Cape Town
JOURNEY INFORMATION
PRETORIA-CAPE TOWN
3 NIGHTS South Africa
ITINERARY & MAP
TRAIN CONFIGURATION
SUITE SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
TERMS & CONDITIONS
reservations@rovos.co.za • +27 (0)12 315 8242 • rovos.com
PRETORIA - CAPE TOWN
3 NIGHTS • 1600km
PRETORIA
BOTSWANA NAMIBIA
Maputo
Johannesburg
Mbabane
ESWATINI
Kroonstad
Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum
& Big Hole Tour
Maseru
Bloemfontein
Durban De Aar
SOUTH AFRICA
LESOTHO
A T L A N T I C
I N D I A N
O C E A N
O C E A N
Matjiesfontein Village Tour
CAPE TOWN
DAY 1: PRETORIA 10:00 13:00 16:30 19:30
Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to join a tour of Rovos Rail Station and visit our museum, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. The train traverses the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Travel across the broad grassland plains of the Highveld. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal
DAY 2: KIMBERLEY 07:00 12.30
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Enjoy a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal
19:30
DAY 3: MATJIESFONTEIN 07:00
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The train traverses the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoo system. Lunch is served in the dining cars. After lunch, there is a chance for guests to disembark the train at Whitehill Siding and walk the 5km into Matjiesfontein. A member of staff will accompany the group. Disembark at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. About an hour after Matjiesfontein, the train arrives at the first of four tunnels on the pass. The first tunnel is 13.5km long so guests are to be careful when walking through the train and may wish to turn on necessary lights. Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train climbs ±750m down the escarpment towards Worcester. Dress: Formal
13:00
16:30
19:30
DAY 4: CAPE TOWN 07:00 13:00 15:00
Please ensure luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival and that you have your passport. Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Arrive at journey’s end at Cape Town Station.
Please dress accordingly for excursions/game drives: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm
then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available.
Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed. Please check with the Train Manager or reservations@rovos.co.za for any changes. In your suite is a Journeys magazine featuring articles of interest related to the route. Please ensure passports and the required visas are valid prior to departure for Africa. View Passport & Visa Guide. Train station platforms are not always accessible from ground level. View Mobility Info.
INCLUDED: Accommodation; all meals; all beverages on board; room service; limited laundry; guided excursions (where applicable); preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks on excursions; entrance fees as per itinerary; govt tax. EXCLUDED: All other beverages; international sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights.
MEALS ON BOARD (unless adjusted) Breakfast 07:00-10:00 • Lunch 13:00 • Tea 16:30 • Dinner 19:30
UPDATED 5 DECEMBER 2025
TRAIN CONFIGURATION
1 2 3
DIESEL AND/OR ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE PULLMAN COACH DELUXE COACH
4 5 6
ROYAL COACH LOUNGE CAR WITH GIFT SHOP KITCHEN CAR
7 8 9
DINING CAR ROYAL COACH DELUXE COACH
10 11 12
PULLMAN COACH CLUB CAR WITH SMOKING LOUNGE OBSERVATION CAR WITH OPEN-AIR BALCONY
CONFIGURATION Above is the general make-up of the train from the front, which is dependent on capacity. Diesel or electric locomotives are used while steam is used in and around the area of Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria only. Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars (±42 seats each), a lounge car (±26 seats), small gift shop, smoking lounge (±11 seats) and observation car (±32 seats) with an open-air balcony. DINING & LOUNGES Dependent on the number of passengers on a journey, the train is setup with one or two dining cars made up of two-seaters and four-seaters where guests eat together or individually. Meals on board are served in one sitting only. Breakfast 07:00-10:00 • Lunch 13:00 • Tea 16:30 • Dinner 19:30. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. The lounge and observation cars have great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days. On most days, afternoon tea is served while bar service is from ±07:00-01:00. There are board games, cards, a card table (dependent), books and magazines available. There is also a small gift shop on board open between meals. Smoking is allowed in the Club Lounge and Combo Lounge only. SUITES The suites offer privacy, comfort and modern conveniences with double or twin beds. All have ensuite bathrooms with a bath (Royal only), shower, toilet and basin.
