We are delighted to have once again chartered the Shongololo Express private train from our associates at Rovos Rail to bring you these spectacular journeys exploring the amazing landscapes and rugged grandeur of Namibia, a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine and seemingly endless space. Our train winds its way through stunning vistas to the desert and mountainous landscapes of Namibia, with stops along the way to view some remarkable scenery and diverse wildlife. The beauty and the colours of Namibia truly need to be seen to be believed and are brought right to the compartment doors of our comfortable rolling hotel, while enjoying the excellent service for which Rovos Rail is renowned. We will spend nights off the train in the Namib Desert and at Etosha National Park in stylish lodges and enjoy adventurous game drives.
Highlights of our journey are numerous and include Fish River Canyon, Africa’s largest canyon, wildlife rich Etosha National Park, one of Southern Africa’s finest and most important reserves, the rugged Atlantic coast and Swakopmund which is located on the Skeleton Coast and an excellent example of German colonial architecture. However, for many the ultimate highlight will be the sand dunes at Sossusvlei for which Namibia is so renowned. Sossusvlei lies in the heart of the Namib Desert and is home to the world’s tallest sand dunes, some of which tower over 300 metres high. Watching the changing mood and colours at sunrise is a spectacular experience.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Shongololo Express
The Shongololo Express, as a rolling hotel, offers sleeping compartments in two categories, two air-conditioned dining cars, a bar car and an observation car. The tempting three course dinners are served in a single sitting. The bar car, open around the clock, is ideal for relaxing over a cocktail or a glass of South African wine and is a popular spot for reading. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on board at all times.
15th to 29th March 2023 Itinerary
Day 1 London to Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Walvis Bay to Swakopmund.
Arrive in Walvis Bay in the early afternoon and transfer to the Strand Hotel. Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside resort on the west coast, is a place of singular charm. It resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea and enjoys a restful and relaxing atmosphere. The source of Swakopmund’s continental vibe is the graceful Art Nouveau buildings dating back to the turn of the previous century. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and meet this evening for our welcome dinner.
Accommodation & Dining: Strand Hotel, Swakopmund. Set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by Ocean on three sides, the Strand Hotel features an outdoor pool, gym health spa and multiple dining options. The rooms are bright and spacious and feature en-suite bathroom with shower, individual air-conditioning, satellite television, Wi-Fi, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. (D)
Day 3 Embark Shongololo Express, Walvis Bay to Otjiwarongo.
After breakfast we transfer to Walvis Bay Station to embark the Shongololo Express for a mid-morning departure for Otjiwarongo, our overnight stop. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch and dinner on board.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Etosha National Park.
This morning we transfer to Mokuti Etosha Lodge, close to the border of the Etosha National Park. The park offers excellent game viewing in one of Africa’s most accessible venues. Zebra and springbok are scattered across the endless horizon while the many waterholes attract endangered black rhino, lion, elephant and large numbers of antelope. Enjoy game viewing activities in the park and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation & Dining: Mokuti Etosha Lodge offers restaurants, two outdoor pools, a spa and gym. All 106 spacious rooms have a private bathroom and mosquito door and are decorated with Namibian crafts and rich fabrics. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Etosha National Park.
An early morning game drive gives us another chance to observe wild animals close up. We return to our train which departs for Kranzberg.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Windhoek.
Today we arrive in Windhoek situated in Namibia’s central highlands, an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains. Our city tour starts with a visit to the TransNamib Transport Museum. The museum is situated in the Windhoek Railway Station and was built from 1912 to 1913. In front of the building is the narrow gauge locomotive (vintage 1900), which used to operate between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The Independence Memorial Museum at the Alte Feste Castle offers a range of displays, including the Social History Gallery and the Independence Display. Both give an insight into Namibia’s complex history. At the top of Robert Mugabe Avenue is the Christuskirche or Evangelical Lutheran Church. This is one of the city’s most striking landmarks and was built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles influenced its design and Kaiser Wilhelm II donated its stained- glass windows. Our last visit is the Namibia Craft Centre in the old Breweries Building. The train departs for Mariental in the afternoon.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon.
