Travel Tips
Check-in Information
For your Victoria Falls departure, check-in is at the Victoria Falls Hotel and Station, Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Please check-in a minimum of one hour before the scheduled 16:00 departure. Passports are required at check-in; no vouchers are needed. Your luggage will be tagged and placed directly in your suite on board the train, where a full itinerary pack awaits you. For your arrival in Lobito, check-in for onwards arrangements will be at Hotel Terminus, R. Robert Williams 16, Lobito.
Dining Schedule
Meals on board Rovos Rail are a highlight, served in one sitting in the elegant dining cars and complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Breakfast is available from 07:00-10:00, lunch is served at 13:00, afternoon tea at 16:30, and formal dinner at 19:30. These times apply unless otherwise stated in your daily timetable. A distinctive gong heralds lunch and dinner. Bar service is available from 07:00 until approximately 01:00. Rovos Rail caters for food allergies provided a detailed request is made at the time of reservation. If no special request is made, chefs will endeavor to prepare suitable meals with available ingredients. Meals requiring strict religious observance in preparation cannot be accommodated.
Dress Code
During the day, the dress code on board is smart casual – neat, conventional, yet relatively informal, combining casual and formal pieces. Dinner on board is a formal affair; for gentlemen, a jacket and tie are a minimum requirement (from 2024, a collar and tie will be mandatory, with a jacket optional). Ladies are encouraged to wear cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please respect this dress code. On longer journeys such as The Copper Trail, themed evenings may include an 'AFRICA' evening and a '1920s' evening, allowing guests to dress accordingly or opt for smart casual. For off-train excursions, comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion, and hats are recommended. Blankets and rain capes are available if needed. Game drives are conducted in open vehicles, so dress in layers: mornings can be cool before warming considerably, and afternoons can be warm before cooling down. Warm clothing, hats, comfortable shoes, and sun protection are advised, depending on the season.
Electricity & Connectivity
The train operates on 220V AC 50Hz, with 3-point round-pronged wall plugs and 110V/220V 2-pin plugs suitable for shavers and chargers. Each suite is equipped with USB ports. International adaptors are available on board. Power is supplied by a generator, and certain breaks for servicing are necessary. To maintain the spirit of train travel, there are no radios or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops, and any device that might disturb other guests is restricted to the privacy of your suite. Mobile reception can be poor while the train is in motion; it's advisable to contact your service provider to ensure correct settings for network services are activated. Wi-Fi is available at Rovos Rail lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria, and at most off-train accommodation, though not always guaranteed.
Climate & Weather
Temperatures vary significantly along the Copper Trail route. For instance, in Lusaka, Zambia, average minimums range from 8°C (Jul/Aug) to 17°C (Jan/Feb), with maximums from 16°C (Jul/Aug) to 25°C (Jan/Feb, Nov/Dec). South Luangwa sees minimums from 11°C (Jul/Aug) to 20°C (Jan/Feb, Nov/Dec) and maximums from 20°C (Jul/Aug) to 35°C (Sep/Oct). In Lubumbashi, DRC, minimums are 8°C (Jul/Aug) to 16°C (Nov/Mar), with maximums from 26°C (May/Jun) to 32°C (Sep/Oct). Lobito, Angola, is generally warmer, with minimums from 20°C (Jul/Aug) to 29°C (Mar/Apr) and maximums from 25°C (Sep/Oct) to 34°C (Mar/Apr). Rainfall typically occurs from November to March in most regions. Given these variations, dressing in layers is crucial, especially for game drives where mornings can be cool and afternoons warm. Warm clothing, hats, comfortable shoes, and sun protection are essential.
Onboard Amenities
Rovos Rail provides a comprehensive amenity bag featuring South African biodegradable and/or recyclable products, including soap (40g), bamboo tissues, shampoo (50ml), hand and body wash (50ml), hand and body lotion (50ml), lip balm (15ml/7g), insect repellent spray (100ml for journeys over 4 days), reusable bamboo rounds, bamboo ear buds, and a compostable shower cap. Plug-in hairdryers are available, in addition to any fitted bathroom units. Sun cream, shoe mits, nail files, sewing kits, ear plugs, and additional insect repellent are also available. A limited laundry service is provided (10 items per day per guest) with a 48-hour turnaround, using household washers, dryers, and steam irons; dry-cleaning facilities are not available. A small gift shop is on board. Comfortable one-size-fits-all dressing gowns and slippers are provided for use on the train and can be purchased from the Gift Shop.
