Rovos Rail Frequently Asked Questions
Rovos Rail Luxury Train Faqs
We know you have many questions regarding booking the Rovos Rail experience. Below are the most common questions, along with important information about trips. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Rovos Rail train.
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book ?
This tour by train is a very exclusive one with only a few departures throughout the year. We strongly recommend that clients book their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. This is especially true for higher-level cabins, which are in high demand.
Can You Obtain & Advise On The Visas For Us ?
Visas can be very complicated so it is a good idea to use a specialist agent. We also recommend CIBT Visa Central, who provide a reliable service for all visas required for your trip. We provide all documentation that is required to support your application. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure that passports and visas are valid before departing for Africa. Passports should have at least five pages of blank visa pages. They must also be valid for at most six months after your return-home date.
We travel to South Africa, eSwatini and Namibia. Port-of-entry visas are available for some nationalities. You will have access to immigration forms at the airport. You should bring at least US$200 cash. You must obtain visas for Angola and DRC before you travel. When possible, we request that Tanzanian visas be obtained before you travel.
Are Your Tours Financially Protected ?
Yes! All our trips come with financial protection either through our ATOL if the trip includes a flight or insurances which comply with the UK package travel regulations for any trip that does not include a flight. In addition our ABTA membership means we must adhere to their strict code of conduct.
Can You Book International Flights For Us ?
Absolutely! With our ATOL license, we are able to book domestic and international flights. Because we are an appointed operator, we can get the best British Airways deals.
Can You Book Further Travel For Us ?
Yes, we can extend your trip to allow you to see more of the places at the other end. Just ask us for details.
Scheduling Times, Routes & Excursions
We wish to bring to your attention that Rovos Rail is solely reliant on the traction and railway services provided by the countries through which we travel. Our hands are regrettably tied when these services fail, be they due to locomotives, signals, overhead power-cable damage and/or theft, vandalism, electricity outages, railway tracks or issues with drivers etc. Delays can occur due to our reliance on these national organisations. Rovos Rail is not responsible and cannot be held liable for any delays or changes in tour arrangements that may be caused by natural or other factors beyond our control. Rovos Rail reserves the right to cancel or amend our routing, any excursions and the tour departure dates provided we can offer clients alternative excursions or departure dates. Rovos Rail cannot guarantee excursions or departure and arrival times. Our obligation to transport guests from departure to arrival points on schedule will override any commitment to excursions although we will endeavour to carry out all of the off-train experiences. We strongly caution against same-day air travel on departure/arrival days due to possible delays with flights or the train.
Postage
The Gift Shop sells stamps. For posting, you can hand your postcards to the Administration Deputy.
Guest Indemnity
While limited insurances may have been purchased, Rovos Rail Tours Ltd (Pty) Ltd, Shongololo Express (herein collectively referred as “Rovos Rail”) will not be responsible for the loss or damage of passengers’ luggage and other personal effects. While wild animals may be an occasional part of some tours, Rovos Rail and its agents, servants, or employees are not liable for any injuries or incidents that might occur to passengers or their belongings. Rovos Rail, its agents, servants, employees, and sub-contractors are hereby released from any claims that the passenger may have against them for any injury or loss whatsoever, including without limitation the generality the aforementioned, consequential loss. This includes any transport used for the tour. This waiver is binding on the executors, heirs or trustees of the passenger and their dependants. All services and facilities offered to passengers are voluntary and made with the full knowledge that they could cause injury, danger, or loss. The passenger also records that all services and facilities provided to him/her are voluntary. This waiver shall not be affected by any statements, representations, or information made by Rovos Rail. Upon reservation, Our T&C will be considered accepted and strictly adhered to.
Photography
Rovos Rail reserves all rights to use any photographs/films taken on tour by its staff for public relations purposes, without compensation or permission.
Children
We do accommodate children but we kindly ask parents to be sensitive to the adult nature and atmosphere of the train by keeping them respectful and quiet. Long journeys are not recommended for under 13s. Children between 0-2 years old are not permitted to travel. There are no child-minding facilities or activities available for children on board. Ask us for the full Rovos Child Policy document for further details.
Rovos Rail Station Tour & Museum
A highlight for guests is a visit to the private station headquarters in Capital Park, Pretoria, where the Rovos team work assiduously to ensure the locomotives and trains are maintained to the highest standard. This is the busy hub of a provisioning operation that is world-class in terms of efficiency and attention to detail. The tour will show you the nuts and bolts of the company. We also have a museum showing a historical collection of train paraphernalia.
Check-In
Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit our museum or do a site tour at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. If Pretoria is your arrival point, we suggest delaying your pick-up so you can enjoy the site tour. Passports are required at check-in. No vouchers are required. Luggage will be tagged and placed in your suite on board the train where you will find a full itinerary pack.