After breakfast we transfer to the Namib-Naukluft Park. Here we see the Sesriem Canyon, shaped over millions of years by the Tsauchab River, it is one of the few places in that area that holds water all year round. The early Afrikaans explorers named the canyon after the fact that they had to use six (ses) leather straps (riem) tied together to create a rope long enough to lower water buckets into the canyon below.
Accommodation & Dining: Desert Quiver Camp & Sossusvlei Lodge uniquely combine modern accommodation with comfort and style and are conveniently located a mere five kilometres from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei. The uniquely designed accommodation units have spacious air-conditioned bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms and patio. Facilities at the main building include a bar, a swimming pool and two communal boma areas. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Sossusvlei & Namib-Naukluft Park.
The dunes of the Namib Desert were created by sand carried by the wind from the coast of Namibia. The sand here is five million years old and is red in colour due to its iron-oxide content. As the lighting changes with the time of day, so does the appearance of the dunes’ characteristic colour, allowing for interesting photographs at any time. The wind in the Sossusvlei area blows from all directions, which means that the type of the dunes here are known as “star dunes” because the winds cause the sand to form a star shape with multiple arms. After visiting Dune 45 and Deadvlei we will have lunch at a lodge followed by a scenic drive through the Namib- Naukluft Park. We re-join the train and depart for Keetmanshoop in the late afternoon.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Keetmanshoop, Garas Park & Quiver Tree Forest.
This morning we take a tour of Keetmanshoop, the capital of southern Namibia. We visit Garas Park where we will see the unique quiver trees and the interesting rock formations. The prehistoric quiver tree is not really a tree, rather a plant of the genus aloe, as evident from its scientific name, and one of the few species of aloe that reaches tree proportions, it can grow seven to nine metres high. We re-board our train for midday and depart for Aus.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Kolmanskop and Luderitz.
Our full day tour begins with a stop at the ghost town of Kolmanskop where the first diamonds were found in Namibia in 1908. From here we visit the harbour town of Luderitz which lies at the end of the currently decommissioned railway line to Keetmanshoop. Luderitz is known for its museum, colonial architecture and wildlife including seals, penguins and flamingos. We depart in the evening for Holoog.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L,D)
Day 11 Fish River Canyon.
The Fish River rises in the centre of the country, before flowing south into the Orange River, on Namibia’s border with South Africa. In between, it has formed the great Fish River Canyon - the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere, and only second to Arizona’s Grand Canyon in terms of size. The vast rocky landscape breaks up into a series of spectacular cliffs, formed by the Fish River as it meanders between boulders over half a kilometre below. Its size is impressive: 161 kilometres long, up to 27 kilometres wide and almost 550 metres at its deepest. Our train departs at midday for Ariamsvlei and Nakop for border formalities.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Upington, South Africa.
This morning we take a tour of Upington beginning with a drive past the Donkey Memorial, which honours the life of the working donkey, and the railway on the Orange River. We arrive at the Bezalel Wine & Brandy Cellar for a tour and tasting after which, we return to the train and continue towards De Aar.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Kimberley.
Our tour today takes us to Kimberley, Capital of the Northern Cape, which is well known for the discovery of diamonds which led to its establishment in 1893. Highlights of the day include a visit to the Big Hole Diamond Mine Museum, the William Humphreys Art Gallery and the McGregor House Museum.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B,L D)
Day 14 Pretoria to London.
After breakfast we arrive at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria where we disembark. We stop for lunch and take a city tour of Pretoria before we transfer to Johannesburg Airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dining: (B, L)
Day 15 London. Arrive today.
9th to 24th May 2023 Itinerary
Day 1 London to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Pretoria.
Arrive into Johannesburg this morning and transfer to the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel for an overnight stay. An afternoon tour of the administrative capital of South Africa will visit the Union Buildings designed by the famous colonial English architect, Sir Herbert Baker. Completed in 1913, it now houses the offices of the President and Ministers and the buildings overlook the city towards the once fortified hills to the south. A grand bronze statue of “Oom Paul (Kruger)”, the patriarch president of the ZAR or old Transvaal Republic, surrounded by his Boer fighters, dominates Church Square at the centre of the city. Before leaving the capital behind we visit the Voortrekker Monument which commemorates the Great Trek of the 1830s. We return to the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Accommodation & Dining: Located opposite the Union Buildings, the five-star Sheraton Pretoria Hotel is elegantly designed and the facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a health club. The 175 guest rooms all feature cable TV and a marble bathroom with luxury amenities. (L, D)
Day 3 Embark Shongololo Express.