Medical Information
All guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. Please inform Rovos Rail at the time of reservation about any medical conditions, physical disabilities, or allergies. A doctor is on board for the Copper Trail journey. Anti-malarial precautions are recommended, as the route passes through malaria areas in Zambia, DRC, and Angola. Recommended (but not required) immunisations include Hepatitis A + B, Polio, Tetanus, and Cholera (low risk). Ebola is confined to northeast DRC, thousands of miles from the southern tip traversed by the Lobito journeys. A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if traveling to/from DRC and Angola; while not always required by countries visited, it may be necessary for countries guests return to after the trip. Consult your clinic or doctor; Travel Doctor Africa can be reached locally at 0861 300 911 or internationally at +27 (0) 11 214 9030. Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, an automated external defibrillator, and a wheelchair for emergencies. Private healthcare hospitals are available, though not guaranteed outside of South Africa. Evacuation by road or air to a medical facility can be organised at your own account. All Train Managers are First Aid Level 3 certified and trained in emergency situations. It is strongly recommended to discuss medical concerns with your travel insurance company to ensure adequate cover.
Luggage
Luggage can be stored in your suite under the bed or on a luggage rack above the door, providing ample space. While there are no strict luggage restrictions on board the train, it is not recommended to bring more than two large suitcases per person. On selected long journeys, including The Copper Trail, guests receive a Rovos Rail tog bag which can be used for overnight trips or as hand luggage for aircraft transfers. A soft bag is preferable for plane transfers, as there is a luggage weight restriction of 15kg for these flights.
Currency
In South Africa, only Rands are accepted, and all major credit cards are accepted 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, with cash highly recommended. Hotels and major dealers generally accept credit cards. Please note that US Dollar notes printed before 2013 or those that appear worn will not be accepted. Low denominations are recommended for shopping and gratuities, while larger denominations are better for exchanging money into local currency, especially in Tanzania, where you may get a better rate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1What is the dress code on Rovos Rail's Copper Trail journey?
During the day on board, the dress code is smart casual, meaning neat and conventional yet relatively informal attire. For dinner, it is a formal affair. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie (from 2024, a collar and tie will be mandatory, with a jacket optional), while ladies are encouraged to wear cocktail or evening dresses or suits. The Copper Trail journey also features themed evenings, specifically an 'Africa' theme and a '1920s' theme, where guests can dress accordingly or opt for smart casual. For off-train excursions and game drives, comfortable walking shoes, hats, and sun lotion are recommended. Game drives are on open vehicles, so layering warm clothing is advised as temperatures can vary significantly between cool mornings/evenings and warmer afternoons. Rain capes are available.
2What are the meal times and dining arrangements on Rovos Rail?
Meals on board Rovos Rail are served in one sitting in the elegant dining cars. Breakfast is available from 07:00-10:00, lunch at 13:00, afternoon tea at 16:30, and formal dinner at 19:30. These times are consistent unless otherwise specified in your daily itinerary. A distinctive gong is sounded to announce lunch and dinner. All meals are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. The bar service operates from 07:00 until approximately 01:00. Rovos Rail can accommodate food allergies if a detailed request is made at the time of your reservation. However, they regret they cannot prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in preparation.
3What types of suites are available on The Copper Trail and what are their sizes?
The Copper Trail offers three types of luxurious suites. Royal Suites are the largest, at approximately 16m² (172ft²), each occupying half a carriage and featuring a private lounge area and an en-suite bathroom with a Victorian bath and separate shower. Deluxe Suites are approximately 10m² (108ft²) and include a lounge area with an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Pullman Gold Suites, designed for long journeys like this one, are about 7m² (76ft²) and feature an en-suite bathroom with a shower, with daytime seating converting from split twin beds. All suites are air-conditioned, have tea facilities, safes, and are serviced daily.
4What are the bed configurations and dimensions in the Rovos Rail suites?
In the Royal Suites, bed configurations include a Double bed measuring 200×189cm or Split Twin beds measuring 200×75cm each. Deluxe Suites offer more options: Lengthways Double 189×189cm, Crosswise Double 189×160cm, or Split Twin beds measuring 189×75cm each. For Pullman Gold Suites, the beds can be configured as a Double measuring 189×189cm or Split Twin beds measuring 189×75cm each, which also convert into couches during the day. All beds are fitted with electric under-blankets.
5What medical facilities and precautions are recommended for this journey?
