Skip to content

FAQ

Packages range from 48 hours to 28 days. See Rates and Schedules section for more details.

Rovos Rail offers various journeys across the sub-continent of Africa.

Cape Town & Pretoria: 3 nights
Pretoria & Victoria Falls: 3/4 nights
Pretoria & Durban: 2 nights
Cape Town & Dar es Salaam: 15/16 nights
Pretoria & Namibia: 11 nights
African Collage: 12 nights
Golf Safari: 9 nights
African Trilogy: 15 nights
Southern Cross Tour: 11 nights
Copper Trail: 14 nights
Trail of Two Oceans: 15 nights

The train is also available for private charters and events. Contact us for more details.

During the day dress code is smart casual. Evening wear is more formal. Minimum requirement for men are a jacket and tie, and for ladies a cocktail/evening dress or suit. Please pack warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings. For off-train excursions, comfortable walking shoes are recommended as well as sunblock, hats and warm clothing for game drives, which are on open vehicles.

Rovos Rail offers 24-hour room service by a dedicated host/ess. The internal telephone in your suite can be used to contact him/her.  The Train Manager and Deputy Train Manager are available during your journey to answer any questions you may have.

Mainly English, also Afrikaans, local ethnic languages, and some German, Spanish and French.

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 (share) among the staff on board. An amount between ZAR200-300 (± US$13-20) per person per night is suggested, depending on the length of your journey.

Royal Suite:

  • Double: 189cm long x 189cm wide
  • Twin: 189cm long x 94cm wide

Deluxe Suite:

  • Double lengthways: 189cm long x 189cm wide
  • Double crosswise: 189cm x 160cm wide
  • Twin: 189cm long x 94cm wide
  • L-Twin: 189cm long x 90cm wide

Pullman Suites:

  • Double crosswise: 189cm long x 150cm wide
  • Twin – lower bunk: 189cm long x 90cm wide
  • Twin – upper bunk: 189cm long x 60cm wide

Meals are served in one sitting only at the following times, unless otherwise stated in the timetable:

Breakfast: Between 07:00 and 10:00
Lunch: 13:00
Tea: 16:30
Formal Dinner: 19:30

Please make a detailed request on the Reservation Form. Our best effort is made to cater for meals such as vegetarian, vegan, diabetic etc. Should you not request a special meal but require one, the chef will endeavour to prepare a suitable meal with the ingredients on board. Regrettably, we are not able to prepare meals that require strict religious observance in the preparation.

We encourage guests to close shutters and preferably also windows in the suites while on board. This removes some of the temptation for anyone standing on the platform. Each suite has a safe for valuables. Doors in the passages are locked from the inside, and suite doors can also be locked from the inside.

Yes, selected journeys run all year while some of the short journeys do not run in the winter.

Each suite has an electronic safe in the cupboard.

The on board laundry service is limited and consist of household washers, dryers and steam irons. Turnaround time is 48 hours. Please note that while this is a complimentary service, Rovos Rail cannot be held responsible for items getting damaged or lost. There are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board.

Each guest is provided with a comfortable waffle weave gown (one size fits all) and slippers.

Smoking is not allowed in public areas or suites. There is a designated Smoking Lounge on board – close to the observation car.

Memorabilia can be bought at the on board Gift Shop situated in the Lounge Car/Royal Suite coach. Due to the fluctuating exchange rate, Rands or credit cards are preferred for any purchases. Rovos Rail accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club.

Yes, there are board games, playing cards and a card table on most journeys.

Each room has enough space for two large suitcases, which can be stored on the overhead luggage rack or under the bed.

In South Africa: Only Rands are accepted. All major credit cards can be used on board.

Outside South Africa: US Dollars for off-train expenses and excursions booked while on the train. Hotels and major dealers accept credit cards, except in the Sudan.

US Dollars printed before 2001 will not be accepted. We recommend low denominations for shopping or gratuities. Larger notes can be used to exchange money to local currency, especially in Tanzania, as you receive a better.  The gift shop on board does not cater for exchanging money, but might do so if currency is available.

No pets are allowed.

Rovos Rail accommodates children, but we remind parents to respect the sophisticated and adult atmosphere maintained on board. There are no child-minding facilities or activities on board.

It is recommended to take precautions against malaria. Malaria areas include: Swaziland, Kruger Park, Northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Etosha, Zambia and Tanzania.  Please consult your medical practitioner.

If travelling to/from Tanzania, a Yellow Fever Certificate or Medical Exemption Certificate is essential. Although some countries traveled through do not require the vaccination, countries guests return to after their trip often require them.

Recommended but not required immunisation: Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus and Cholera (low risk).

