Rovos Pride of Africa Africa, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique

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Rovos Pride of Africa OFFERS & NEWS

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Rovos Availability Reports 2024/2025 - GO HERE FOR UPDATED AVAILABILITY.

Alternatively, please get in touch for all availability on any Rovos journey.

Rovos Route Maps are here.

Rovos Special Offers for selected 2024 departures. Please ask for details.

AFRICAN COLLAGE & GOLF SAFARI

Dar es Salaam Journeys in 2025 and 2026: Book soon to avoid disappointment. Dar es Salaam Journeys: summaries & dates.

Rovos - About the Train

Rovos Rail has a style all its own with train tours that have a blend of earthy African safari and traditional luxury - except that a divine soak in a full-sized bath in a train was always rare, even on Royal trains!

The Pride of Africa trains from Rovos Rail provide very much more than mere rail transportation - from these transports of delight one can experience the richness of southern Africa, with north and southbound routes between Pretoria and Cape Town as well as a range of spectacular journeys to the east and west. Trains combine the golden age of rail travel with modern conveniences, creating an unforgettable extravagant elegance of a bygone era.

From the start of your journey (if you leave from Pretoria, you experience the fabulous Edwardian-styled station) to the memorable time spent on the opulent Rovos Pride of Africa, this is an experience not to be missed.

Scroll down for detailed itineraries, dates and prices

or EMAIL THE CLUB

Rovos Video

Rovos Route Map

Rovos Accommodation

Rovos Suites

All these luxurious suites are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities, decorated in beautiful wood panelling and period Edwardian features. There are three styles that guests can choose from (Royal, Deluxe, Pullman), with varying levels of luxury.

Every Suite offers all modern conveniences and comfort to the highest of standards. Each have a writing area and a personal safe along with a mini bar filled with beverages of the passengers' choice and 24 hour room service. Amenity bags are provided and replenished upon request. Hair Dryer, slippers and gowns provided.

ROYAL SUITE

The four Royal Suites (16sqm) have their own private lounge area and feature a full en-suite bathroom with shower and Victorian bath.

The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

DELUXE SUITE

The Deluxe Suites (11sqm) have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower.

The Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

PULLMAN GOLD SUITE

NEW Pullman Gold in use on longer Rovos journeys.

The Pullman Golds, used on our long journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites are setup with split twin beds configured as sofa-seats (optional) with a conversion to split twin or double beds for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.

PULLMAN SUITE

The Pullman Suites (7sqm) are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day, converting to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower.

The Pullmans, used on our short journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. Please note in the animation that we indicate a bar fridge, however, these have been removed from the Pullmans.

Plans of each Rovos suite type and variation are here.

Rovos Dining Cars

The beautiful Rovos dining cars provide a wonderful range of food that includes local delicacies such as game with an emphasis placed on fresh and seasonal ingredients, complemented by excellent South Africa wines. The ambiance is created by a Victorian setting, with crisp linen, sparkling glass and silver, and seamless service.

Consider the amazing chefs and kitchen staff, working in galley kitchens under the Africa sun. Always cheerful, they produce a consistently-high standard of cuisine. Rovos staff are highly prized by management.

Lounge and Observation Cars

Sitting in the opulence of the Rovos lounge cars allows the opportunity to relax and watch the spectacular scenery, whilst the rear of the Rovos Observation Car affords one the amazing experience of being outside whilst the train is moving - a special memory in the balmy darkness of the African night.

Pre/Post Accommodation and Tours

Please ask if you would like to be informed of the above services.

The Luxury Safari Club simplifies your search for the ultimate safari experience. We have applied the same concierge approach to developing your wildlife experience.

Itineraries/Prices/Dates 2024/2025

Scroll down for detailed itineraries, dates and prices

or EMAIL THE CLUB

Cape Town Journey - Pretoria to Cape Town/Cape Town to Pretoria

4 days / 3 nights

Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands of the Cape; arrive in Cape Town, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. Highlights of the north and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein; this authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village, which was founded as a refreshment stop in 1890, also boasts an impressive museum on the platform.

Another stop is made in Kimberley providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour with a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world's largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

2024: Pretoria to Cape Town. November 1,8,14,22. December 6,20. 2025: January 6,10,17,31. February 18, 21,28. March 4,21. April 4,18. May 2,16. June 13,27,30. July 11,25. August 1,8,22. September 5,19,26

2024: Cape Town to Pretoria. November 4,11,25. December 9,14,23. 2025: January 23. February 3,13,17,24. March 4,17,24,27. April 7,15,21. May 5,9,19. June 16,30. July 14,29. August 4,11,26. September 8,12,15,29

Single Supplement is 50%. Prices quoted are ex Club Discount; Rovos Club discount honoured.

