General
Information

The Train

Rovos Rail carries a maximum of 72 guests in 36 suites, and the train is usually made up in the same order. Behind the locomotives come the generator car and the staff car, then the first of the guest sleepers. In the middle of the train are the lounge car and two 42 seat dining cars with the kitchen car between them, which leaves plenty of room even when the train is full. More guest sleepers follow, and the observation car brings up the rear.

Every suite has a bar fridge and a tea drawer, which your host or hostess will stock with whatever you prefer. Plug-in hairdryers are available on board in addition to the unit in the bathroom. Full details of the accommodation are on our suites page.

Cuisine and Atmosphere

Breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner are served in a single sitting in the Victorian surroundings of the dining cars, and the cooking is matched with a good choice of South African wines. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if you let us know in advance.

The observation car at the back of the train seats 32, with an open balcony beyond it. The carriage next to it holds a smoking lounge seating eight, and when passenger numbers call for it there is also a non-smoking lounge car in the centre of the train seating 26. In keeping with the spirit of an earlier age of travel there are no radios or televisions on board.

Dress

During the day, dress is smart, casual and comfortable. Evenings are more formal, with jacket and tie the minimum for gentlemen, and an evening or cocktail dress or a suit appropriate for ladies. For time off the train, bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat and plenty of sun cream.

Passports and Visas

British citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa, and it must have at least two blank pages. Making sure your documents are in order and with you when you travel is your own responsibility.

Rovos themselves ask for six months' validity and three blank pages. That is stricter than the rule, but it is sensible, since a passport running short of pages or close to expiry can cause trouble with airlines and at borders. We would work to the Rovos figures if you have the choice.

South African and British dual nationals aged 18 or over must enter and leave South Africa on a South African passport.

Travelling with Children

South Africa has particular requirements for anyone aged 17 or under, and stricter ones again for children travelling with only one parent or unaccompanied. An unabridged birth certificate and, in some cases, parental consent letters may be needed, and these can take time to obtain. The South African Department of Home Affairs publishes the current requirements, and it is worth sorting this out well before you travel.

Traveller Declaration

Since 1 July 2026, everyone entering or leaving South Africa through any air, land, sea or rail port must submit an online traveller declaration before travelling. There are also strict rules on what you can bring in and out, and cash must be declared above 25,000 rand per person or the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars in other currencies.

Other Countries on Your Route

Journeys that cross into Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia or Tanzania have their own entry requirements, and some charge visa fees at the border. Check each country on your itinerary.

Where to Check

Rules change, so please check before you travel. The current advice for British passport holders is published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and passport information at gov.uk. Travellers who are not British nationals should check with the South African High Commission.

Health

No vaccinations are compulsory for entry to South Africa, with one exception: a yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk. If your journey takes you through one of those countries on the way, that applies to you too.

Malaria is a consideration on some routes but not others. The Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban journeys do not pass through malaria areas, while the trips to Victoria Falls, and those running north into Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania, do. Anti-malarial tablets are usually recommended for those, along with the usual advice about covering up at dusk and using repellent.

Inoculations against typhoid, polio and hepatitis are commonly suggested for southern Africa. In every case, ask your own GP or a travel clinic four to six weeks before you go, as the advice depends on your route and your own health. TravelHealthPro publishes the current country guidance. If you are prone to illness, carry enough medication with you, as some medicines may not be available locally.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a condition of booking, and we would recommend arranging it as soon as your journey is confirmed. Please make sure the policy covers every country on your itinerary. If you would like a recommendation, just ask us.

Life on Board

Electricity

The train runs on 220V AC, 50Hz, with three-point round-pronged wall sockets. International adapters are available on board.

Smoking

Cigarettes and cigars may be smoked in the privacy of your suite and in the smoking lounge. Please never throw cigarette or cigar ends from the train, as bush fires are a constant and serious hazard in Africa.

Mobile Phones and Laptops

Mobile phones and laptops are not used in any of the public areas. Please use them in the privacy of your suite.

Laundry

There is a simple laundry service on board, with household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours, so it will not cope with a week's washing at once. Do tell your hostess if anything needs specialist attention.

Gift Shop

A small gift shop sits in the centre lounge car and opens between meals, with another at the station at Capital Park in Pretoria. Because exchange rates move about, payment by card is preferred. The host or hostess on duty keeps a basic first aid kit and personal essentials such as toothbrushes and razors, and will also help with any paperwork or check your onward arrangements.

Gratuities

Tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you would like to show your appreciation, a marked envelope is included in your information folder. Gratuities can be handed to the train manager, who shares whatever is collected among the staff on board on a pro rata basis.

Air Conditioning

All the public carriages are air-conditioned, and each suite has its own individually controlled air conditioning.

Excursions

Off-train excursions cannot be guaranteed and go ahead only if time and circumstances allow. Rovos Rail do their best to keep to the programme, but with locomotive changes and the other logistics of African railways, delays are not unusual.

Prices

All the Rovos Rail prices shown on this website are a guide only, as rates move with currency fluctuations. The correct price will be confirmed when you book.

Average Temperatures

Average minimum and maximum temperatures in degrees Celsius, with the wettest months for each area.