Luxury Train Holiday FAQs

Need to know about dress codes, laundry services or what the price of your luxury train holiday ticket includes? We've compiled the answers to a list of frequently asked questions about going on a luxury Africa train holiday.

What's included in the price of my luxury train holiday?

The rate per person includes: three meals daily; all 'on train' alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; 24-hour room service and bar facilities; sightseeing excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide; entrance fees to places of interest and a limited laundry service onboard the train. Rates do not include: staff gratuities and off-train beverages.

On the Blue Train other exclusions are caviar, French champagne and external telephone calls.

What's the food like and what are the dining times?

On Rovos luxury train holidays, breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars. Meals can be adapted to suit special requirements by prior arrangement.

On the luxury Blue Train holidays, breakfast is served between 7am and 10am at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are usually served in two sittings and cater for 42 guests per sitting.

Snacks can be organised by your butler at any hour on your Blue Train luxury train holiday.

Is there room service on luxury trains?

Room service is available free of charge, except for the speciality menu which includes caviar and French champagne.

What kind of drinking water is onboard the luxury trains?

Bottled water is supplied in your private luxury train suite. Additional bottled water is available on request?

Is there a dress code on a luxury train holiday?

During the day, the dress is smart-casual. In keeping with luxury train traditions formal dress for dinner is compulsory.

Eveningwear is meant to be elegant and gentlemen are requested to wear a collared shirt and tie at the very least. Make sure to pack warm clothing for the cold mornings and evenings.

Is their electricity onboard?

Yes. The electricity supply onboard both Rovos Rail and the Blue Train is 220 volts (three-point round pronged wall plug).

Is there a laundry service?

There is a limited and simple laundry service onboard the luxury trains comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround time is 48 hours so the staff would not be able to handle a week's worth of washing.

Please advise your hostess if your clothing needs specialist attention. Contact staff for laundry assistance while on your luxury train holiday.

Is there a television onboard?

In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets onboard Rovos Rail and the use of cellular telephones is confined to the privacy of the suites.

South Africa's Blue Train follows a more modern entertainment principle. Blue Train suites are equipped with satellite television and a digital media centre with everything from CDs to DVDs.

Where can I store valuables on the train?

There is a guest safe in every suite onboard the Rovos Train and Blue Trains.

What's the tipping policy?

Gratuities for the staff are totally at your discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, a suitably marked envelope is included in your Rovos Rail information folder. On the Blue Train you can leave a gratuity for staff in the box located in the lounge car.

Gratuities may be handed to the manager who then distributes any amounts collected by him on a pro rata basis among the staff onboard.

Can I smoke on the train?

Smoking of cigarettes and cigars is only allowed in the privacy of the Rovos suites and in the smoking lounge.

On South Africa's Blue Train, smoking is only permitted in the club car. All suites, the lounge and dining cars on the Blue Train are strictly smoke-free zones.

Please do not throw flammable items such as cigarette or cigar butts off the train, as bushfires in Africa are a constant and dangerous hazard.

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