Amenities
Rovos Rail provides a complete amenity bag with the following South African biodegradable and/or recyclable products: soap (40g), bamboo tissues, shampoo (50ml), hand and body wash (50ml), hand and body lotion (50ml), lip balm (15ml/7g), insect repellent spray (100ml for journeys over 4 days), reusable bamboo rounds, bamboo ear buds and a compostable shower cap. Plug-in hairdryers – in addition to your bathroom unit (if applicable) – are available on board as well as sun cream, shoe mits, nail files, sewing kits, ear plugs and insect repellent.
Pets
Pets and emotional-support animals are not allowed on the train.
Currency
● South Africa – Rands only. We accept all major credit cards on the train.
● Outside of South Africa Rands areaccepted in Namibia and eSwatini.US Dollars are accepted in Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Dar es Salaam only), DRC and Angola. Cash is highly recommended. Hotels and major dealers accept credit cards.
● US Dollars printed before year 2013 or that look worn will not be accepted. Low denominations recommended for shopping/gratuities.
● Larger denominations recommended for exchanging money to local currency (especially in Tanzania) as you get a better rate.
Dietary Requirements
We cater for food allergies provided a detailed request has been made at that time of your reservation. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available on board. We regret we are unable to prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
Dining & Drinks
Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars. Breakfast: 07:00-10:00 • Lunch: 13:00 • Tea: 16:30 • Formal Dinner: 19:30. Bar service is from 07:00-±01:00. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the timetable. A gong heralds lunch and dinner. We have a carefully curated selection of local and international beverages on board with a proud focus on South African offerings. Our varied collection includes wine, brandy, gin, rum, vodka, whisky, spirits, digestifs, grappa, liqueur, beer, cider, non-alcoholic options, mixers and a cocktail menu. All beverages on board are included while special requests, such as international sparkling wine, may be pre-ordered at an additional cost. Please ensure these requests are made 30+ days before departure.
How Do I Make A Booking
Call our office on +44 020 8191 0620 or email enquiry@theluxurytraintravelcompany.com and speak to one of our consultants. Provisional reservations can be held for up to 7 days without payment. After this time confirmation is required or the cabin will be provisional reservation will be released. Upon receiving confirmation, an invoice will be issued and deposit payment is due upon receipt of this. The deposit payment secures your place on the tour.
Is There A Charge For Using A Credit Card ?
Credit card transactions are subject to a 2% surcharge. Debit card transactions are free of charge.
When Is The Deposit Due ?
After we receive your travel confirmation, we will issue you an invoice and a confirmation letter. After receipt of the invoice, the deposit will be due to confirm the trip. Deposit payments cannot be refunded.
When Is The Final Balance Due ?
The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We will not issue a final balance so please make a note of the balance due date. Cancellations received within 90 days of departure are subject to full loss of payment.
Electricity
220V AC 50Hz 3-point, round-pronged wall outlets and 110V/220V 2-pin sockets for chargers and shavers. Each suite has USB ports. International adaptors available. Generators provide power. When servicing is necessary, certain power interruptions may be required.
Do You Issue A Train Ticket ?
You do not need to have a train ticket in order to board our trains. A ticket for the train or travel vouchers will not be issued to you.
Gratuities
Gratuities for the staff are at your discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, there will be a suitably marked envelope in your suite that you can hand directly to the Train Manager who will distribute any amounts on a pro-rata basis among the staff on board. An amount between ZAR100-300 (± US$10-20) per person per night is suggested, depending on the length of your journey. At the game lodges, it is customary to tip guides and lodge staff an estimated ZAR150 (± US$10) per guest per day.
Dress Code
● Days on board are smart casual: Neat, conventional yet relatively informal in style combining casual and formal clothing pieces.
● Dinner on board is formal: For gentlemen, a collar and tie are mandatory while a jacket is optional. For ladies, we suggest
cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please respect this dress code.
● On long journeys we enjoy themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual: 1 x “AFRICA” evening
and/or 1 x “1920s” evening. See itineraries.
● Off-train excursions: We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion and hats. If required, blankets and rain capes are available.
● Game drives are on open vehicles so please dress accordingly: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be
warm then cool down considerably.
Dressing Gowns
For each guest, we provide a one-size-fits all gown and slippers to use on the train. They are also available for purchase in the Gift Shop if you want to take one home.
Gift Shop / Administration
There is a small gift shop on the train and at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Due to the varying exchange rates, credit cards are preferred. The Administration Deputy on duty has a basic first aid kit and personal essentials (toothbrushes, razors, earplugs etc.). He/she will also fulfil any administrative requirements and check your onward arrangements.
Languages
The staff on board mainly speak English and local languages. For most of the long journeys and dependent on the language, translated itineraries and on-board information will be provided.
Laundry
There is a LIMITED laundry service (10 items/day) on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours so we are unable to handle a week’s worth of laundry. There are no dry-cleaning facilities en route or on board. Please note that while this a complimentary service we cannot be held responsible for items that may be damaged or lost in the process.
Locomotion
Use of steam has become increasingly difficult over the years as more and more water and coaling facilities have been scrapped. Diesel or electric locomotives are used while steam is used in and around the area of Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria only.