ROYAL COACH
PILLARED DINING CAR
DELUXE COACH
BANQUETTE DINING CAR
PULLMAN GOLD COACH
LOUNGE CAR WITH GIFT SHOP
PULLMAN COACH
CLUB CAR WITH DELUXE SUITES AND SMOKING LOUNGE
COMBO LOUNGE WITH SMOKING BOOTH
OBSERVATION CAR WITH OPEN-AIR BALCONY
UPDATED 30 JULY 2025
SUITE SPECIFICATIONS
ROYAL SUITES ±16m2±172ft2
THE SUITES offer privacy, comfort and modern conveniences with double or twin beds. All mattresses have a soft and hard side with the soft side up from the outset, which can be changed on request. All pillows are faux-down microfiber with a cotton down-proof casing. Double beds are made up with fitted sheets and blankets with single duvets at night-time. All suites have an ensuite bathroom, linen, amenities, adequate suitcase storage, small cupboards with hangers and shelves and are serviced daily. Some Royals and Deluxes have a room divider. Suite layouts may differ from images.
BED DIMENSIONS: LxW
Minibar, air conditioning, writing desk, luggage shelf, cupboards, safe, bath, shower, toilet, basin.
LENGTHWAYS DOUBLE 200x189cm
200x75cm LENGTHWAYS SPLIT TWIN
DELUXE SUITES ±10m2±108ft2
Minibar, air conditioning, writing desk, luggage shelf, cupboards, safe, shower, toilet and basin.
LENGTHWAYS SPLIT TWIN 189x75cm
189x160cm 189x189cm
CROSSWISE DOUBLE LENGTHWAYS DOUBLE
PULLMAN GOLD SUITES ±7m2±76ft2
Minibar, air conditioning, fold-out writing desk, luggage shelf, cupboards, safe, shower, toilet and basin. On arrival, a lengthways-bed suite is setup with lengthways split twin beds configured as sofas that can be converted into a lengthways double. Mostly used on Long Journeys only dependent on capacity.
LENGTHWAYS SPLIT TWIN 189x75cm
189x150cm
189x189cm
LENGTHWAYS DOUBLE
CROSSWISE DOUBLE
PULLMAN SUITES ±7m2±76ft2
Minibar, air conditioning, fold-out writing desk, luggage shelf, cupboards, safe, shower, toilet and basin. Mostly used on Short Journeys only dependent on capacity.
189x94cm & 189x60cm
189x150cm
DAYTIME SOFA COUCH NIGHT-TIME LOWER & UPPER BUNKS
NIGHT-TIME CROSSWISE DOUBLE
UPDATED 30 JULY 2025
BOOKING To book as an agent or a guest, please contact reservations@rovos.co.za or call +27 (0) 12 315 8242. PROVISIONAL: Upon written request via email and subject to availability, we will provisionally book your place on the chosen tour and send you a proforma invoice. Space is allocated and held without financial commitment for 14 days after which a deposit payment is required to confirm the booking. The provisional hold may be extended on request and subject to availability. CONFIRMED: Upon receipt of the relevant payment and a completed Reservation Form, we will confirm your booking and send you an invoice. On confirmation of a reservation, our T&C will be deemed to have been accepted and will be strictly adhered to. Upon receipt of full payment, travel is permitted. Should full payment not be received when due, we are within our rights to cancel the booking and cancellation fees will apply. The collection of Reservation Forms with passport details and other information is crucial for us to fulfil our obligations, verify the identity of our passengers, comply with immigration laws where necessary and safeguard our passengers’ legitimate interests. CANCELLATION: Cancellation of a confirmed booking received prior to departure is subject to a fee of the per person tour price. See T&C. Cancellation insurance is compulsory as these fees will not be waived. Postponement requests follow the same terms as cancellations. However, should we be able to resell the suite at full value, the cancellation fees will be waived. ALLOCATIONS: Agents intending to offer scheduled group departures are subject to a separate set of terms. For detailed information and agreements, please contact our sales representatives at reservations@rovos.co.za. INSURANCE We offer insurance to South African residents. For international guests we suggest you contact your local insurance agent for assistance. Please email us your travel insurance policy clearly stating the company, policy number and 24-hour medical emergency telephone number. PAYMENTS Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (direct guests only via Paygate). Details provided at time of booking. Due to the high cost of credit card charges in South Africa, we prefer that all