Contact us for Club Price and Offers

Victoria Falls Journey - Pretoria to Victoria Falls/Victoria Falls to Pretoria

3 full days/3 nights or 4 full days/4 nights: arrival is just after breakfast on the 4th or 5th day.

Experience this journey through diverse and truly African scenery as Rovos Rail meanders in a northerly direction towards the border at Beitbridge, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the border with Zimbabwe. Continuing in a northwesterly direction, the train passes Bulawayo heading towards Thompson's Junction and Hwange Game Reserve where animals can be spotted from the train. The Falls and the elegant colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel form an ideal destination. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, white-water rafting on the Zambezi River as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.

NOTE when viewing the map above: The Rovos Rail Victoria Falls Journey does not travel via Botswana. It uses the BBR line (Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (PVT) Limited). The visit to Hwange National Park is as scheduled.

NOTE: guests have the option of choosing the 3-night journey or the new 4-night journey, which includes an excursion to Polokwane Nature Reserve. Please ask for full itinerary.

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

2024/2025: Pretoria to Victoria Falls. 4 nights. 2024: November 6,13,20,27. December 23. 2025: January 8,15. February 12. March 5,19,26. April 9,16,23,30. May 14,28. June 11,27. July 9,16,23,30. August 6,13,20. September 3,10

2024/2025: Pretoria to Victoria Falls. 3 nights. 2024: 2025: January 23. February 6,20,27. March 13. April 3. August 28. September 18,25

2024/2025: Victoria Falls to Pretoria. 4 nights. 2024: November 10,14,24. December 1,27. 2025: January 12,23,26. March 30. April 13,20,27. May 4,18. June 1,15. July 13,20,23,27. August 10,17,24. September 25

2024/2025: Victoria Falls to Pretoria. 3 nights. 2024: November 3. 2025: January 19. February 9,16,23. March 2,9,16,23,25. April 6,22. June 17. July 1. August 3,31. September 7,14,16,21,28

Single Supplement is 50%. Prices quoted are ex Club Discount; Rovos Club discount honoured.

Contact us for Club Price and Offers

Durban Safari - Pretoria to Durban/Durban to Pretoria

This 3 day/2 night safari allows you to experience the splendour of KwaZulu-Natal. Take in the Big Five, a battlefields tour with a world-class historian and unusual African ceramics. Experience the Nambiti Conservancy – a Big Five private bush retreat of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Sundays River flows through the reserve and has two 40-metre waterfalls with magnificent ravine bush, home to several rare bird species. Situated on an expansive game farm, Spionkop Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region.

Ardmore Ceramics is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is exerting its influence on the other continents of the world. Pay a morning visit to this charming centre in the rolling hills of the Midlands before the Rovos train makes its way to Durban.

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

Pretoria to Durban. 2024: November 15. 2025: January 24. February 14. March 7. April 11. August 15. September 19

Durban to Pretoria. 2024: November 18. 2025: January 27. February 17. March 10. April 14. August 18. September 22

Single Supplement is 50%. Prices quoted are ex Club Discount; Rovos Club discount honoured

Contact us for Club Price and Offers

Golf Safari - Pretoria to Pretoria

10 days/9 nights. Rovos Rail has designed two* excellent nine-day safaris to entertain the most discerning player with optional excursions for non-playing guests.

The Golf Safari begins in Pretoria and travels west to Sun City in the hills of the Pilanesberg for a day at this renowned facility, including a game drive for non-golfers. In the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains, 18 holes await at the Champagne Sports Resort, with a guided tour of the battlefields a further highlight for non-golfers. Enjoy a game at Durban Country Club or tour the city.

Then on to Zululand for game viewing at Hluhluwe before heading to Swaziland. Tee off at Royal Swazi or enjoy a game drive at Mkhaya and a visit to Ngwenya Glass and Guava Gallery. Golfers then play the challenging Leopard Creek course while non-golfers enjoy a game drive in the world-famous Kruger Park, after which this memorable journey ends in Pretoria.

GOLF COURSES: Leopard Creek, Royal Swazi, Durban Country Club, Champagne Sports Resort and Sun City Lost City. For more details on the courses, please contact us.

