Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 15-night rail adventure aboard Rovos Rail's African Trilogy, journeying from Pretoria to Walvis Bay. This meticulously crafted itinerary traverses the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of South Africa, Eswatini, and Namibia, offering a profound connection with Southern Africa's natural wonders and rich heritage.
Your expedition begins in Pretoria, South Africa, before heading east to the rolling hills of eMakhazeni and Emnothweni, renowned for trout fishing. A highlight is an immersive game drive in the world-famous Kruger National Park, home to the iconic Big Five. The journey continues into the tiny Kingdom of eSwatini, where you'll visit Swazi Candles and the Mantenga Cultural Village, experiencing traditional Swazi life. Back in South Africa, explore the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, one of Africa’s oldest proclaimed reserves, for another thrilling game drive, then discover Durban's botanical gardens and vibrant beachfront.
As the train travels west, you'll cross the vast Karoo semi-desert to Kimberley, where the Diamond Mine Museum and the historic Big Hole await. The route then leads to Upington on the mighty Orange River and into Namibia, where the dramatic Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the southern hemisphere, and Garas Park with its ancient Quiver Trees provide spectacular photographic opportunities. A scenic flight takes you to Sossusvlei for an overnight desert lodge stay, allowing you to witness the iconic star dunes of the Namib Desert at sunset and sunrise.
Further north in Namibia, engage with conservation efforts at a cheetah project in Otjiwarongo before an unforgettable overnight safari in Etosha National Park, known for its vast salt pan and exceptional game viewing. The final leg of the journey offers a breathtaking traverse of the Namib Desert, culminating in Walvis Bay. This African Trilogy is more than a journey; it's an intimate exploration of Southern Africa's soul, blending luxury rail travel with unparalleled wildlife encounters and cultural immersion.
Itinerary
Itinerary
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Terms & Conditions
Payment Terms
25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking. 75% balance due no later than 65 days prior to tour departure date. All reservations are subject to availability and will be confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit. A provisional booking will be held for 14 days, after which the 25% deposit is due.
Cancellation Fees
| Timeframe Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| More than 95 days | 10% of total tour price |
| 95–66 days | 25% of total tour price |
| 65–36 days | 50% of total tour price |
| 35 days or less / failure to travel | 100% of total tour price (no refund) |
A 5% Administrative Fee will be charged by Palace Tours on any applicable refunds. All cancellation fees apply to the full tour price before any discounts or coupons. Cancellation insurance is compulsory as these fees will not be waived. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
Change of Date / Name / Occupancy
Changes may be requested up to 125 days prior to departure and are subject to availability and supplier approval. No changes will be permitted within 65 days prior to departure. Any request within this period will be treated as a cancellation and subject to the applicable cancellation fees. All changes may incur additional costs, which will be advised prior to confirmation. No changes will be processed without written authorization and payment of any applicable fees.
Payment Methods
Payments may be made via bank transfer or credit card. All payments must reference the booking number and be supported by proof of payment. Refunds, when applicable, will be processed to the original form of payment. Any exchange rate fluctuations or bank charges are the responsibility of the client.
What's Included
- Accommodation on board
- All meals on board
- All beverages on board
- Room service
- Limited laundry
- Excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Government tax
- Flights to/from Sossusvlei
- Overnight bag
- Off-train accommodation (Sossusvlei and Etosha) including meals, water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices
What's Not Included
- All off-train beverages (excluding water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices at lodges)
- International sparkling wine
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation, and flights
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and is required to cover cancellation fees, medical emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances. Clients are responsible for securing their own insurance coverage and should travel with a copy of their policy including the insurance company name, policy number, and 24-hour medical emergency telephone number.
Passports & Visas
Valid passports and any required visas are the sole responsibility of the client and must be obtained prior to departure. Passports must have at least five blank visa pages and must be valid for at least six months from the return-home date. This tour passes through South Africa and Namibia; please confirm visa requirements for your nationality well in advance.
Health & Medical
Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. Please inform us at the time of booking if you have any medical conditions, physical disabilities, or allergies. Anti-malarial precautions are recommended for certain areas visited on this itinerary, including Etosha National Park. Please consult your clinic or doctor for the latest medical advice prior to travel.
General Conditions
All services are provided subject to availability and supplier terms and conditions. Schedules, routing, and excursions are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Times are approximate and excursion arrangements may be altered due to operational, weather, or other factors beyond our control. The operator is not liable for loss, damage, injury, delays, or unforeseen events beyond its control. Participation in tours and related activities is voluntary and at the client's own risk.
