a ‘cash bar’ basis. Accounts may be settled by means of: South African Rand, major foreign currencies or credit cards. Regrettably debit cards are not accepted. AIR-CONDITIONING Air-conditioning (where available) is operational at all times, except when the generator requires servicing. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE It is very important that we have your arrival and departure details. Should you be delayed in any way, kindly contact the Train Manager. The train will be located at the following stations at the start or end of trips: Cape Town Station; Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria; Victoria Falls Station; Walvis Bay Station. BANKING Banks and ATMs can be found in most of the towns we travel through. Should you wish to go into a bank or foreign exchange provider, a nominal transportation fee will be levied. BAR The bar is open daily from early in the morning until midnight. CHILDREN Shongololo Express cannot accommodate children under the age of 10 years old. Children over 10 pay the full rate. CORKAGE As Shongololo Express is a licensed establishment, a corkage fee applies: R150 per bottle of wine and spirits and R20 per can/bottle of minerals and water. If you have special requests with regard to liquor, please notify your reservations agent or Shongololo Express in advance. If notified timeously, we will make every effort to obtain the requested brand.

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 8/13 CURRENCY We suggest you bring Rands, US Dollars (in small denominations) or Euros (bank notes). In South Africa only Rands may be used. In Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Botswana it is possible to use US Dollars. In Namibia it is possible to use Rands. Euros are not recommended. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please inform your reservations agent or Shongololo Express directly of any special dietary requirements. DINING The dining carriages are air-conditioned and non-smoking. The total seating capacity is 72 and dress code for meal times is casual. Lunch is for guest’s own account except when otherwise stated. Meal times depend on the activities planned for the day, but are generally served at the following times: Breakfast 07h00-08h30; Lunch 13h00; Dinner 19h30. DRESS CODE As a relaxed atmosphere prevails on board, comfortable clothing is recommended. Winter in Southern Africa can be very cold and it is therefore advisable to bring along warm clothing for early mornings and evenings. DRINKING WATER We strongly advise against drinking the water in the cabins or bathrooms. Bottled water can be purchased from the bar. Each cabin receives a complimentary 1-litre bottle of water per day. ELECTRICITY The electric current on board is 220V. Each compartment is fitted with a round 3-pin socket (South African). Adapter plugs are available from the Assistant Train Manager. Please treat sockets as live at all times. A generator supplies power. Please be aware that certain breaks in power are necessary when servicing is required. GAME DRIVES Game drives are carried out in open 4x4 safari vehicles. We recommend warm clothing as the early mornings and evenings can become rather chilly. Some safari vehicles do not have a shade cover so a hat and sun block is essential. GUESTS RESPONSIBILITY All guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are physically and mentally capable of undertaking the tour and activities. HAIRDRYERS Hairdryers are supplied in each cabin. HEATING The lounge and dining room can be heated via the air-conditioning units. INTERNET There are no Internet facilities on the train. Internet cafes are available in most towns we travel through. LAUNDRY A laundry service is offered on board. A laundry bag is provided in your cabin as well as a laundry list. Items cost between R10.00 and R35.00. Clean laundry is returned within 24 to 48 hours, dependent on weather conditions and the travelling time of the train. LIBRARY A small library is located in the smoking lounge. Guests are free to make use of the books and guidebooks, but kindly return them before the end of the trip. LINEN, TOWELS AND PILLOWS Bed linen is changed every third day and towels are changed every second day. Extra pillows and blankets are available on request. LUGGAGE It is possible to store luggage in your cabin under the bed or above the door, depending on the category of accommodation you are in. It is not recommended to bring excess luggage as space is limited. OBSERVATION & BAR CARRIAGES Accommodating approximately 40 guests, the observation and bar carriages have the following features: • Air-conditioned • Non-smoking • Casual dress code MAIL Mail can be sent via our post box in the lounge area or handed to the Assistant Train Manager. Wherever possible, mail is posted daily except when in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. If you do not have stamps, please put your cabin number where the stamp will be affixed and this will be charged to your cabin. MAINTENANCE Should you discover that something in your carriage or cabin does not work, please advise the Train Manager in order for it to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. MEDICAL AND PRECAUTIONS