A doctor is on board for The Copper Trail journey. Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, an automated external defibrillator (AED), and a wheelchair. Train Managers are certified in First Aid up to Level 3. Anti-malarial precautions are recommended as the route passes through malaria areas in Zambia, DRC, and Angola. Recommended (but not required) immunisations include Hepatitis A + B, Polio, Tetanus, and Cholera (low risk). A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if you are travelling to/from DRC and Angola, as many countries require it for re-entry after visiting these nations. Guests are responsible for their capability to undertake tours, and any medical conditions or disabilities should be informed at booking. It is strongly advised to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and potential evacuations.
6What is the luggage policy on Rovos Rail and for safari flights?
On board Rovos Rail, there are no strict luggage restrictions, and ample storage is available under beds or on luggage racks in your suite. However, bringing more than two large suitcases is not recommended. For the chartered flights to and from South Luangwa National Park, a soft bag is preferable, and there is a luggage weight restriction of 15kg per person. For your convenience during the safari, an overnight bag is provided in your suite on the train.
7What currencies are accepted and what are the recommendations for cash?
On the train itself, all major credit cards are accepted, and transactions are typically in South African Rands (ZAR). Outside of South Africa, US Dollars are accepted in Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Dar es Salaam only), DRC, and Angola, with cash being highly recommended in these countries. Rands are also accepted in Namibia and eSwatini. Hotels and major dealers usually accept credit cards. It is important to note that US Dollar notes printed before 2013 or those that appear worn will not be accepted. It's advisable to carry low denominations for shopping and gratuities, while larger denominations may yield better exchange rates when converting to local currency, especially in Tanzania.
8Is there Wi-Fi or mobile phone reception on board the train?
To maintain the traditional spirit of train travel, there are no radios or television sets on board Rovos Rail. The use of mobile phones, laptops, and other devices that might disturb fellow guests is restricted to the privacy of your suite. Mobile phone reception can be poor while the train is moving, so it's advisable to check with your service provider for correct network settings. While there is no Wi-Fi on the train itself, it is generally available at Rovos Rail lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria, and at most off-train accommodation, though its availability cannot always be guaranteed.
9What is included in the Rovos Rail amenity bag?
Rovos Rail provides a complete amenity bag in each suite, featuring South African biodegradable and/or recyclable products. This includes a 40g soap, bamboo tissues, 50ml shampoo, 50ml hand and body wash, 50ml hand and body lotion, 15ml/7g lip balm, and a 100ml insect repellent spray (for journeys over 4 days). The bag also contains reusable bamboo rounds, bamboo ear buds, and a compostable shower cap. Additionally, plug-in hairdryers (besides any fitted bathroom units), sun cream, shoe mits, nail files, sewing kits, ear plugs, and extra insect repellent are available on board.
10Are children allowed on The Copper Trail journey?
Rovos Rail does accommodate children, but parents are kindly asked to be sensitive to the adult nature and atmosphere of the train by ensuring children are respectful and quiet. Long journeys such as The Copper Trail are generally not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Children between 0-2 years old are not permitted to travel. There are no child-minding facilities or specific activities available for children on board the train.
11What should I know about electricity and charging devices on the train?
The train operates on 220V AC 50Hz, and suites are equipped with 3-point round-pronged wall plugs. There are also 110V/220V 2-pin plugs suitable for shavers and chargers. Each suite includes USB ports for convenient charging of smaller devices. International adaptors are available on board. Power is supplied by a generator, and guests should be aware that certain breaks in power are necessary when servicing is required. Windows should be closed when the individual air conditioning unit in your suite is operating.
12Are there any specific visa requirements for The Copper Trail route?
Yes, specific visa requirements apply. The onus is on the client to ensure passports and visas are valid prior to departure. Passports must have at least five blank VISA pages and be valid for at least six months from your return-home date. Angolan and DRC visas must be obtained prior to travel. Rovos Rail requests that Tanzanian visas also be obtained prior to travel when possible. Some nationalities may be eligible to purchase port-of-entry visas. A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if you are traveling to/from DRC and Angola, as many countries will require this for re-entry.
13What are the tipping guidelines for staff and guides?
Gratuities for the Rovos Rail staff are at your discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, a suitably marked envelope will be in your suite, which you can hand directly to the Train Manager. The Train Manager will then distribute the amount on a pro-rata basis among the staff on board. A suggested amount is between ZAR100-300 (approximately US$10-20) per person per night, depending on the length of your journey. At game lodges, it is customary to tip guides and lodge staff an estimated ZAR150 (approximately US$10) per guest per day.