Guest Indemnity
Although certain limited insurances have been arranged, the operator and its agents, servants, or employees shall not be liable for any loss or damage to passengers' luggage or effects. The passenger waives any claim against the operator, its servants, agents, employees, or subcontractors for any injury and/or loss of any nature whatsoever (including consequential loss) arising directly or indirectly from any aspect of the tour, including any form of transport used. This waiver binds the passenger's executors, heirs, trustees, and dependants. The passenger accepts all services and facilities voluntarily, with full knowledge that they may expose them to injury, danger, or loss.
Important Note
All timeframes are based on the local time of the destination. To allow sufficient processing time, clients must submit payment or cancellation requests with a minimum 5-day advance margin prior to the applicable deadlines.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Your Tour Price Includes
- Accommodation on board and for off-train stays
- All meals (Breakfast 07:00-10:00, Lunch 13:00, Tea 16:30, Dinner 19:30)
- All beverages on board (excluding international sparkling wine)
- Room service
- Limited laundry service (10 items/day)
- Guided excursions (where applicable)
- Preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks on excursions
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Onboard historian
- Government tax
- Flights as per itinerary (for off-train accommodation)
- Overnight bag (for off-train accommodation)
Your Tour Price Excludes
- All other beverages not explicitly listed as included
- International sparkling wine
- Gratuities (suggested ±ZAR450 / US$25 per guest per night on board; ±ZAR450 / US$25 per guide/staff per day at game lodges)
- Personal expenses
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights not specified in the itinerary
- Laundry during off-train accommodation
Accommodations
Accommodation Overview
The Rovos Rail suites are designed for privacy, comfort, and modern conveniences, featuring either double or twin beds. All mattresses offer a soft and hard side, with the soft side set up by default but changeable on request. Pillows are faux-down microfiber with a cotton down-proof casing. Double beds are prepared with fitted sheets and blankets with single duvets at night-time. Each suite includes an ensuite bathroom, linen, and daily servicing. Adequate suitcase storage, small cupboards with hangers and shelves are provided. Some Royal and Deluxe Suites also feature a room divider.
Royal Suite
The Royal Suite occupies half a carriage, offering a spacious area of approximately 16m² (172ft²). It includes its own private lounge area and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Victorian bath
- Separate shower
- Toilet
- Basin
Bed Configurations
Lengthways Double: 200×189cm, Lengthways Split Twin: 200×75cm
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suite offers approximately 10m² (108ft²) of space, featuring a lounge area and an ensuite bathroom.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Shower
- Toilet
- Basin
Bed Configurations
Lengthways Double: 189×189cm, Lengthways Split Twin: 189×75cm, Crosswise Double: 189×160cm
Pullman Gold Suite
The Pullman Gold Suite provides approximately 7m² (76ft²) of space and is primarily used on longer journeys, depending on capacity. On arrival, a lengthways-bed suite is set up with lengthways split twin beds configured as sofas that can be converted into a lengthways double. It includes an ensuite bathroom.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Fold-out writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Shower
- Toilet
- Basin
Bed Configurations
Lengthways Double: 189×189cm, Lengthways Split Twin: 189×75cm, Crosswise Double: 189×150cm
Pullman Suite
The Pullman Suite, also approximately 7m² (76ft²), is mostly used on shorter journeys, depending on capacity. During the day, the suite is configured with a comfortable sofa. It includes an ensuite bathroom.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Fold-out writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Shower
- Toilet
- Basin
Bed Configurations
Daytime Sofa Couch, Night-time Lower & Upper Bunks: 189×94cm & 189×60cm, Night-time Crosswise Double: 189×150cm
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Check-in Information
Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. If you wish to join a tour of Rovos Rail Station and visit our museum, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. Passports and relevant visas are required at check-in. No vouchers are required as luggage will be tagged and placed directly in your suite on board the train, where you will find your full itinerary pack.
Check-in locations and addresses:
- Pretoria: Rovos Rail Station, 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park, Pretoria, South Africa
- Cape Town: Rovos Rail Lounge, 1 Adderley Street, Paul Sauer Building, Cape Town, South Africa
- Durban: Durban Station Lounge, Jelf Taylor Crescent, Stamford Hill, Durban, South Africa
- Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls Hotel and Station, Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Walvis Bay: Walvis Bay Station, Corner 6th Street and 11th Road, Walvis Bay, Namibia
- Copper Trail Journey Check-in: Hotel Terminus, R. Robert Williams 16, Lobito, Angola
- Dar Es Salaam Journey Check-in: Serena Hotel, Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tazara Station, Julius K. Nyerere Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dining Schedule
Meals on board are served in one sitting only, with a gong sounding for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served from 07:00 to 10:00, lunch at 13:00, tea at 16:30, and dinner at 19:30. Bar service is available from approximately 07:00 to 01:00. These times are adhered to unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. Rovos Rail caters for food allergies provided a detailed request has been made at the time of your reservation; however, strict religious dietary observances cannot be guaranteed.