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 9/13 First-aid boxes are carried on board as well as first-aid equipment, although limited medical facilities are available in some areas. We therefore request that the Train Manager be immediately advised of any possible medical requirements in order to assist effectively. It is strongly recommended that guests take Malaria prophylactics for all our journeys. A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if travelling to/from Tanzania. PASSPORTS & VISAS The onus is upon guests to ensure passports and visas, as may be required, are valid prior to departure for Africa. Visas available through booking agents; please check with relevant embassies for requirements. Visitors to South Africa are required to have at least three blank VISA pages in their passports to receive an entry visa. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the guests’ return-home date. PRE AND POST TOURS Pre and post packages are available on request. RATES Rack rate one way per person sharing includes: Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis • Excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide • Entrance fees as per itinerary • Government tax. Rate excludes: Lunches off the train • All beverages • Laundry • Gratuities • Golf course fees (Good Hope/Golf only) • Visas • Travel insurance. Included in off-train accommodation: Accommodation • Meals at lodges/hotels/clubs/resorts. Excluded in off-train accommodation: Beverages, Laundry, Personal expenses. Single supplement: +50%. SAFE There is a small safe located in each cabin. SAFETY In order to avoid accidents we request that guests adhere to the following: • Never open exterior doors while the train is moving. • Never jump off or onto the train while it is moving. • An emergency brake is located halfway down each corridor and is only to be used in the case of an emergency. If used in a non-emergency situation, the culprit will be fined R10 000.00. • When taking photographs out of the window, always look ahead to see what is coming. • Please ensure that all valuables, documents and cash are kept in a safe place. Management and staff will not accept responsibility for any loss of personal property or cash if it’s not put in the safe. Please be advised that if you leave your room you must make certain that your windows are closed. • Do not stray from well-frequented areas after dark. • Change foreign currency at an authorised dealer only. SCHEDULING TIMES, ROUTES AND EXCURSIONS Shongololo Express uses the national railways of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Swaziland. Therefore the possibility exists that the trains will run late from time to time. Should the train be delayed, land activities may have to be shortened, altered or cancelled for which we do not accept responsibility. No refunds will be offered as it is out of our control and therefore unavoidable. SHOWERS and TOILETS The water used on the train is carried in tanks under each coach. These tanks are filled every day, but they cannot be topped up while the train is travelling. Please assist us by using water responsibly. SMOKING In accordance with the Southern African Smoking Act, designated smoking areas are provided. The train has a smoking lounge, which can only be used when the train is moving. When the train is stationary you may only smoke outside on the platform. Smoking is not permitted in the dining car, bathrooms, your cabin, passageways or touring vehicles on any tour. Smoking of pipes/cigars is not permitted in the designated smoking area. TIPPING/GRATUITIES This is entirely at your own discretion. Tips are divided on a pro-rata basis between members of staff. Our recommended gratuity is between US$5 and US$15 per guest per day. Gratuities may be added to the final account or can be handed to the Train Manager. Please do not tip staff members individually. TOILETRIES While on board, please feel free to ask the Train Manager for assistance with regards to amenity items you may need. TRANSFERS We can arrange transfers at an additional cost. TRAVEL INSURANCE It is compulsory for all guests to provide proof of comprehensive travel insurance including but not limited to medical cost, emergency evacuation and repatriation, cancellation or curtailment, loss of baggage, personal possessions or money. UPGRADES

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 10/13 The Train Manager will gladly discuss upgrading your accommodation, provided that it is available. The cost for the upgrade is payable directly to the Train Manager. Payment must be secured before the upgrade is granted. Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: 50% of total tour cost due at the time of booking 50% or balance due and payable no later than 65 days prior to the date of departure

CANCELLATION FEES:

(i) 10% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 65 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 35% of the total tour value if cancelled 35-64 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 0-34 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 11/13 Palace Tours Contact Information

ON THE WEB: www.palacetours.com

BY E-MAIL: [email protected]

BY PHONE: 1-800-724-5120

USA: Princeton, NJ: 609-580-1372 New York, NY: 212-920-2543 Houston, TX: 832-446-2709

International: United Kingdom: 0330 808 4654 Australia: 1800-156-671 New Zealand: 0800-442-510

BY FAX: 1-609-683-9772

BY POSTAL MAIL: Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall Street Princeton, New Jersey 08540

DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE

Please call ahead for hours and appointments! By Car:

From Princeton area: Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport. From points North: Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for “Downtown Princeton & Shopping”. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street. Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle – follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street. From points South: Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below. Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 12/13 By train:

Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one-car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to “Princeton” for presentation upon boarding the Dinky. Our office is a 10-minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles). By bus:

Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit’s 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street.

*For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment.

The Dune Express(© www.palacetours.com) 13/13