Please consult your clinic or doctor.

It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure that all passports and visas required are valid. Please check with the relevant consulates ahead of time regarding visa requirements and applications, or enquire with us. Rovos Rail travels through South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, the Sudan and Egypt on various itineraries.

Rovos Rail requires cancellation insurance.  Terms and Conditions are strictly adhered to and applicable cancellation fees will not be waived.

Temperature is controlled by gas-filled air-conditioning systems fitted in all public cars. Each suite has an individually controlled air-conditioning system. Fresh-air intake is achieved by opening a window. Please keep windows closed while operating the air-conditioning unit. All beds are fitted with electric under-blankets.

On board plugs are 220V AC 50 Hz, 3-point round pronged wall plugs.  International adaptors are available on board.

There are 110V/220V 2-pin plugs for shavers.

There are no televisions, radios or Internet access.

Reception is poor while the train is moving. Please contact your service provider to activate the correct network services.

Internet is available at Rovos Rail’s Cape Town Lounge, Rovos Rail Station, Tau Game Lodge and Victoria Falls Hotel, and most of the accommodation used on the Cairo journey.

Please note that the use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops and any other potentially bothersome devices are confined to your suite out of consideration for your fellow passengers.

Yes, all suites have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The Royal suite has a shower and separate Victorian bath.

Regrettably, the passage dimensions and train layout can not accommodate wheel-chairs. Rovos Rail is able to accommodate guests with slight walking difficulties, but recommend that an able-bodied passenger accompany them.  Should you have any special requirements please inform us at the time of booking.

Steam is used in and around the Rovos Rail Station but due to the increasing difficulty over the years of using steam, diesel or electric locomotives are used.

Yes.

In most cases yes, and when scheduled. On selected journeys, only off-train beverages are excluded.

Yes. It is preferred that clients enjoy the full experience.

Yes, the following journeys can be combined:
Cape Town and Victoria Falls;
Cape Town and Durban;
the northbound Durban and Victoria Falls;
and the Namibia and Collage journey.

Please contact us for more details.

Secure parking is offered but Rovos Rail cannot be held liable for any damage or theft to/from your vehicle.

Gratuities are not included in your rate and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, there is an envelope in your suite that you can insert into a box at the end of your journey. The gratuities will be evenly distributed amongst all the staff on board. A suggested amount would be between R100.00 – R200.00.

Upon receipt of your online enquiry, we will confirm availability via email. The email will contain the reservation form which can be completed and emailed/faxed back to us. We will then confirm (in writing) your selected suite and departure date via confirmation invoice. Upon receipt of a 25% deposit, your reservation will be confirmed. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations received more than 60 days prior to departure date are subject to a cancellation fee of 25% of the ticket price per individual booking or group bookings.
Cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee of 80% of the ticket price per guest.
Once a ticket has been purchased, a reservation may be changed for a departure at an earlier or later date without a cancellation penalty being imposed. However should there be a rate difference, the client would be requested to pay the difference immediately. Should the rate difference be in favour of the guest, no money will be refunded and the guest will be informed accordingly.
If an amendment, cancellation or no-show is caused by an illness and verified by a registered doctor’s letter, we will consider waiving all or part of the cancellation fee according to the merits of each case with a maximum refund amount of 90% of the actual money received.
Non-compliance with these booking conditions will automatically cancel a provisional reservation without further notice.

Pretoria to Cape Town: The Blue Train departs at 13h00 and arrives in Cape Town between 15h00 – 18h00. Check in opens 2 hours prior to departure.

Cape Town to Pretoria: The Blue Train departs at 13h00 and arrives in Pretoria between 15h00 – 18h00. Check in opens 2 hours prior to departure.

Pretoria to Kruger National Park: The Blue Train departs at 13h00 and arrives back in Pretoria at 10h00 on day 3. Check in opens 2 hours prior to departure.

Only South African Rands are accepted. All major credit cards can also be used on the train.

Throughout the journey, your personal butler will consistently supply you with bottled water. It is not advisable to drink the tap water.

All suites are equipped with a private digital interactive entertainment system, with an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on Blue-Ray DVD. Guests can also enjoy a camera-view from the drivers’ perspective from the comfort of your own suite. All suites are fitted with WI-FI service that is complimentary.

On board, The Blue Train is a smoke free zone. The Club Lounge is the only dedicated smoking area.

All luggage will be subjected to security check and scanning prior to boarding.
It is advisable to pack an overnight bag for the journey, as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in the suite.
Additional luggage will be stored in the Luggage Car. Luggage stored in the Luggage Car is limited to 50 (fifty) kg per guest.
Although great care will be taken to safeguard luggage and other belongings, it is recommended that luggage be securely locked.
Guests should at all times have their valuables securely locked away in a lock-up safe provided in the suite.