clients pay via bank transfer. Please reference the payment with your full booking reference number and email proof to payment@rovos.co.za. We are a South African company and reserve the right to charge/refund in ZAR. As legally required, refunds are processed into the same account from which the initial payment was received. Journeys invoiced in ZAR: All bank transfers are processed/refunded in ZAR. Journeys invoiced in USD: USD bank transfers are processed/refunded in USD. All credit card payments for all journeys are processed/refunded in ZAR. Rovos Rail is not liable for any loss in currency due to rate of exchange fluctuations. PASSPORTS & VISAS The onus is upon the client to ensure passports and visas, as may be required, are valid prior to departure for Africa. Passports must have at least five blank VISA pages and must be valid for at least six months from your return-home date. On the various journeys we travel: South Africa, eSwatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, DRC and Angola. Zimbabwean, DRC and Angolan visas must be obtained prior to travel. We request that all other visas are obtained prior to travel when possible to avoid potential delays at the border posts. Some nationalities are eligible to purchase port-of-entry visas. Immigration forms will be available on board. Please ensure you have a minimum of US$200 in cash with you. Please check with the relevant embassies in good time and visit rovos.com/visas for more details including ports of exit/entry. 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 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. It is very important that we have your arrival and departure details. Should you be delayed, kindly contact +27 (0)12 315 8242. JOURNEYS & PRIVATE HIRE We offer a variety of journeys from two to 16 nights that cover the subcontinent of Africa. The trains run year-round although some of our short journeys do not run during our winter months. We prefer you enjoy the full journey experience although you are permitted to disembark earlier at a convenient stop – keeping in mind the rate will remain the same. The scheduled journeys are available for full charter. You can also combine our 42- or 72-bed train with other entertaining products for bespoke charters including incentive groups, historical expeditions, cycling tours and private gatherings. The Events Train, suitable for day trips only, caters for up to 250 guests and is the perfect venue for weddings, incentives, conferences and product launches. Visit rovos.com. ROVOS RAIL STATION TOUR & MUSEUM A highlight for guests is a visit to the private station headquarters in 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. To enjoy the tour, please arrive two hours before departure. If Pretoria is your arrival point, we suggest delaying your pick-up by ±90 minutes so you can join the tour. Visit rovos.com. CHECK-IN Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. If Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria is your starting point and you wish to do a station tour, we suggest arriving two hours before departure. Passports and relevant visas 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. • PRETORIA Rovos Rail Station, 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park, Pretoria, South Africa • CAPE TOWN Rovos Rail Lounge, 1 Adderley Street, Paul Sauer Building, Cape Town, South Africa • DURBAN Durban Station Lounge, Jelf Taylor Crescent, Stamford Hill, Durban, South Africa • VICTORIA FALLS Victoria Falls Hotel and Station, Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe • WALVIS BAY Walvis Bay Station, Corner 6th Street and 11th Road, Walvis Bay, Namibia • COPPER TRAIL JOURNEY CHECK-IN Hotel Terminus, R. Robert Williams 16, Lobito, Angola • LOBITO Central Station, Avenue Craveiro Lopes, Lobito, Angola • DAR ES SALAAM JOURNEY CHECK-IN Serena Hotel, Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania • DAR ES SALAAM Tazara Station, Julius K. Nyerere Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
UPDATED 30 OCTOBER 2025
