COVID-19 TESTING PROCEDURES
Updated 2 August 2021
Rovos Rail requires guests to present negative test results at check-in or email them to their agent or reservations@rovos.co.za before the Rovos Rail journey departure. Text messages will not be accepted. Tests include PCR, RAPID ANTIGEN and/or RAPID ANTIBODY depending on the journey. Tests are still required if guests have been vaccinated. The onus is upon the guest to ensure they have their test results before departure.
Note that a vaccination will not cause a positive result for a PCR or ANTIGEN test as these tests check for active disease and not whether an individual is immune or not. The ANTIBODY test may pick up if an individual has antibodies from a vaccination, however, its goal is to detect if they are infectious from a current infection. For certain journeys, Rovos requests an ANTIBODY test in conjunction with an ANTIGEN test as the latter may determine if an individual is in the throes of an infection. Please see the WHO website for more information. Please direct any testing queries to Rovos Health & Safety Officer Eric Annandale +27 (0)12 315 8242 / 9505. ____________________ TRAVEL WITHIN SOUTH AFRICA
CAPE TOWN, DURBAN SAFARI, CHARTERS & EVENTS
All guests are required to present negative RAPID ANTIGEN and RAPID ANTIBODY tests taken within 24 hours of the journey’s departure. Both tests will allow Rovos to determine if they are infectious. ____________________ TRAVEL ACROSS BORDERS
ZIMBABWE REQUIRES A NEGATIVE COVID-19 PCR TEST TAKEN NO MORE THAN 48 HOURS PRIOR TO ENTRY.
PRETORIA-VICTORIA FALLS
Test: PCR test from 09:00 on Wednesday
Check-in Address: Rovos Rail Station, 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park, Pretoria, South Africa
Check-in: 09:00 Thursday
Depart: 10:00 Thursday
Border: ±09:00-10:00 Friday (scheduled Zimbabwean border crossing at Beitbridge)
South African Border
Department officials (health and immigration) will board the train and process the guest list and check passports.
Zimbabwean Border
Guests and staff will disembark onto the station platform where officials will conduct screening, check passports and check test results. Two to four officials will be on duty to clear guests.
Border crossing times cannot be guaranteed and are subject to the schedule achieved.
For guests who would like to use the recommended Ampath Pomona Johannesburg testing facility for a PCR test, please follow the booking process below. Cost of test: ZAR850pp. 1. Ampath needs your booking a minimum of 2-7 days before you travel from your country of origin.
2. Your Rovos Rail consultant will send Ampath the information provided by you on this filled-out questionnaire (please download). Ampath will load this information into the system to create the booking, after which a link will be sent to you for the Ampath application. The DoH Close Contact Form is completed at the same time.
3. Please complete the information on the Ampath online app*. Upon completion, you will receive an email or text message with your Electronic Order Number.
4. Arrive at the Ampath Pomona drive-through testing facility with your Electronic Order Number. The Ampath parking attendees will assist you with a credit card payment. Cost: ZAR850pp
5. An Ampath nurse will collect a sample from you, after which the testing is complete.
6. The results will be issued 12-24 hours after the sample has been collected.
7. You will receive an email or text message stating that your result is available on the app. Access the app and download/screenshot your result.
8. Please email your negative test result to your agent or reservations@rovos.co.za or present it at check-in.
*For privacy and confidentiality, Ampath employees are not able to preload your details on the Ampath online app as it only allows the patient to do so. The app will only share or send any communication to the patient only.
Ampath Pomona Drive-through Testing Facility is ±10min drive from Johannesburg’s ORT International Airport: 29 Pomona Road, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Contact: Marzanne Joubert +27 (0)11 601 5813 / +27 (0)76 319 0193 ____________________
SOUTH AFRICA REQUIRES A NEGATIVE COVID-19 PCR TEST TAKEN NO MORE THAN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO ENTRY.
VICTORIA FALLS-PRETORIA - 3 NIGHTS
Test: PCR test taken Saturday from 13:00 up to Sunday 09:00
Check-in Address: Victoria Falls Hotel and Station, Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Check-in: 16:00 Sunday
Depart: 17:00 Sunday
Border: ±10:00-11:00 Tuesday (scheduled South African border crossing at Beitbridge)
VICTORIA FALLS-PRETORIA - 4 NIGHTS
Test: PCR test taken Sunday 07:00-09:00
Check-in Address: Victoria Falls Hotel and Station, Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Check-in: 16:00 Sunday
Depart: 17:00 Sunday
Border: ±19:00 Tuesday (scheduled South African border crossing at Beitbridge)
Due to the short turnaround time for testing and the distance to the border, we advise using our recommended Lancet testing facility. Lab nurses will visit your hotel from 07:00-09:00 on Sunday, collect the test certificates by 15:00 and hand them to our Train Manager. At the time of the test, guests may pay the Lancet nurses directly by cash. Cost: USD $70pp. To book this test with Lancet, please send this filled-out questionnaire (please download) to your Rovos Rail consultant in advance. If guests choose to test independently, they must ensure that they will receive their results before 16:00.
Zimbabwean Border
Department officials (health and immigration) will be on the station platform when the train arrives. The train will be cleared by health officials first followed by immigration and Zimra.
South African Border
Department officials (health and immigration) will board the train to conduct screening, check passports and check test results. If the officials feel that the results appear invalid, they will have rapid tests available. Cost of test: R170pp.
Border crossing times cannot be guaranteed and are subject to the schedule achieved. ____________________ DAR ES SALAAM JOURNEY – COUNTRIES TRAVELLED: SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE, ZAMBIA AND TANZANIA
CAPE TOWN-DAR ES SALAAM
First Test: All guests are required to present negative RAPID ANTIGEN and RAPID ANTIBODY tests taken within 24 hours of departure.
Other Tests: Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania require PCR tests, which Rovos Rail has organised along the route although all costs associated to testing will be for your own account. This information will accompany your reservation details on booking with alicia@rovos.co.za.
Check-in Address: Rovos Rail Lounge, 1 Adderley Street, Paul Sauer Building, Cape Town, South Africa
Check-in: 09:30
Depart: 11:00
DAR ES SALAAM-CAPE TOWN
First Test: Rovos Rail will do rapid testing on arrival followed by a PCR test.
Other Tests: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa require PCR tests, which Rovos Rail has organised along the route although all costs associated to testing will be for your own account. This information will accompany your reservation details on booking with alicia@rovos.co.za.
Check-in Address: Serena Hotel, Ohio St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Check-in: 09:30
Depart: 12:00 ____________________ TESTING FACILITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Our testing recommendations are found nationwide in hospitals, medical centres, corporate buildings, shopping centres, drive-through facilities and airports. Pre-registration is required in order to receive results in time. Please contact our Health & Safety Officer Eric Annandale on +27 (0)12 315 8242 / 9505 should you have any issues. Links below.
• Ampath
• Dischem
• Lancet
• Pathcare
• Department of Health Resource Centre
Thank you for your continued support as we work towards curbing the spread of Covid-19 and maintaining a safe travel environment for both our guests and staff. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Testing Procedures
Victoria Falls Questionnaire +27 (0)12 315 8242
reservations@rovos.co.za
rovos.com
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