The Boutique shop will be open at certain times where guests will be able to buy hand made jewelery and Blue Train branded momento gifts.

Special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoon, etc is very important and The Blue Train strives to make it extra special. Kindly inform us of your occasion.

During the day is smart casual. In keeping with tradition it is a compulsory custom to dress formal for dinner to match the sheer elegance of The Blue Train. Eveningwear is elegant and gentleman are requested to wear a jacket and tie and Ladies elegant. During the day dress code is smart casual.

Rovos Rail accommodates children, but we remind parents to respect the sophisticated and adult atmosphere maintained on board. There are no child-minding facilities or activities on board.

It is recommended to take precautions against malaria. Malaria areas include: Swaziland, Kruger Park, Northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Etosha, Zambia and Tanzania.  Please consult your medical practitioner.

If travelling to/from Tanzania, a Yellow Fever Certificate or Medical Exemption Certificate is essential. Although some countries traveled through do not require the vaccination, countries guests return to after their trip often require them.

Recommended but not required immunisation: Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus and Cholera (low risk).

Please consult your clinic or doctor.

It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure that all passports and visas required are valid. Please check with the relevant consulates ahead of time regarding visa requirements and applications, or enquire with us. Rovos Rail travels through South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, the Sudan and Egypt on various itineraries.

Rovos Rail requires cancellation insurance.  Terms and Conditions are strictly adhered to and applicable cancellation fees will not be waived.

Temperature is controlled by gas-filled air-conditioning systems fitted in all public cars. Each suite has an individually controlled air-conditioning system. Fresh-air intake is achieved by opening a window. Please keep windows closed while operating the air-conditioning unit. All beds are fitted with electric under-blankets.

Regrettably, the passage dimensions and train layout can not accommodate wheel-chairs. Rovos Rail is able to accommodate guests with slight walking difficulties, but recommend that an able-bodied passenger accompany them.  Should you have any special requirements please inform us at the time of booking.

Steam is used in and around the Rovos Rail Station but due to the increasing difficulty over the years of using steam, diesel or electric locomotives are used.

Yes.

In most cases yes, and when scheduled. On selected journeys, only off-train beverages are excluded.

Yes. It is preferred that clients enjoy the full experience.

Kruger Shalati Bridge House: Children under 6 years old are unfortunately not allowed at Kruger Shalati Bridge House. In the interest of safety, participation of children in game drive activities is at the discretion of the guide. No children under the age of 6 will be allowed to go on game drives.

Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge: Children below the age of 12 will not be allowed to stay in the Train on the Bridge. They will need to be accommodated in Kruger Shalati Bridge House.

There are a limited number of private safari vehicles that can be booked by guests in advance at an additional cost subject to availability. Private vehicles must be booked for a guests’ entire stay.

Upon receipt of your online enquiry, we will confirm availability via email. The email will contain the reservation form which can be completed and emailed/faxed back to us. We will then confirm (in writing) your selected suite and check-in/check-out dates via confirmation invoice. Upon receipt of a 25% deposit, your reservation will be confirmed. Full payment is due 60 days prior to check-in.

The following cancellation policy would apply to all confirmed and/or guaranteed bookings: Airfares are non-refundable and subject to change fees. Cancellations received more than 60 days prior to departure are subject to cancellation fee of 25% of the land arrangements. Cancellations received less than 60 days before departure are subject to a cancellation fee of 80% of the land arrangements. Once your travel documents are finalised, travel arrangements may be changed for travel at an earlier or later date (subject to the supplier’s terms & conditions). However change fees and possible rate differences will apply and the client would be requested to pay the differences immediately.

Kruger Park Entrance: A once-off fee is payable upon entering the Kruger National Park. Please ensure you have your accommodation confirmation documentation at hand to ensure entry at the correct price.

KNP Gate Times – self drive: All self-drive and road transfers are subject to Kruger National Park gate times.
The Kruger National park prohibits the use of roads within the park once the gates are closed so guests need to be at their destination and transfer companies must be outside the park by the time the gates close.
Kruger Shalati is approximately 25 min from Paul Kruger Gate.
Kruger National Park will not allow for alternative arrangements to be made.

Travel insurance is recommended, covering for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, as well as cancellation and curtailment – as the reservation will be subject to cancellation penalties as detailed above.

Guests are advised that Kruger Shalati is situated in a malaria area; therefor, all guests must consult their medical practitioner regarding anti-malaria requirements prior to travel.