Travel Tips
Check-in Information
Check-in for the Rovos Rail Durban Safari is at Rovos Rail Station, 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park, Pretoria, South Africa. Guests are required to check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. If you wish to visit the museum or take a site tour at Rovos Rail Station, arriving two hours prior to departure is recommended. Passports are required at check-in, and luggage will be tagged and placed in your suite on board.
Dining Schedule
Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars, complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Breakfast is served from 07:00-10:00, Lunch at 13:00, and Tea at 16:30. Formal Dinner is at 19:30. Bar service is available from 07:00-01:00. A gong heralds lunch and dinner. These times are adhered to unless otherwise stated in the timetable.
Dress Code
Days on board call for smart casual attire: neat, conventional yet relatively informal clothing pieces. Dinner on board requires formal dress. For gentlemen, a jacket and tie are a minimum requirement (from 2024, a collar and tie are mandatory, jacket optional). Ladies should opt for cocktail or evening dresses or suits. On long journeys, themed evenings (e.g., 'Africa' or '1920s') may invite guests to dress up accordingly. For off-train excursions, comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion, and hats are recommended. Mornings for game drives can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons warm then cool down. Rain capes are available.
Electricity & Connectivity
On board, the electricity is 220V AC 50Hz, with 3-point round-pronged wall plugs and 110V/220V 2-pin plugs for shavers and chargers. USB ports are available in each suite. International adaptors are also provided. A generator supplies power, though certain breaks in power are necessary for servicing. For connectivity, mobile phone reception is poor while the train is moving. Wi-Fi is available at Rovos Rail lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria, and at most off-train accommodation, but not always guaranteed. Mobile devices and laptops should be used privately in suites only to avoid disturbing other guests.
Climate & Weather
Mornings on game drives can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats, and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available. Average temperatures for Pretoria in Jan/Feb are 18-30°C, and in May/Jun are 7-23°C. For Durban, Jan/Feb sees 21-29°C, while May/Jun has 12-25°C. Electric under-blankets are fitted on beds, and individual air conditioners with temperature controls can be set to heat mode.
Onboard Amenities
Each suite receives a complete amenity bag with South African biodegradable/recyclable products including soap, bamboo tissues, shampoo, hand and body wash/lotion, lip balm, insect repellent spray, reusable bamboo rounds, ear buds, and a compostable shower cap. Plug-in hairdryers are available in suites. Dressing gowns and slippers are provided for each guest. A limited laundry service (10 items/day) is available, with a 48-hour turnaround; no dry-cleaning facilities are available. A small gift shop is on the train and at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, offering stamps, postcards, and other items. The Administration Deputy provides basic first aid, personal essentials, and can assist with administrative requirements.
Medical Information
Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. Rovos Rail trains are equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated external defibrillator, and a wheelchair. Train Managers are First Aid Level 3 trained. For medical emergencies outside of South Africa, private hospitals are not guaranteed, but evacuation by road or air can be arranged (at own account). Anti-malarial precautions are recommended for areas like eSwatini, Kruger Park, and Botswana. Recommended immunisations include Hepatitis A+B, Polio, Tetanus, and Cholera (low risk). A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential for travel to/from DRC and Angola. Contact TRAVEL DOCTOR AFRICA at 0861 300 911 (local) or +27 (0) 11 214 9030 (international).
Luggage
Luggage can be stored in your suite under the bed or above the door on a luggage rack. There are no strict luggage restrictions on board, but more than two large suitcases are not recommended. A soft bag is preferable for plane transfers, with a weight restriction of 15kg. On selected long journeys, guests receive a Rovos Rail tog bag for overnight trips or hand luggage.
Currency
In South Africa, only Rands are accepted on the train, and major credit cards are accepted. Outside South Africa (Namibia, eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, DRC, Angola), 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. US Dollars printed before 2013 or worn notes are not accepted. Low denominations are recommended for shopping/gratuities, while larger denominations are better for exchanging money to local currency (especially in Tanzania).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1What is the dress code on Rovos Rail's Durban Safari?