AMENITIES We have the following South African biodegradable and/or recyclable products on board: all-natural soap (40g), shampoo (50ml), hand and body wash (50ml), hand and body lotion (50ml) and insect repellent spray (for journeys over four days) using wild-harvested, certified African oils and extracts free of chemicals, toxins, parabens, artificial colourants, perfume and petroleum-derived ingredients with no testing done on animals; chemical-free lip balm (15ml); bamboo tissues; reusable bamboo rounds; bamboo ear buds; bamboo natural- bristle toothbrushes; natural toothpaste tablets; a compostable shower cap and cotton-and-wax ear plugs. Other complimentary items such as sun cream, razors and nail files are available at the Gift Shop. BATHROOMS & TOILETS Every suite has an ensuite bathroom. Plug-in hairdryers – in addition to your bathroom unit (if applicable) – are available on board. There are 110V 2-prong plugs for shavers and a 220V 2-pin plug for chargers. Some suites have vacuum toilets, which significantly reduce water usage by 80% using air instead of water. Our biodegradable chemical-free toilet rolls are made using the waste from the sugarcane industry and are hand-wrapped in eco-friendly paper. BEVERAGES The 300-year-old South African wine industry has allowed us to carefully curate a selection of wonderful wines with some estates being stocked on board since our first journey in 1989. We have a superb collection of local and international beverages on board with a proud focus on South African offerings. The locally manufactured spirit, beer and mixer industry is a vibrant and thriving business. From gin, vodka, rum, agave (tequila), digestifs, grappa, liqueurs, whisky and world-renowned brandies, we are very proud to stock them in our onboard bars. 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. See Child Policy on rovos.com. CURRENCY - South Africa – Rands only. We accept all major credit cards on the train. - Outside of South Africa – Rands are accepted 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 2017 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. DIETARIES 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 Dependent on the number of passengers on a journey, the train is setup with one or two dining cars made up of two-seaters and four- seaters where guests eat together or individually. We welcome all travellers – singles, couples and groups. Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars. Breakfast: 07:00-10:00 • Lunch: 13:00 • Tea: 16:30 • Dinner: 19:30. Bar service is from 07:00-±01:00. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. A gong heralds lunch and dinner. DRESS - 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. - Charters: The dress code is usually determined by the group chartering the train otherwise the above applies. - 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. Please see average temperatures as a guide. DRESSING GOWNS We provide a comfortable one-size-fits-all gown plus slippers for each guest for use on board the train. If you wish to take one home, they are available to purchase from the Gift Shop. ELECTRICITY 20V AC 50Hz 3-point round-pronged wall plugs and 110V/220V 2-pin plugs for shavers and chargers. USB ports are in each suite. International adaptors are available. A generator supplies power. Please be aware that certain breaks in power are necessary when servicing is required. GIFT SHOP & GUEST SERVICES There is a small gift shop on the train (open between meals) and at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Where possible, items sold in our gift shop are made in South Africa and sourced from local companies supporting community upliftment. Due to the varying exchange rates, credit cards are preferred. The Guest Services Manager on duty has a basic first aid kit and personal essentials such as razors and sun cream. He/she will also fulfil any administrative requirement and check your onward arrangements. 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 per guest per night on board is suggested, depending on the length of your journey. At the game lodges, it is customary to tip guides and lodge staff an estimated amount per guest per day. Rate of exchange valid at time of print. LANGUAGES The staff on board mainly speak English and local languages. For most of the journeys and dependent on the language, translated itineraries and on-board information will be provided for guests on request.