TOURS for NON-GOLFERS: Battlefields tour, Drakensberg Mountain Range, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Mkhaya Game Reserve, Guava Gallery, Ngwenya Glass Factory, Kruger Park game drive

Dates and Prices 2025

2025: January 6. February 24. September 10. October 20

Single Supplement 40%. Prices quoted are ex Club Discount; Rovos Club discount honoured.

Contact us for Club Price and Offers

Dar es Salaam Journey - Cape Town to Dar es Salaam/Dar es Salaam to Cape Town

This epic 16 day/15 night journey travels across the vast continent, starting from South Africa on the Atlantic Ocean, traversing Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and arriving in Tanzania on the Indian Ocean.

Itinerary, Cape Town Dar Es Salaam is here.

In luxurious comfort, one departs Cape Town, travelling through the historic village of Matjiesfontein, the diamond town of Kimberley and the capital city of Pretoria where one has a tour of both areas, before passing lakes with flocks of flamingos as one arrives for a two-night stay at the Madikwe Game Reserve. Passing through Botswana into Zimbabwe, guests overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River following a sunset river cruise, the train travels northeast through Zambia where guests can enjoy a bush walk at Chisimba Falls.

Complimentary Rovos Tote bags / Togbag are provided during the journey for use during the off-train stays at Madikwe and Victoria Falls. They become a souvenir.

The Rovos train continues the climb towards the Zambian/Tanzanian border, almost the midpoint between Africa's two Great Rift Valley lakes. Descending into the Rift Valley itself and witnessing spectacular scenery, the train negotiates tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. Early on the last day, the train passes through the Selous Game Reserve – the largest on the continent and a vision of timeless Africa – shortly before arrival in Dar es Salaam.

This journey has a wonderful mixture of tours, some overnight stays in various destinations, time on board to gaze at the passing scenery , excursions to see wildlife, on-board historians giving interesting talks.

Note: We strongly recommend overnighting in Dar es Salaam and that all outbound flights are booked for the day after scheduled arrival.

Dates and Prices 2025

Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. 2025: July 04-19. September 23-October 08

Dar es Salaam to Cape Town. 2025: January 28-February 12. October 11-26

Prices quoted are ex Club Discount; Rovos Club discount honoured. Single supplement available

Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. 2026: July 2-18. October 6-22.

Dar es Salaam to Cape Town. 2026: January 28-February 13. July 21-August 6. October 25-November 10

Contact us for Club Price and Offers

We are not exaggerating when we say that you must plan ahead to take this particular journey! Contact us now to book for 2025 — or get on the 'first notice' list for 2026 departures*, which will be available to book by early June. 2024 is completely sold out.

The Southern Cross - Pretoria to Victoria Falls/Victoria Falls to Pretoria

12 days/11 nights

Tours included: Group Pre and Post tours of Pretoria and Victoria Falls are available.

Once guests have settled into their cabins on the train, they are then taken on guided tours of the many sites in Pretoria and Soweto which fall within the Gauteng province, the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to some of Africa's greatest cities. The name of the province derives from the Sotho word meaning “Place of Gold", which is very suitable since much of the wealth of Gauteng has come from this precious metal.

Go here for the full itinerary, Southern Cross Southbound - Victoria Falls to Pretoria

Then the impressive 12 day journey starts, with stops at carefully selected locations in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This magnificent sojourn will spend the first few days taking guests east through the Drakensberg Mountains to the Kruger Park for game viewing and the historical areas of the gold digger's town Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window, from which we gaze across the sweeping landscape of the Lowveld, where subtle fragrances of the lower region rise to merge with the crisp winds of the Highveld.

By day 4, guests tour Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Maputo offers an exciting mix of culture and buildings reminiscent of trends set by African, Portuguese and early Colonial traditions. Old Catholic churches rest side-by-side with Mosques and Fortresses, Victorian Mansions and other buildings from a bygone era.

Then to explore the Kingdom of Swaziland, with a game drive in the famous wildlife reserve of Kapama followed by a relaxing day on the train as it heads for the Great Zimbabwe Ruins for a visit. On days nine and 10, guests tour Antelope Park and Matobas National Park, site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, before continuing on to Hwange for game-viewing activities. The final day has the train arriving in Victoria Falls where guests enjoy a walking tour of the village and the falls with an afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Dates and Prices 2025

2025: Pretoria to Victoria. January 9. March 13. April 10. June 5. September 4. November 4

2025: Victoria Falls to Pretoria. August 21

Single supplement available. Prices exclude Club Discount

Namibian Safari - Pretoria to Walvis Bay or reverse

This 13 night 3,400-kilometre annual journey takes the train from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic in the west. Departing from Pretoria, the first stop is Kimberley, centre of one of the world’s famous diamond rushes where there is an opportunity to savour the 1870's atmosphere of the mine museum village.