Dress Code
- Days on Board: Smart casual attire is recommended – neat, conventional, yet relatively informal, combining casual and formal clothing pieces.
- Dinner on Board: Formal attire is mandatory. Gentlemen should wear a collar and tie (jacket is optional), while ladies are suggested to wear cocktail/evening dresses or suits.
- Themed Evenings: On long journeys, themed evenings such as 'Africa' theme or '1920s' theme may occur. Guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual.
- Off-train Excursions: Comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion, and hats are advised. Blankets and rain capes are available. Game drives are conducted in open vehicles, so dress for varying temperatures, which can be cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoons.
Electricity & Connectivity
Suites are equipped with 220V AC 50Hz 3-point round-pronged wall plugs, along with 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 to the train, though be aware that certain breaks in power are necessary for servicing. In keeping with the spirit of train travel, there is no radio, television, or WiFi on board the train. The use of mobile phones and laptops is confined to the privacy of your suites; public use for calls is discouraged to maintain the train's atmosphere. Reception can be poor while the train is moving. WiFi is available at Rovos Rail lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria, and at most off-train accommodation.
Climate & Weather
For excursions and game drives, mornings can be cool and warm up considerably, while afternoons can be warm then cool down. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats, and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available. Electric under-blankets are fitted on the beds for cooler nights. Average temperatures vary by region and season; for example, Pretoria experiences minimums of 7°C (May-Jun) and maximums of 30°C (Jan-Feb), with rainfall from Oct-Mar.
Onboard Amenities
Rovos Rail provides South African biodegradable and/or recyclable products in each suite, including all-natural soap, shampoo, hand and body wash/lotion, and insect repellent spray (for journeys over four days). Chemical-free lip balm, bamboo tissues, reusable bamboo rounds, bamboo ear buds, natural-bristle toothbrushes, natural toothpaste tablets, a compostable shower cap, and cotton-and-wax ear plugs are also provided. Sun cream, razors, and nail files are available at the Gift Shop. Dressing gowns and slippers are provided for each guest; these are also available for purchase from the Gift Shop. There is a small gift shop on the train (open between meals) and at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, offering SA-made items. A limited laundry service (10 items/day) is available on board with a 48-hour turnaround; no dry-cleaning facilities are available. Shoe cleaning bags are provided in your suite. Board games, cards, books, and magazines are available in the lounge and observation cars.
Medical Information
Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. Please inform Rovos Rail at the time of reservation of any medical conditions, physical disabilities, or allergies. Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, an automated external defibrillator, and a wheelchair. Management on board are trained in First Aid up to Level 3, and general staff in Level 1. For emergencies, private healthcare hospitals are available (not guaranteed outside SA); evacuation can be arranged at your own expense. Malaria areas include Eswatini, Kruger Park, Etosha, Northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, DRC, and Angola; anti-malarial precautions are recommended. Recommended immunisations (not required) include Hepatitis A+B, Polio, Tetanus, and Cholera (low risk). A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if travelling to/from DRC and Angola, or returning to certain countries. Consult your clinic or doctor; contact Travel Doctor Africa at 0861 300 911 (local) or +27 (0)11 888 5505 (international).
Luggage
Luggage can be stored in your suite under the bed or on a luggage rack above the door. While there are no strict restrictions, it is recommended to limit to two large suitcases. For selected long journeys, a Rovos Rail tog bag is provided for overnight trips or hand luggage on aircraft, with a 15kg weight restriction for plane transfers. A soft bag is preferable for plane transfers.
Currency
In South Africa, only Rands are accepted. In Namibia and Eswatini, Rands are accepted. In Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Dar es Salaam only), DRC, and Angola, US Dollars are accepted, and cash is highly recommended. Hotels and major dealers typically accept credit cards. US Dollar notes printed before 2017 or those that appear worn will not be accepted. Low denominations are recommended for shopping and gratuities, while larger denominations are useful for exchanging money to local currency (especially in Tanzania).
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