Rovos Rail Walvis Bay TO Pretoria
Derailment in Naute, about 100km from Keetmanshoop.
STATEMENT ON ACCIDENT by Rovos Rail
1 March 2026
On Sunday 1 March 2026 at 04h45, the Rovos Rail train southbound from Windhoek was involved in an accident at Naute, approximately 285kms short of Ariamsvlei and the South African border.
The cause was a washaway of the last span of a bridge resulting in the loss of two locomotives and two utility coaches. The automatic brake system stopped the train to prevent further damage.
However, it is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of our Rovos Driver and the TransNamib Pilot. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.
We can confirm that there were no injuries sustained by any passengers or other Rovos Rail staff members. Buses have been arranged to transport guests to Upington from where they will be flown to Cape Town and met personally by Tiffany.
We sincerely regret this occurrence but, rest assured, the safety and well-being of our guests and staff is paramount.
Rohan, Tiffany and our communications department are on hand. Should you have any queries, please contact Liezl Maclean at communications@rovos.co.za.
We are grateful for all your messages and thank you for your support during this time.
Rovos Rail Tours
STATEMENT ON ACCIDENT by transnamib
Tragic Rail Accident Involving Rovos Rail Passenger Train
Windhoek, 1 March 2026 – “We confirm with deep sadness that a tragic rail accident involving a train operated by Rovos Rail occurred in the early hours of this morning, 1 March 2026, at approximately 05:00 AM. The train derailed near Naute, roughly 100 km from Keetmanshoop,” stated Desmond Van Jaarsveld, CEO of TransNamib.
“The emergency response plan was activated immediately, and teams were dispatched to the scene without delay,” added Van Jaarsveld. “Our priority was and remains the safety and wellbeing of all employees and passengers. Urgent medical care was provided to those affected, and survivors are being supported.
Regrettably, the accident resulted in two fatalities. Our emergency response team, together with regional medical services and the police, continues to provide ongoing support to survivors, attending to anyone requiring medical assistance, and ensuring the area is fully secured.”
An investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway. We are cooperating fully with the authorities, and once finalized, key stakeholders will be informed, and appropriate measures will be implemented to prevent any recurrence.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected during this profoundly difficult time,” concluded Van Jaarsveld.
About TransNamib
TransNamib is Namibia’s national rail operator, responsible for managing and operating the country’s rail network.
On 18 Apr 2025 a Rovos Rail train en route to Victoria Falls had a head-on collision with a cargo train near Gwanda in Zimbabwe.
Luxury Train tip: Also check Rovos Rail Pretoria to Walvis Bay departures (the "coming home" leg is pretty much the same quality as the outbound trip). WhatsApp Rovos Rob to book
Availability last updated on 20 Feb 2026 for Rovos Rail; on 13 Feb 2026 for The Blue Train
Rovos Rail Availability & Rates (Walvis Bay to Pretoria)
Prices are shown based on your selection in the 'Travellers' filter. While you are on The Blue Train and Rovos Rail, accommodation is included, fine dining (excluding caviar), beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic - except French champagne), and off-train excursions. External phone calls and gratuities are excluded. The longer you take to book the greater the chance of prices and availability changing. Select your preferred currency at the top - US Dollars, Bitcoin, Rands, Great Britain Pounds, Euros, Canadian Dollars or Australian Dollars; the prices are automatically adjusted for current exchange rates. We are the only official reseller showing prices in US Dollars, Great Britain Pounds, Euros, Canadian Dollars and Australian Dollars. We accept payment in most cryptocurrencies. Credit card payments accepted. WhatsApp Rob (any time of night or day) for more info. Email rob@southafrica.to to firm up a booking.
No surcharge for Credit Card payments
The longer you take to book the greater the chance of train fares changing. Email Rovos Rob.
Email "Rovos Rob"rob@southafrica.to; or WhatsApp anytime for anything.
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