The Rovos train traverses the stark vistas of the Northern Cape to the Fish River Canyon – second in size to the Grand Canyon and truly a spectacular sight. Guests continue across the untamed beauty of the Kalahari Desert to Namibia’s capital for a tour; Windhoek is a lively, cosmopolitan city with a strong German flavour.

Then a short flight to the renowned Sossusvlei, a stunning pan in the Namib Desert, for an overnight stay followed by a night in the game-rich Etosha National Park.

On the last morning, the Rovos train travels the Namib to the perfectly preserved 19th-century German Hansa town of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay – an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey. Available in reverse.

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

2024: Walvis Bay to Pretoria. November 15

2025: Walvis Bay to Pretoria. March 21. May 12. November 14

2025: Pretoria to Walvis Bay. N/A

Single Supplement 50%. Prices quoted are ex Club Discount; Rovos Club discount honoured.

Contact us for Club Price and Offers

Trail of Two Oceans - Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) to Lobito (Angola)

Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola or reverse

16 days/15 nights.

Rovos Trail of two Oceans Angola Tanzania - In July 2019, Rovos began a new 15-day expedition crossing Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola - the Rovos Trail Of Two Oceans Angola Tanzania. This is the first passenger train to travel the famous copper trail on this route.

It includes the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in the South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) and tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). The Rovos train then joins the Benguela line before arriving in Lobito. (Or reverse).

Dates and Prices 2025

2025: Dar es Salaam to Lobito. July 22

2025: Lobito to Dar es Salaam. August 9

Royal Suite - US$ 25,950 pp (single occupancy poa)

Deluxe Suite - US$ 19,800 pp (single occupancy US$ 28,400)

Pullman Suite – US$ 14,950 pp (single occupancy US$ 21,600)

The Copper Trail - Victoria Falls to Lobito (Angola)

Zimbabwe, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola

15 days/14 nights

Travel across the mighty Zambezi from the incomparable Victoria Falls towards Kafue River for a sunset cruise.

After a visit to Lusaka’s elephant orphanage where teams rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants, fly into South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) for a three-night safari. With its western and northwestern edge bounded by the Muchinga Escarpment and the southern border lined with the meandering Luangwa River, there is no shortage of dramatic and fascinating topography in this beautiful game-rich park.

Enjoy a tour of Lubumbashi (DRC) then join the historical copper trail for short walking tours detailing Angola’s recent history with journey’s end in Lobito.

Available in reverse.

Dates and Prices 2025

2025: Victoria Falls to Lobito. N/A

2025: Lobito to Victoria Falls. N/A

Royal Suite - US$ 25,950 pp (single occupancy poa)

Deluxe Suite - US$ 19,800 pp (single occupancy US$ 28,400)

Pullman Suite – US$ 14,950 pp (single occupancy US$ 21,600)

Prices quoted are ex Club Discount; Rovos Club discount honoured.

Contact us for Club Price and Offers

The African Trilogy - Pretoria to Walvis Bay

16 days/15 nights

The African Trilogy - Video

Pretoria, Drakensberg Mountains, Kruger Park, Swaziland, Hluhluwe, Durban, Valley of 1000 Hills, Kimberley, Karo, Upington, Fish River Canyuon, Keetmanshoop, Kalahari Desert, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Part, Windhoek, Namib Desert, Cheetah Conservation Project, Etosha, Walvis Bay

This panoramic 15-day sojourn winds its way across Southern Africa from the Indian Ocean in the east to the Atlantic coast in the west. Starting in Pretoria, descend the spectacular escarpment to the world-famous Kruger Park for a game drive.

Explore the Kingdom of eSwatini followed by a game drive in Hluhluwe wildlife reserve and a tour of Durban and its botanical gardens.

Traverse the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the imposing Drakensberg Mountains to visit the 1870s mining village of Kimberley, centre of one of the world’s notorious diamond rushes.

Continue through the semi-desert region of the Karoo to Upington and the Fish River Canyon, second in size to the Grand Canyon.