Enjoy a morning at leisure before we transfer to the Rovos Rail station at Capital Park in Pretoria which, once a bustling hub of steam locomotion in the old Transvaal is now the headquarters for Rovos Rail. We will have the opportunity to tour this gracious, colonial-style railway station and the ever-expanding railway museum. The eyes of rail enthusiasts will be drawn to the vast carriage and locomotive sheds where teams of dedicated personnel keep the rolling stock in perfect order. We embark the Shongololo Express and depart the Gauteng region and pass the Highveld. Enjoy dinner on board and a relaxing evening in the bar-wagon.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, D)
Day 4 Kimberley.
This morning we will reach the historical train station of Kimberley, the city of diamonds. At the end of the 19th century, the town experienced a real diamond rush, from which the diamond empire of De Beers emerged, led today by the Oppenheimers and founded by Cecil Rhodes. On arrival, view the famous Big Hole, once the largest diamond mine in the world and visit the lovingly restored original buildings of Kimberley’s Belle Epoque.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Upington.
Today there will be a morning tour of Upington which the railway reaches by means of a bridge 1067 metres long, the second longest bridge in South Africa. Sir Thomas Upington, attorney general of the Cape, was the man principally responsible for liquidating the business activities of the Orange River pirates and capturing their leader, Klaas Lucas. When the desperadoes were finally chased away in 1884, the town was founded on the banks of the Orange River and named Upington in honour of Sir Thomas. Thanks to the Orange River, the region was predestined for winegrowing and we will enjoy a tasting at Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate. Return to the train at lunch time and continue in the direction of Namibia.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Fish River Canyon, Namibia.
Arrive in Holoog this morning for our visit to the Fish River Canyon, second only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona in geological importance. Eroded over many millennia, the canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa, 161 kilometres long, 549 metres deep and, in some places, 27 kilometres wide. Enjoy the stunning views and the opportunity to take a short walk along the canyon’s edge. We return to the train and depart for Aus.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Kolmanskop and Luderitz.
Today’s tour begins with a bus ride to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, where the first diamonds were found in Namibia in 1908. From here, the harbour town of Luderitz is a short journey through the Sperrgebiet (the “Restricted Diamond Area”). After crossing the historical Luderitz peninsula, we will reach Diaz Point, set against the backdrop of the dramatic Atlantic waves. Back on board we continue our journey north.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Keetmanshoop & Quiver Tree Forest.
Visit Garas Park where we will see the unique quiver trees and the interesting rock formations. The quiver tree is not really a tree, rather a plant of the genus aloe, as evident from its scientific name, and one of the few species of aloe that reaches tree proportions, it can grow seven to nine metres high.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon.
After breakfast we transfer to the Namib-Naukluft Park where we see the Sesriem Canyon. Shaped over millions of years by the Tsauchab River, it is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round. The early Afrikaans explorers named the canyon after the fact that they had to use six (ses) leather straps (riem) tied together to create a rope long enough to lower water buckets into the canyon below. Continue to our lodge for an overnight stay.
Accommodation & Dining: Desert Quiver Camp & Sossusvlei Lodge uniquely combine modern accommodation with comfort and style and are conveniently located a mere five kilometres from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei. The uniquely designed accommodation units have spacious air-conditioned bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms and patio. Facilities at the main building include a bar, a swimming pool and two communal boma areas. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Sossusvlei & Namib-Naukluft Park.
The dunes of the Namib Desert were created by sand carried by the wind from the coast of Namibia. The sand here is five million years old and is red in colour due to its iron-oxide content. As the lighting changes with the time of day, so does the appearance of the dunes’ characteristic colour, allowing for interesting photographs at any time. The wind in the Sossusvlei area blows from all directions which means that the type of the dunes here are known as “star dunes”. This is because the winds cause the sand to form a star shape with multiple arms. Early morning is the best time to see these giant dunes and we take a scenic drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park before we return to our train.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Windhoek.