UPDATED 30 OCTOBER 2025
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. Should you wish to have your shoes cleaned by your host/ess, a bag is provided in your suite cupboard. Please note that while laundry is 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 water and coaling facilities have been scrapped. Diesel or electric locomotives are used while steam is used at 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. MAGAZINES, MAPS & GAMES There are board games, cards, a card table (dependent), books and magazines available for your use in the lounge and observation cars. In your suite is a map, itinerary and the Journeys magazine featuring articles of interest related to your route. If the map supplied is not comprehensive enough you may purchase a more detailed map from the Gift Shop. MEDICAL - All guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. - Please inform us at the time of your reservation if you have any medical conditions, physical disabilities or allergies. - We have a doctor on board on the Dar es Salaam and Copper Trail journeys. - Anti-malarial precautions are recommended. Malaria areas: eSwatini, Kruger Park, Etosha, Northern Botswana, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, DRC and Angola. - Recommended immunisations (not required): Hepatitis A + B, Polio, Tetanus, Cholera (low risk). - Ebola is confined to the northeast of DRC. On the Copper Trail journey, we traverse the very southern tip of the country thousands of
miles away. - 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 clinic or doctor. TRAVEL DOCTOR AFRICA local 0861 300 911 or international +27 (0)11 888 5505. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated external defibrillator and a wheelchair. All management on board have completed First Aid up to Level 3 and are trained in emergency situations while general staff have completed Level 1 First Aid. 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). 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. MOBILE DEVICES & INTERNET In maintaining the spirit of train travel, there is no radio, television or WiFi on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suites only. We understand devices are used for taking photos and reading but talking to friends and catching up with emails is discouraged in public areas so as to not intrude on guests who want to disconnect and relax. The reception is poor while the train is moving. It is advised to contact your service provider to ensure the correct settings for network services are activated. WiFi is available at our lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria and at most off- train accommodation (although not guaranteed). MOBILITY We accommodate guests with walking difficulties although we recommend an able-bodied passenger accompany them. We regret that the train is not suitable for 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. See Mobility Info on rovos.com. PETS We do not allow any pets or emotional-support animals on board. POSTAGE Stamps are available for sale from the Gift Shop. Postcards may be handed to the Guest Services Manager for posting. PRODUCE Where possible, our foodstuffs are locally sourced, plant-based and free from refined sugars, added grains, added dairy, preservatives and artificial ingredients. Our locally sourced meats are ethically farmed using best practices from sustainable supply chains. Our seafood comes from independent fish farmers that are certified GAqP. Where possible, all packaging is earth-friendly, biodegradable and/or recyclable. RECYCLING At our private station in Pretoria, we have built a sorting facility where we recycle everything we possibly can. On site and on board, we have installed tin and glass crushers that have helped us tremendously to create space on board but, more importantly, have opened doors to willing and able recycling collectors on our longer routes. All food that cannot be used due to shelf life, for example, is donated to local charities, schools, hospitals and orphanages while any wet waste is composted on site. We use recyclable paper or biodegradable, plantable paper that grows into beautiful living herbs, vegetables or flowers when planted. SECURITY An electronic safe is provided in the cupboard in each suite. When on board, we encourage you to close shutters or preferably shutters and windows when not in your suites and to be particularly mindful when passing through stations. The train doors in the passages are all locked from the inside and all suite doors can also lock from the inside.
