FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Journeys
How much does a trip cost on Rovos Rail?
Do I have to do the full journey?
How long does my journey take?
Does Rovos Rail run year round?
Where do Rovos Rail journeys go?
Can I combine some of the Rovos Rail journeys?
Is it safe to travel through Zimbabwe? 
   
The Train  
Are there different levels of accommodation on board?
Are all meals, drinks and excursions included in the price?
Can you cater for special dietary requirements?
Do you have sittings for meals?
Do I need to leave a gratuity for the Rovos Rail Staff?
Does Rovos Rail take children?
Can disabled people travel on Rovos Rail?
Is there room in my suite for my luggage?
What is the dress code on board Rovos Rail?
Are there showers on board Rovos Rail?
What currency do I need on board Rovos Rail?
Can I smoke on board Rovos Rail?
What service can I expect on board Rovos Rail?
What languages do the staff speak on board the Train?
Is there an on-board Gift Shop?
Is there an on-board safe?
Is there a laundry service on the train?
Do you provide dressing gowns onboard? 
How is the temperature controlled on the Train?
What is the electricity voltage on the Train?
Are there shaving plugs?
Is there a TV on the train?
Is there cell phone reception?
Does the train have security?
Is there secure parking at Rovos Rail Station at Capital Park in Pretoria?
   
Other
Will I require visas for my trip on board Rovos Rail?
Will I need insurance for my trip?
Can you arrange my flights?
Do I need to take anti-malaria medication?
Can I take my pet on the train? 
How do I book?
How do I pay? 
Is there a weight restriction with respect to the aircraft?

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The Journeys

How much does a trip cost on Rovos Rail?
For full details please go to our Enquiry form
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Do I have to do the full journey?
Yes we prefer our guests enjoy the full journey experience.
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How long does my journey take?
Rovos Rail offers a variety of journeys from 24 hours to 14 days.
Please go to Trip dates on this website for details.
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Does Rovos Rail run year round?
Yes we do though some of our short journeys do not run during our winter months.
Please go to Travel Info on this website for full details.
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Where do Rovos Rail journeys go?
Rovos Rail covers the sub-continent of Africa with a variety of journeys. Join us on the 14 day Dar Es Salaam sojourn, the two day trip between Cape Town and Pretoria, the 55 hour Game safari from Pretoria to Durban, the 48 hour meander between Pretoria and the Victoria Falls, the 24 hours between Cape Town and George, the seven day Namibian special, the nine day Collage between Pretoria, Kruger Park, Durban and Cape Town, the exciting nine day Golf Safari and the 13 day Southern Africa Air Safari.
Please go to Trip dates on this website for full details.
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Can I combine some of the Rovos Rail journeys?
Yes, the following journeys can be combined:
The northbound Cape Town and Victoria Falls journey and vice versa
The northbound Durban and Victoria Falls journey
The Namibia and Collage journey
Please go to Trip dates on this website for full details.
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Is it safe to travel through Zimbabwe? 
Yes
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The Train
 