Cross the untamed beauty of the Kalahari Desert to see the Quiver trees at Garas Park, home to roughly 300 specimens of the Aloe dichotomy.

Take a short flight to Sossusvlei for a lodge stay surrounded by the dramatic dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park.

Enjoy desert drives, a bush dinner and breakfast near Deadvlei where camel-thorn trees contrast against the white-clay pan floor.

Visit Namibia’s lively capital, Windhoek, and a cheetah conservation project before overnighting in the game-rich Etosha National Park.

Leave the vast stillness of the Namib Desert for the wild Atlantic coast and journey’s end, Walvis Bay.

Dates and Prices 2025

Pretoria to Walvis Bay 2025: February 5. October 1

Single supplement available. Prices exclude Club Discount

Rovos Rail Station

ROVOS RAIL STATION – S 25° 43′ 06″, E 28° 11′ 20″

Rovos Rail Station - O.R. Tambo Int'l Airport, Johannesburg (approx. 50 kms) - See Map & Directions

Rovos Rail Station - Pretoria Gautrain Terminal (Pretoria Station) (approx. 5 kms) - See Map & Directions

Passengers on Rovos Rail benefit from arriving or departing the private station at Capital Park, Pretoria.

A highlight for guests is a visit to the private station headquarters in Pretoria.

there is also a museum showing a historical collection of train paraphernalia.

If you wish to tour the private station, you should arrive two hours before departure or, if Pretoria is your arrival point, we suggest delaying your pick-up.

The once bustling hub of steam locomotion in the old Transvaal, the gracious colonial-style railway station serves as the new departure or arrival point for all train journeys.

The station has an ever-expanding railway museum in addition to other facilities. With the addition of semaphore signals and a footbridge, it recreates the atmosphere of a fully-fledged railway system. It is intended that, with time, this facility should become the foremost working train museum in the world.

Rail enthusiasts will note the huge carriage and locomotive sheds where dedicated teams maintain rolling stock. The 10,000 sq m workshop stretches over 15 rail lines. It has concrete inspection pits. Buildings beside the 300-metre platform are laundries, kitchens and storerooms. This is the hub of a train provisioning operation, rivalling that of a world-class hotel in efficiency and attention to detail.

Luxury Safari Club

Pre/Post tours & accommodation. Please ask the Luxury Safari Club.

Pride of Africa, Rovos - General Information

What is the Rovos Club?

Go here for details of the Rovos reward scheme, the Rovos Club.

What is included in the Rovos fare?

Train tour price per person sharing includes accommodation, meals and excursions, as well as alcoholic beverages whilst on the train. There are complimentary mini bars in each cabin, that are filled with the requested drinks of the individual. Hotels and transfers are included on various tours where mentioned.

Disabled Access / Mobility on Rovos

Go here for guidelines about Rovos Disabled Access / Mobility.

Rovos Bathroom Amenities.

Soap (25g), tissues, shampoo (60ml), conditioner (60ml), bath and shower gel (60ml), hand and body lotion (60ml), lip balm (4.8g), Sun Cream SPF30 (8ml), insect repellent gel (8ml), round cotton wool, ear buds, shoe mit, nail file, small sewing kit, shower cap. Hair Dryer. Items replenishable. Slippers and gowns in the suites.

What is the Luggage advice for Rovos journeys?

There is ample luggage storage in the suite under the bed or in the luggage rack. There are no luggage restrictions on board, but more than two large suitcases is not recommended. On selected long journeys, a Rovos Rail tog bag is provided for overnight trips off the train or as hand luggage on aircraft. A soft bag is preferable on plane transfers with a weight restriction of 15kg (33lbs).

What size are Beds on Rovos trains?

These are unusually long for a train, to accommodate tall passengers in comfort; the owner of Rovos Rail, Rohan Vos, is 6ft 2ins / 1.88m in height. Mattresses are Sealy Posturepedic.

What is the Electrical power on Rovos trains?

International adaptors on board. No mobile phones, laptops, i-pads etc in public areas. Wi-Fi in the Pretoria and Cape Town lounges (free of charge). No Wi-Fi on board the train.

Can you smoke on Rovos trains?

Smoking is permitted in the Club Lounge only and we ask you to please be considerate to the non – smokers around you. You may not smoke on the outside balcony of the observation car.

What is in the Suite mini-bar?