UPDATED 30 OCTOBER 2025
SERVICE A dedicated host/ess is available 24 hours a day. They can be called from the telephone in your suite. Your suite is cleaned daily and there is a nightly turndown service. The Train Manager and Deputy Train Manager are on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries. The Guest Services Manager is available for any administrative requirement and is based at the Gift Shop. SHOESHINE Should you wish to have your shoes cleaned by your host/ess, please place them in the bag provided in your suite cupboard. SMOKING On board the train, smoking is allowed in the Club Lounge and Combo Lounge only. HOWEVER, please be mindful of other guests who do not smoke, that the train is generally made up of wood and DO NOT throw flammable items such as cigarette or cigar butts off the train. Bush fires in Africa are a constant and dangerous hazard. Please note at the time of your reservation if you are smoking or non-smoking so that the appropriate room might be requested at the hotels/lodges. SPECIAL OCCASIONS Please note at the time of your reservation if you are celebrating an occasion as we’d like to share it with you. SUITES & PUBLIC CARS Measurements in centimetres (cm) = Length x Width Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars (±42 seats each), a lounge car (±26 seats), small gift shop and observation car (±32 seats) with an open-air balcony. Smoking is allowed in the club/combo lounge only (±8-11 seats). The suites offer passengers privacy, comfort and modern conveniences with double or twin beds. All mattresses have a soft and hard side with the soft side up from the outset, which can be changed on request. All pillows are faux-down microfiber with a 233TC 100% cotton down-proof casing. All double beds are made up with fitted sheets and blankets with single duvets at night-time. All suites have an ensuite bathroom, minibar, air conditioning, writing desk, luggage shelf, safe, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage for suitcases and small cupboards with hangers and shelves. Some Royals and Deluxes have a room divider. Suite layouts may differ from images. 1. A Royal Suite (±16m2/±172ft2) takes up half a carriage with its own private lounge area and ensuite bathroom with Victorian bath,
separate shower, toilet and basin. BEDS: Lengthways Double 200x189 • Lengthways Split Twin 200x75. 2. A Deluxe Suite (±10m2/±108ft2) has a lounge area and ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. BEDS: Lengthways Double
189x189 • Lengthways Split Twin 189x75 • Crosswise Double 189x160. 3. A Pullman Gold Suite (±7m2/±76ft2) – mostly used on LONG JOURNEYS only dependent on capacity – has an ensuite bathroom with
shower, toilet and basin. On arrival, a lengthways-bed suite is setup with lengthways split twin beds configured as sofas that can be converted into a lengthways double. BEDS: Lengthways Double 189x189 • Lengthways Split Twin 189x75 • Crosswise Double 189x150. 4. A Pullman Suite (±7m2/±76ft2) – mostly used on SHORT JOURNEYS only dependent on capacity – has an ensuite bathroom with
shower, toilet and basin. During the day the suite is setup with a comfortable sofa that can be converted into a few sleeping options. BEDS: Single Lower Bunk 189x94 • Single Upper Bunk 189x60 • Crosswise Double 189x150. TEMPERATURE & TIME ZONES All public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. Each suite has an individual air conditioner with temperature controls that can also be set to heat mode. Windows should be closed while operating the air-conditioning unit. Electric under-blankets are fitted on the bed.
AVERAGE TEMPS °C JAN/FEB MAR/APR MAY/JUN JUL/AUG SEP/OCT NOV/DEC Rainfall Months
TIME ZONE AREA Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Cape Town, SA 16 28 13 26 9 21 7 19 9 22 13 27 Apr-Aug GMT+2 Pretoria, SA 18 30 15 27 7 23 4 22 13 28 16 30 Oct-Mar GMT+2 Durban, SA 21 29 19 28 12 25 16 25 16 26 19 28 Oct-Mar GMT+2 Port Elizabeth, SA 17 23 15 21 12 20 11 18 12 18 15 21 May-Aug GMT+2 Mbabane, eSwatini 16 28 13 27 5 23 5 23 10 26 14 28 Nov-Feb GMT+2 Walvis Bay, Namibia 16 22 15 22 11 22 10 20 11 18 13 20 March GMT+2 Etosha Pan, Namibia 18 31 17 30 10 27 10 27 15 32 18 33 Jan-Mar GMT+2 Gaborone, Botswana 19 33 14 30 7 25 5 25 14 31 18 33 Dec-Mar GMT+2 Vic Falls, Zimbabwe 15 29 14 29 8 23 7 27 16 28 16 26 Dec-Mar GMT+2 Maputo, Mozambique 23 31 21 30 15 27 15 26 18 28 21 30 Nov-Mar GMT+2 Lusaka, Zambia 17 25 15 22 11 17 8 16 17 24 17 25 Dec-Mar GMT+2 South Luangwa, Zambia 20 31 19 31 12 30 11 20 17 35 20 34 Nov-Mar GMT+2 DAR, Tanzania 18 28 18 25 19 25 18 23 16 24 18 28 Mar-May GMT+3 Lubumbashi, DRC 16 27 15 27 9 26 8 27 13 32 16 18 Nov-Mar GMT+2 Lobito, Angola 28 32 29 34 25 33 20 28 22 25 26 30 Mar-Apr GMT+1 THE TRACK The track over which we travel is inconsistently maintained. If you wake at night imagining the train is travelling at high speed, be assured it is the state of the track below creating that impression. We restrict the train to 60km/h (37mph) and over bad sections reduce speed to as little as 20km/h (12mph). If you find it noisy, earplugs are available in your amenities bag and at the Gift Shop 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 made locally from plants and are biodegradable and 100% compostable. The bio-based polymer originates from GMO-free and organic feedstocks such as sugarcane, corn, potatoes and beets from sustainable, annually renewable resources.