Are there different levels of accommodation on board?
Yes there are three levels of accommodation available:
The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring +/-16 sq metres in size (+/-172 sq ft). Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe suites (+/-11 sq metres/+/-118 sq feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. A third level of accommodation, the Pullman suite will be +/-7 square metres (+/-76 sq feet) in size and while it will include the identical bathroom to that of the deluxe suites, the bedroom will be smaller with a one up one down bed for twin requirements or a double bed for couples. During the day this can be converted into a comfortable couch.
Please go to The Suites on this website for full details.
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Are all meals, drinks and excursions included in the price?
The rate includes accommodation, meals and excursions during the train journey, as well as alcoholic beverages whilst on board the train. In keeping with our proudly South African theme we only serve excellent South African wines and Sparkling Wines on board.
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Can you cater for special dietary requirements?
We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarians, vegans, diabetics etc., provided a detailed request has been made at the 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 do however regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
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Do you have sittings for meals?
Breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner, heralded by a gong, 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. During the day, the dress is smart, casual and comfortable. Attire that is more formal is worn in the evening on the "Pride of Africa". A jacket & tie is a minimum requirement, please.
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Do I need to leave a gratuity for the Rovos Rail Staff?
There will be an envelope addressed to the Train Manager in your suite which may, at your discretion, be used for gratuities.
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Does Rovos Rail take children?
Rovos Rail does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavour to maintain. This is particularly pertinent to our long journeys.
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Can disabled people travel on Rovos Rail?
We regret that the dimensions of the passages and layout of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. We are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties although we recommend that an able-bodied passenger accompany them. Should you have any special requirements please inform your travel agent or the Rovos Rail office at the time of booking.
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Is there room in my suite for my luggage?
Yes there is enough space for 6 large suitcases. These can be stored on the overhead luggage rack or under the bed.
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What is the dress code on board Rovos Rail?
During the day, the dress is smart, casual and comfortable. Attire that is more formal is worn in the evening on the  “Pride of Africa”.  A jacket & tie is a minimum requirement, please.
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Are there showers on board Rovos Rail?
All the suites have an en suite shower with the Royal Suites having a shower and a separate Victorian bath.
Please go to The Suites on this website for full details.
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What currency do I need on board Rovos Rail?
Although Rovos Rail prices are all inclusive it is recommended that passengers have a small amount of Rands for on board or off-train purchases.
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Can I smoke on board Rovos Rail?
You may smoke in the privacy of your suites or in the Club Lounge situated towards the rear of the Train. Smoking is strictly forbidden in all other parts of the Train.
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What service can I expect on board Rovos Rail?
A dedicated Host/ess will be available for full 24-hour room service and bar facilities. He/she can be called on the ‘phone in your suite. The Train Manager and Deputy Train Manager are on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
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What languages do the staff speak on board the Train?
Mainly English with some German and Spanish.
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Is there an on-board Gift Shop?
There is an on-board Gift shop situated in the Lounge Car/Royal Suite coach. Due to fluctuating exchange rates we prefer Rands or credit cards for any on-board gift shop purchases. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club.
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Is there an on-board safe?
An electronic safe is provided in the cupboard in each suite.
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Is there a laundry service on the train?
There is a LIMITED laundry service on board comprised of household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turn around is 48 hours so the staff are not able to handle a week’s worth of washing.
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Do you provide dressing gowns onboard? 
We provide a thick terry towelling one-size-fits-all gown plus slippers for each guest.
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How is the temperature controlled on the Train?
All the public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. Although each air-conditioner is individually controlled, where necessary we endeavour to maintain a standard internal temperature of between 20 to 21°C (70 to 72°F) throughout the journey. For the comfort of guests, each suite has and individual air-conditioner with individual temperature controls which range from 18 to 24°C (65 to 77°F). Fresh air intake is simply solved by opening a window! During cold periods, all systems are provided with heating cycles from the air-conditioning units, as well as under-floor heating and electric underblankets.
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What is the electricity voltage on the Train?
The electricity on the train is as follows: 220V AC 50Hz. The plugs are 3 point round pronged wall plugs. International adaptors are also available on board.
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Are there shaving plugs?
There are 110V 2 prong plugs for shavers.
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Is there a TV on the train?
In keeping with the bygone era of the Train there are no televisions, radios, newspaper or Internet access.
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Is there cell phone reception?
The reception is poor while the Train is moving, but does improve when we are stationery or near main roads. 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.
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Does the train have security?
When on board the train we encourage our guests to close the shutters or preferably shutters and windows in the suites.  If left open the temptation provided for anyone standing on the platform might be too great.  Safes are provided in your suite for valuables. The train doors in the passages are all locked from the inside. Your suite door can also lock from the inside.
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Is there secure parking at Rovos Rail Station at Capital Park in Pretoria?
Yes there is but Rovos Rail cannot be held liable for the safety of your vehicles or any possessions left in the vehicles.
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Other

Will I require visas for my trip on board Rovos Rail?
Rovos Rail and Air travel though South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania on the various rail and air journeys. If you require a visa for a particular African country, the visa will still be needed even if you are only in transit through that country. It is the passenger’s own responsibility to ensure that they comply with any necessary visa or vaccination requirements. All passengers must be in possession of a full 10-year passport. Passengers travelling to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania will have their visas taken care of by Rovos Rail providing that full passport information is provided on the booking form. Please check with the relevant embassies or consulates in good time.
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Will I need insurance for my trip?
Yes, travel insurance is strongly advised. Please discuss this with your travel agent.
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Can you arrange my flights?
No, please contact your travel agent.
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Do I need to take anti-malaria medication?
Anti malaria precautions are advisable for travel to Africa. Please consult your medical practitioner.
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Can I take my pet on the train? 
We have no facilities for pets.
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How do I book?
Please book here
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How do I pay?
Due to the high cost of credit cards in South Africa we prefer payment directly into our bank account. Please contact for details.
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Is there a weight restriction with respect to the aircraft?
Yes: a soft bag is preferable. 15 kgs per person.
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