During the day on board, the dress code is smart casual, meaning neat, conventional, yet relatively informal clothing. For dinner on board, the dress code is formal. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie (from 2024, a collar and tie are mandatory, while a jacket is optional). Ladies should wear cocktail or evening dresses or suits. For off-train excursions and game drives, comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion, hats, and warm clothing are recommended, as mornings can be cool and afternoons can vary.
2Are meals and beverages included in the tour price?
Yes, all meals are included as per the itinerary (Breakfast 07:00-10:00, Lunch 13:00, Tea 16:30, Dinner 19:30) and are served in the dining cars. All beverages are also included, with the exception of international sparkling wine. Room service is available, and the bar operates from 07:00 to 01:00 daily.
3What types of suites are available on the Rovos Rail Durban Safari?
The Durban Safari, being a 2-night journey, offers Pullman Suites. These are approximately 7m² (76ft²) and include an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin. During the day, the suite is set up with a comfortable couch, which is converted into sleeping options at night. Bed configurations include Double (189x150cm), Side-by-side Twin (189x75cm), Single Lower Bunk (189x94cm), and Single Upper Bunk (189x60cm).
4What medical facilities are available on board or for emergencies?
Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, an automated external defibrillator, and a wheelchair. All Train Managers are First Aid Level 3 trained. For medical emergencies, private healthcare hospitals are available in South Africa, and evacuation can be arranged by road or air (at the guest's own account) if required. Guests are responsible for informing Rovos Rail of any medical conditions or allergies at the time of reservation.
5Is travel insurance compulsory for this tour?
Yes, cancellation insurance is compulsory for the Rovos Rail Durban Safari, as cancellation fees will not be waived. South African residents can obtain insurance through Rovos Rail. International guests are advised to contact their local insurance agent for assistance and to carry a copy of their policy with a 24-hour medical emergency telephone number.
6What are the luggage restrictions on Rovos Rail?
There are no strict luggage restrictions on board Rovos Rail. Luggage can be stored conveniently in your suite under the bed or on a luggage rack above the door. However, it's recommended not to bring more than two large suitcases. If your journey involves plane transfers, a soft bag is preferable due to typical airline weight restrictions of 15kg.
7What currencies are accepted on board and during excursions?
On board the train, only South African Rands are accepted, and major credit cards are also accepted. For excursions outside South Africa, such as in Namibia or eSwatini, Rands are accepted. For Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Dar es Salaam only), DRC, and Angola, US Dollars are accepted, and cash is highly recommended. Please note that US Dollar notes printed before 2013 or those that appear worn will not be accepted. Low denominations are useful for shopping and gratuities.
8Is there Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity on the train?
Mobile phone reception is generally poor while the train is moving. To maintain the spirit of train travel, there are no radios or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones and laptops is confined to the privacy of your suites. Wi-Fi is available at Rovos Rail lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria, and at most off-train accommodation, though not always guaranteed.
9What is the recommended check-in time for the Durban Safari?
Guests should check-in a minimum of one hour before the scheduled departure time. If you wish to visit the Rovos Rail museum or take a site tour at Capital Park Station in Pretoria, it is recommended to arrive two hours prior to departure to allow ample time for these experiences.
10Are children allowed on Rovos Rail journeys?
Rovos Rail accommodates children, but parents are kindly asked to be sensitive to the adult nature and atmosphere of the train by ensuring children remain respectful and quiet. Long journeys are not recommended for children under 13. Children between 0-2 years old are not permitted to travel. There are no child-minding facilities or activities available on board.
11Can Rovos Rail itineraries or timings change?
Rovos Rail is reliant on the traction and railway services provided by the countries it traverses, and delays can occur due to various factors beyond its control (e.g., locomotives, signals, power-cable damage, vandalism). Rovos Rail reserves the right to cancel or amend routing, excursions, and departure dates if necessary, offering alternative options. Excursion and arrival times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed. It is strongly cautioned against same-day air travel on departure/arrival days due to possible delays.