Luggage
It is possible to store luggage in your suite under the bed or above the door on a luggage rack, which provides ample space for storage. There are no luggage restrictions on board although we do not recommend more than two large suitcases. On selected long journeys, guests are provided with a Rovos Rail tog bag that can be used for overnight trips or hand luggage on aircraft. A soft bag is preferable on plane transfers with a luggage weight restriction of 15kg.
Medical
All guests are responsible for ensuring that they can participate in the activities and tours.
- We have a doctor on board on the African Trilogy, Copper Trail, Trail of Two Oceans and Dar es Salaam journeys.
- Anti-malarial precautions are recommended. Malaria areas: eSwatini, Kruger Park, Northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Etosha, Tanzania, DRC and Angola.
- Recommended immunisations (not required): Hepatitis A + B, Polio, Tetanus, Cholera (low risk).
- Ebola is confined to the northeast of DRC. We traverse the very southern tip of the country thousands of miles away on the Lobito journeys.
- A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if travelling to/from DRC and Angola. Although all countries travelled through don’t require this, countries guests return to after the trip often require them.
- Please consult your doctor or clinic. TRAVELDOCTOR AFRICA, local 0861 300 911 or international +27(0) 11 214 9030.
Medical Emergencies
Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated external defibrillator and a wheelchair. For emergencies there are private healthcare hospitals available. Outside of South Africa, private hospitals are not guaranteed. We can organise evacuation either by road or air to a medical facility should this be required (own account). All our Train Managers have completed First Aid up to Level 3 and are trained in emergency situations. We do, however, strongly recommend that you explain your concerns to your travel insurance company so they can provide you with the necessary cover to meet and exceed such an eventuality.
Mobility
Although we can accommodate guests with walking problems, we recommend that a able-bodied passenger accompany them. The train is not suitable to accommodate wheelchair-bound passengers. Should you have mobility impairments/restrictions or special requirements, we urge you to inform your travel agent or Rovos Rail at the time of booking. Mobility Info at rovos.com.
Security
Each suite has an electronic safe in its cupboard. We ask guests to shut shutters, or better shutters and windows, when they are not in their suites. When passing through stations, please be especially careful. All train doors are locked from the inside. You can lock your suite door from the inside.
The Track
The track we travel on is not maintained in a consistent manner. You may wake up at night and imagine the train traveling at high speed. This is due to the track conditions below. The train can travel at 60km/h (37mph), and speed is reduced to 20km/h (12mph) on bad sections. Earplugs can be purchased in the Gift Shop and in your amenities bag if you find it too noisy.
Water
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. Water inside the suites has been filtered and chlorinated; it is safe for bathing and brushing teeth only. Please use the bottled water provided for drinking. Our bottles are biodegradable and made from plants.
Magazines, Maps & Games
You can use the lounge or observation car to play cards, board games, and a card table (dependent), as well as magazines and books. You will find a map and an itinerary in your suite. Journeys magazine contains articles about your route. You can purchase a more detailed map in the Gift Shop if the provided map is not complete enough.
Mobile Devices & Internet
Radios and television sets are prohibited on trains to preserve the traditional spirit of train travel. You can only use your suites to communicate with other guests using mobile phones and laptops. While the train is moving, reception is not good. To ensure that network services are properly activated, it is a good idea to contact your service provider. Wi-Fi access is available in our lounges in Cape Town, Pretoria, and most off-train accommodations (although it may not always be guaranteed).
Service
An assigned host/ess is available 24/7. You can reach them via the telephone from your suite. The suite is cleaned every day and the room is turned down each night. To assist with any questions, the Train Manager and Deputy Manager are available throughout the journey. The Gift Shop is home to the Administration Deputy, who is available for administrative needs.
Special Occasions
We’d love to hear about your celebration at the time you make your reservation.
Temperature & Time Zones
All public carriages are equipped with gas-filled air conditioning systems. Each suite is equipped with an air conditioner that has temperature controls and can be set to heat mode. When the air conditioner is being operated, it is important to close all windows. An electric under-blanket is fitted to the bed.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in the Club Lounge. However, guests who do smoke should be aware that the train is primarily made of wood. Do not throw cigarettes or cigar butts onto the train. Bush fires in Africa pose a danger and are a constant danger. It is important to let the hotel/lodges know if you smoke or not at the time you make your reservation.
Suites & Coaches
Measurements in centimetres = Length x Height.
Every train has accommodation carriages and dining cars. There is also a small gift shop, lounge car (+-26), small gift shop, smoking lounge (+-11) and observation car (+32) with an open-air balcony. Suites offer privacy and comfort for passengers with twin or double beds. They also have high-quality fittings and facilities. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, basin, bath, and a bathtub (Royal only), safes, air conditioning, and linen. They are all serviced every day. You will find adequate storage, small cabinets with hangers and shelves.
Is Insurance Included & Do I Need It ?
You must ensure that you are fully covered for all medical expenses while on holiday. In case of incapacity to travel, we recommend cancellation insurance. For more information, please contact us.
The luxury train travel company
Contact Us About Rovos Rail Luxury Train Tours
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Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620
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