General Information

The Train

The make up of the train (generally) is as follows: Behind the locomotives there is a generator car, staff car, guest sleepers, a non-smoking lounge car, two non-smoking 42 seat dining cars (plenty of space for the maximum of 70 passengers carried) with the kitchen car in between (centre of the train), more guest sleepers and the observation car at the tail.

For information regarding the suites on board, please see accommodation. There are bar fridges and tea drawers in the suites. Your host/ess will fill them with your preference. Plug in hair dryers, in addition to the bathroom unit, are available on board.

Passports and Visas

A ten-year British or EU passport is essential for travel to South Africa and must be valid for at least six months after your intended date of return. In addition, your passport must contain three blank pages. British Citizens travelling to South Africa do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. It is your responsibility to ensure that all your travel documents are in order and in your possession when travelling.

However, regulations can change and it is the responsibility of the traveller to check that they have all the appropriate documentation prior to travel. Further information can be found at https://www.worldtravelguide.net and further UK passport information can be found at www.ukpa.gov.uk. Any non UK nationals should check with the South African Embassy for passport/visa regulations.

Political and other conditions can also vary over time in different countries and travellers are advised to check with the Foreign Office regarding any travel advice prior to travelling.

Health

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry into South Africa. Anti-malaria tablets are strongly recommended as well as inoculations against typhoid, polio, and hepatitis. In all cases, medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist should be sought before travelling. If you are prone to illness, please ensure that you carry enough medication with you as some medicines may not be available locally.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year old arriving from an infected area.

Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for ensuring peace of mind and indeed is a condition of booking. You can apply for insurance cover online here.

Dress

During the day, the dress is smart, casual and comfortable. Attire that is more formal is worn in the evening with jacket & tie is a minimum requirement for gentlemen, while for ladies an evening / cocktail dress or suit would be appropriate. Whilst off the train it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat a plenty of sun tan lotion.

Electricity on Board

The electricity on the train is as follows: 220V AC 50Hz • 3 point round pronged wall plug. International adapters are available on board.

Smoking

Smoking of cigarettes and cigars only is allowed in the privacy of the suites and in the Smoking Lounge. Please do not throw flammable items such as cigarette or cigar butts off the train, as bush fires in Africa are a constant and dangerous hazard.

Mobile Phones

Please note that the use of mobile telephones and laptop computers is forbidden in all the public areas. Please use your phone and computer in the privacy of your suite.

Cuisine and Ambience

Breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars - meals, carefully prepared, are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Meals can be adapted to suit special requirements by prior arrangement.

The Observation Car seats 32 passengers and takes up the rear end of the train. The coach next to it contains a smoking lounge which seats eight. At the centre of the train there is, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car, which seats 26 passengers in comfort. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board and the use of cellular telephones is confined to the privacy of the suites.

Gratuities

Gratuities for the staff are totally at your discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, a suitably marked envelope is included your information folder. Gratuities may be handed to the manager who then distributes any amounts collected by him on a pro rata basis amongst the staff on board.

Laundry

There is a limited and simple laundry service on board comprising of household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turn around is 48 hours so the staff would not be able to handle a week's worth of washing. Please advise your hostess if your clothing needs specialist attention.

Gift Shop

There is a small gift shop on board and at the station premises at Capital Park in Pretoria. Due to the varying exchange rates, the use of credit cards is preferred.

The shop is situated in the centre lounge car and is open between meals. The host/ess on duty has a basic first aid kit and personal essentials (toothbrushes, razors, etc.). She will also fulfil any administrative requirements and check your onward arrangements.

Prices

Please note that all prices shown on this web site for Rovos Rail are intended as a guide only, as rates can vary depending on currency fluctuations etc. The correct prices will be quoted at the time of booking.

Excursions

Please note that off-train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will only be undertaken if time and circumstances permit. Rovos Rail do their best to fulfil their obligations, but it goes without saying that with many locomotive changes and other logistical permutations it is not uncommon to be delayed in Africa.

Air-conditioning

All public carriages are air-conditioned and all suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.

Average Temperatures in °C