[1] A first local railway was constructed in 1895 by the Damaraland Guano Company for commercial purposes.

The first public railway, and the core of the present system, was constructed by the German colonial government.

After the independence of Namibia, TransNamib took control of the national rail network.

The “Desert Express” was a tourist train that ceased operations in 2020.

[1] In early 2011, the Karasburg - Ariamsvlei mainline was damaged by flash floods, as was part of the Seeheim-Lüderitz line; services were suspended.