Windhoek is the flourishing capital of Namibia and it is from here that we begin a journey through this country and experience some of the magic of the Dark Continent on a luxurious train - the Desert Express!

Comfortable leather seats in the Starview compartment are the perfect way to enjoy the heavens and, as if by magic, Venetian blinds open and provide a view of the desert sky.

Dating back to colonial times, the Christ Church is a reminder of the end of hostilities between the Germans and the indigenous population during the period when it was known as ‘German West Africa’, and indeed German influence in this part of the world is still very much in evidence today.

A popular holiday resort on the mouth of the River Swakop and the final destination of the rail journey, Swakopumund, through whose harbour everything that was used in German West Africa was transported, resulting in a regular trading route between Swakopmund and Hamburg for more than ten years - a hint of Germany on the edge of the desert!

In Swakopumund there are architectural treasures that were rented out in the days of the Kaiser and are reminiscent of various houses in Berlin. This is a part of Germany that no longer exists in Germany itself.

Namibia is, quite rightly, a much sought after tourist destination. White deserts, wild animals, mountains strewn with ravines, and white beaches - Africa’s south west is full of more than a few colourful surprises!