Situated in Namibia’s central highlands, Windhoek is an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains. The city tour of Windhoek starts with a visit to the TransNamib Transport Museum. The museum is situated in the Windhoek Railway Station and was built from 1912 to 1913. In front of the building is the narrow gauge locomotive (vintage 1900), which used to operate between Swakopmund and Windhoek. At the top of Robert Mugabe Avenue is the Christuskirche or Evangelical Lutheran Church which we will drive past, this is one of the city’s most striking landmarks and was built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles influenced its design and Kaiser Wilhelm II donated its stained glass windows.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Etosha National Park.
After breakfast we transfer to Mokuti Etosha Lodge in Etosha National Park for an overnight stay. The park offers excellent game viewing in one of Africa’s most accessible venues. Zebra and springbok are scattered across the endless horizon while the many waterholes attract endangered black rhino, lion, elephant and large numbers of antelope. The Etosha Pan, an extremely flat salt pan, lies at the heart of the National Park. This shimmering “great white place”, as its name says, is the largest salt pan in Africa and with herds of wild animals passing through is an unforgettable experience. We take an afternoon game drive and return to our lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation & Dining: Mokuti Etosha Lodge offers two outdoor pools, a spa and gym. All 106 spacious rooms have a private bathroom and mosquito door and are decorated with Namibian crafts and rich fabrics. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Etosha National Park to Kranzberg.
An early morning game drive provides another opportunity to observe wild animals close up. We return to our train which departs for Kranzberg.
Accommodation & Dining: Shongololo Express. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Walvis Bay & Swakopmund.
We arrive at Walvis Bay and, after breakfast, bid our train farewell and transfer to the Strand Hotel for an overnight stay. Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside resort on the west coast resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea and enjoys a restful and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and meet this evening for our farewell dinner.
Accommodation & Dining: Strand Hotel, Swakopmund. Set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by Ocean on three sides, the Strand Hotel features an outdoor pool, gym health spa and multiple dining options. The rooms are bright and spacious and feature en-suite bathroom with shower, individual air-conditioning, satellite television, Wi-Fi, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. (B, D)
Day 15 Swakopmund to London.
After breakfast we will transfer to Walvis Bay for the scheduled indirect flight to London.
Dining: (B)
Day 16 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
15th to 29th March 2023 Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 15 to 29 March 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Gold Cabin | £7195 | |
| Emerald Cabin | Fully Booked | |
| Gold Cabin for sole use | Fully Booked | |
9th to 24th May 2023 Itinerary
| 9 to 24 May 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Gold Cabin | Fully Booked | |
| Emerald Cabin | Fully Booked | |
| Gold Cabin for sole use | Fully Booked | |
Tour Reference Code: LANAMIBIA3
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights aboard the Shongololo Express • Overnight accommodation in Pretoria (May departure only), Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park & Swakopmund • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • House beer, wine & soft drinks with included meals • All drinks on the Shongololo Express (excluding premium brands) • Limited laundry service on the Shongololo Express • Excursions • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Local guides • Onboard Train Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Shongololo Express
The Shongololo Express, as a rolling hotel, offers sleeping compartments in two categories, two air-conditioned dining cars, a bar car and an observation car. The tempting three course dinners are served in a single sitting. The bar car, open around the clock, is ideal for relaxing over a cocktail or a glass of South African wine and is a popular spot for reading. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on board at all times.
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Train Directory
Train Directory
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences and we are delighted to offer their elegant train, the Shongololo Express, for your African adventure. The train has two accommodation categories consisting of comfortable en-suite Gold and Emerald Cabins while the historically appointed dining cars set the scene for meals where modern and traditional cuisine is on offer with a selection of fine South African wines. Other public areas include a lounge car and observation car with wingback chairs, large picture windows and an open-air balcony, ideal for relaxing over a cold beverage and a book or chatting to fellow guests. Step aboard and recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.
ACCOMMODATION
The cabins are refined and spacious offering passengers privacy and comfort with double or twin beds and fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All have en-suite bathrooms with toilet, basin and shower, tea facilities, safes, air-conditioning, and cabins are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves. There are a total of 14 Emerald Cabins, measuring approx. 10 square metres and 24 Gold Cabins, measuring approx. seven square metres.