On boarding, the mini-bar has 2 x 500ml still water and 1 x 375ml Villiera sparkling wine. Please complete the liquor requirement card (found in your itinerary pack) and hand it to your hostess, who will stock the mini bar accordingly. Drinks in the mini-bar are complimentary.

Is there WiFi on Rovos?

In maintaining the spirit of train travel there are no radios or television sets on board as well as no WiFi. Should guests need to stay connected, they can purchase local SIM cards or use international roaming.

Passengers are advised to contact their service providers to ensure the correct settings for network services are activated. Reception is not guaranteed on all our routes especially while the train is moving.

On each journey, the Train Manager has a phone loaded with ample data and cross-border SIM cards as well as a dedicated satellite phone. WiFi is available at our lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria and most off-train accommodation (although not always guaranteed).

Digital Disconnect

We encourage a digital detox while travelling with us. The use of any electronic device that can disturb other guests is confined to the privacy of the suites. We understand that devices are used for reading and taking photos 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.

What is the Dress Code on Rovos trains?

For the day on the train it is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings. With regard to off-train excursions, comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion and hats as well as warm clothing for the game drives, which are on open vehicles and can get very cold.

On long journeys we enjoy themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly.

What is the Rovos Child Policy?

Go here for the description.

Dietary Requirements

Diets are accommodated, with vegetarian options available. The chefs will also discuss preferences and options with guests at the beginning of the journey.

What are the suggested Gratuities / Tips on Rovos journeys?

At your discretion. There is 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 amongst the staff on board. An amount between US$10 and US$20 per person per night is suggested.

How to book Pre- or Post-Rovos safaris?

The Luxury Safari Club simplifies your search for the ultimate safari experience. We have applied the same concierge approach to developing your wildlife experience.

Payments on board Rovos

All major credit cards are accepted.

Health.

Advisable to take anti-malarial precautions and vaccinations as might be prescribed. A Yellow Fever or Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if travelling to/from Zambia and Tanzania. If you are visiting Zimbabwe, Zambia or Botswana and you are from a yellow fever free area no yellow fever certificate is required. in any event, please consult your doctor for updated requiremetns.

Passport and Visa requirements for Rovos journeys.

Visitors to South Africa are required to have at least three blank VISA pages (not endorsement pages) in their passports in order to receive an entry visa. Passports must also be valid for at least six months from the guests' return home date. We recommend a validity of nine months to prevent any problems. Check with embassies for visa requirements. More information here.

PASSPORTS at check in:
The train collects all passports during check in at our private Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. The admin deputy on board the train will keep the passports and hand back to guests on day two after crossing the Beitbridge border from South Africa into Zimbabwe. The border formalities and visa process will take place around midnight, the first night on board the train at the Beitbridge border post. Border officials and immigration officers will be on board to assist with visas needed (USD in cash, no photos required). Please note that there is a slim chance the officials would like to see the guests. We might have to wake guests just to put a face to their passport however this does not happen often. Please be advised that there is a chance this could happen, we just cannot confirm this until we have reached the border.

Uni-Visas or also known as Kaza-Visas can only be obtained at Victoria Falls Airport, Victoria Falls Land Border (between Vic Falls town and Zambian land border), Kazangula Land Border and Harare Airport only. Beitbridge only offer single or double entry visas to travellers visiting Zimbabwe.

BRITISH passport holders visa cost - ZIMBABWE:

Single entry to Zimbabwe USD55 per person, cash only

Double entry to Zimbabwe USD70 per person, cash only.

Unforeseen events/changes

Itineraries, routes and times may change at any time for reasons outside the control of the train company. Every effort will be made by train staff to minimise any impact; the Luxury Train Club cannot accept any responsibility for any changes. The Club aims to keep itineraries as up to date as possible.

Overnight on board Rovos

We do not guarantee stopping overnight. Although time is built into itineraries in an attempt to achieve sleep stops, with the distances we travel and potential operational challenges, the train will travel through the night if it means staying as close to the schedule as possible.

Coronavirus Notice

Go here for general travel and health advice from governments, WHO and other organisations.

Go here for Rovos Covid-19 Cleaning Processes.

Go here for Rovos Covid-19 Testing Procedures.

Rovos Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pride of Africa, Rovos - Booking & Reservations

All luxury train ticket prices are at publicly-quoted rates. Club Member discount. Rovos Club discount honoured.

Contact us to book your Rovos journey and for more information. Please sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed of interesting trains and special offers.

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