OUR GREEN JOURNEY With the worldwide environmental crisis in mind, we have sought eco-friendly locally made solutions for onboard use wherever possible. We handpick partners who share our commitment to protect the environment,
conserve wildlife and benefit local communities. We are the green train after all.
UPDATED 30 OCTOBER 2025
DIRECT GUESTS AND AGENTS: THE BELOW PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES APPLY. IF YOU ARE A
GUEST THAT HAS BOOKED THROUGH AN AGENT, THEIR PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES APPLY.
PROVISIONAL BOOKING: Upon written request via email and subject to availability, we will provisionally book your place on the chosen tour and send you a proforma invoice. Space is allocated and held without financial commitment for 14 days after which a deposit payment is required to confirm the booking. The provisional hold may be extended on request and subject to availability. CONFIRMED BOOKING: Upon receipt of the relevant payment and a completed Reservation Form, we will confirm your booking and send you an invoice. On confirmation of a reservation, our T&C will be deemed to have been accepted and will be strictly adhered to. Upon receipt of full payment, travel is permitted. Should full payment not be received when due, we are within our rights to cancel the booking and cancellation fees will apply. CANCELLATION: Cancellation of a confirmed booking received prior to departure is subject to a fee of the per person tour price (see below). Cancellation insurance is compulsory as these fees will not be waived. Postponement requests follow the same terms as cancellations; however, should we be able to resell the suite at full value, the cancellation fees will be waived.
INDIVIDUALS: PAYMENT SCHEDULE TO CONFIRM A BOOKING, A DEPOSIT PAYMENT OF THE PER PERSON TOUR PRICE IS REQUIRED BEFORE DEPARTURE
61+ DAYS
60 DAYS BEFORE
A provisional booking will be held for 14 days after which a 25% deposit is due. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Durban 25% 100% Golf, Namibia, Southern Cross, Collage, Trilogy, Copper Trail, Dar 25% 100%
BEFORE
INDIVIDUALS: CANCELLATION POLICY CANCELLATION OF A CONFIRMED BOOKING RECEIVED BEFORE DEPARTURE IS SUBJECT TO A FEE OF THE PER PERSON TOUR PRICE
365-91 DAYS
90-61 DAYS
60-31 DAYS
30-0 DAYS
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Durban 25% 100% Golf, Namibia, Southern Cross, Collage, Trilogy, Copper Trail, Dar 10% 25% 50% 100%
GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE GUESTS: PAYMENT SCHEDULE & CANCELLATION POLICY TO CONFIRM A BOOKING, A NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT OF THE PER PERSON TOUR PRICE IS REQUIRED BEFORE DEPARTURE
365-246 DAYS
245-181 DAYS
180-121 DAYS
120-61 DAYS
60 DAYS BEFORE Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Durban 10% 20% 100% Golf, Namibia, Southern Cross, Collage, Trilogy, Copper Trail, Dar 10% 30% 50% 100% For every 15 full-fare paying passengers, the 16th person sharing travels free of charge in the lowest suite category booked, which is confirmed at final invoice 60 days before departure. ALLOCATIONS: Agents intending to offer scheduled group departures are subject to a separate set of terms. For detailed information and agreements, please contact our sales representatives at reservations@rovos.co.za.
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
DIRECT GUESTS, AGENTS AND GUESTS WHO HAVE BOOKED THROUGH AN AGENT: THE BELOW T&C APPLY.
MAXIMUM TRAIN CAPACITY: 36 suites/72 guests. We reserve the right to alter this capacity as circumstances require. MEDICAL: Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours. Anti-malarial and Yellow Fever precautions may be required in countries being visited. PASSPORTS & VISAS: The onus is upon the client to ensure passports and visas, as may be required, are valid prior to departure for Africa. Passports must have at least five blank VISA pages and must be valid for at least six months from your return-home date. Visit rovos.com PAYMENTS: We are a South African company and reserve the right to charge/refund in ZAR. As legally required, refunds are processed into the same account from which the initial payment was received. Journeys invoiced in ZAR: All bank transfers are processed/refunded in ZAR. Journeys invoiced in USD: USD bank transfers are processed/refunded in USD. All credit card payments for all journeys are processed/refunded in ZAR. Rovos Rail is not liable for any loss in currency due to rate of exchange fluctuations. There are no refunds for any part of a tour that might be missed due to personal reasons. Cancellation insurance is compulsory. Rovos Rail will never change our banking details and/or credit card link via email. Should you receive an email whether on the company’s letterhead or in any other form advising you to use alternative banking details and/or credit card link, ignore same and please notify Rovos Rail immediately.
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY: Rovos Rail reserves the right without notice to make use of any photography/video taken on the tour for general publicity purposes without payment or permission. RATES: We will do our utmost to keep to the prices published. However, if increases are forced on us, Rovos Rail reserves the right to amend the tour price at any time prior to written confirmation of the reservation. Rate inclusions and exclusions are specified on the itineraries. SCHEDULING TIMES, ROUTES & EXCURSIONS: 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 the control of Rovos Rail. Rovos Rail reserves the right to cancel or amend our routing, any excursions and the tour departure dates provided we can offer the passenger 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.
DIRECT GUESTS AND GUESTS WHO HAVE BOOKED THROUGH AN AGENT: THE BELOW GUEST INDEMNITY APPLIES.
GUEST INDEMNITY: Although certain limited insurances have been arranged, Rovos Rail Tours (Pty) Ltd (herein referred to as ‘Rovos Rail’), nor its servants, agents or employees, shall be liable for any loss or damage to passengers’ luggage or effects. Insofar as one of the tours may include a visit to a game reserve and whilst attacks by wild animals are extremely rare, similarly neither Rovos Rail, nor its servants, agents or employees, accept any liability whatsoever for any injury or incidents to passengers or their belongings. The passenger hereby waives any claim which he/she may have against Rovos Rail, its servants, agents, employees or subcontractors for any injury and/or loss of any nature whatsoever (including, without limiting the generality of the aforegoing, consequential loss) arising for any reason of any nature whatever directly or indirectly out of any aspect of the tour including, without limiting the generality of the aforegoing, any form of transport used for the purpose of the tour. This waiver shall be binding on the passenger’s executors, heirs, trustees and dependants. The passenger records that all the services and facilities provided to the passenger are accepted voluntarily and with full knowledge that they may expose the passenger to injury, danger or loss. The passenger further records that any statement, representation or information given to him/her by Rovos Rail shall, unless given in writing, not prejudice this waiver in any manner whatsoever. The passenger indemnifies Rovos Rail in respect of any claim that may be made by any third party against it arising out of any claim in respect of which the passenger gives the aforementioned waiver. This agreement shall be governed solely by laws of the Republic of South Africa.
ON CONFIRMATION OF A BOOKING, OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AND WILL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO. PERSONS MAKING AND CONFIRMING A BOOKING ON BEHALF OF OTHERS WARRANT THAT THEY HAVE
FULL AUTHORITY TO DO SO AND, ON THEIR BEHALF, ACCEPT AND AGREE TO ALL OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
UPDATED 30 OCTOBER 2025