AIR-CONDITIONING
All public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. Each cabin has an individual air-conditioner with temperature controls that can also be set to heat mode. Windows should be closed while operating the air-conditioning unit. Electric under-blankets are fitted on the bed (season dependent).
AMENITIES
A complete amenity bag is available in your en-suite bathroom with the following South African products: conditioning shampoo, body and hair bar, shower gel, soap, body lotion, hand sanitiser, insect spray, shower cap, tissues and a vanity kit with nail file, paper-made cotton buds and cotton pads. Products are 100% natural and biodegradable. All bottles are made from 100% reclaimed and recycled rPET, and are returned to the factory for recycling after a journey. Other products are wrapped in cardboard, which is sustainably sourced. Plug-in hairdryers – in addition to your bathroom unit (if applicable) – are available on board.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pre-departure announcements will be made prior to boarding the train by the Train Manager. Once on board, any important information will be communicated to you by your onboard hosts.
BAR
The bar is open daily from 7.00 am until 1.00 am.
COMMUNICATIONS
In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. There is an internal telephone system in most of the coaches. The use of mobile phones, laptops and anything else that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your cabin. Please note that the reception can be poor while the train is moving. It is advised to contact your service provider to ensure the correct settings for network services are activated before you travel as there are no internet facilities on the train. Guests are welcome to use their devices in silent mode in areas being toured. Wi-Fi is available at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. The train can be contacted by email at reservations@rovos.co.za. Please indicate the passenger name and departure date as the subject.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A day-to-day itinerary is placed in all cabins detailing the arrangements. This will be available on board and any updates will be communicated as necessary.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available on board only. Please note that the chefs are unable to prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation. Once on board, please speak with the chef to reconfirm your needs.
DINING & DRINKING
An enthusiastic team of chefs are responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every needs are catered for. There is an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order and a buffet of fresh fruits and yoghurts. Lunch and dinner are four courses and an afternoon tea is served in the lounge cars. Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars, which are air-conditioned and non-smoking. Dress is casual for all meals apart from dinner, which is strictly smart casual. Meal times depend on the activities planned for the day, but are generally at the following times:
Breakfast: 7.00 am - 10.00 am Lunch: 1.00 pm Tea: 4.30 pm Dinner: 7.30 pm. A gong heralds lunch and dinner. All meals are included with a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks.
DISEMBARKATION
Guests should wait in public areas or in their cabin until an announcement is made with instructions for disembarking.
DRESS CODE
Days on board are casual while dinner is strictly smart casual. There are two theme evenings – “AFRICA” and “1920s” – where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual.
ELECTRICITY
The electric current on board is 220V. Each cabin is fitted with a round 3-pin socket (South African). Adapter plugs are available from the Assistant Train Manager. Please treat sockets as live at all times. A generator supplies power. Please be aware that certain breaks in power are necessary when servicing is required.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your journey, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the train staff. There are large extinguishers at the end of each carriage for staff application. The train will be brought to a halt for the required action. Do not jump from a moving train.
GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop on board which is located in the lounge car and is open between mealtimes. The host/ess on duty here has a basic first aid kit and a limited supply of personal essentials.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
There is a limited laundry service (10 items per day) on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours so the staff are not able to handle a week’s worth of laundry. There are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board. Please note that while this a complimentary service, Noble Caledonia and Rovos Rail cannot be held responsible for items that may be damaged or lost in the process.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
It is possible to store luggage in your cabin under the bed or above the door on a luggage rack, which provides ample space for storage. There are no luggage restrictions on board although we do not recommend more than two large suitcases. Guests are provided with a Shongololo Express tog bag that can be used for overnight trips or hand luggage on aircraft where a soft 15kg bag is required.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you leave the train, please check your cabin carefully to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MAGAZINES, MAPS & GAMES
There are board games, playing cards, a card table (dependent), books and magazines available for your use in the lounge and observation cars while on board. Kindly return any books before the end of the trip. In your cabin is a map, itinerary and the Journeys magazine featuring articles of interest related to the route. If the map supplied is not comprehensive enough you may purchase a more detailed map from the Gift Shop.
MAIL
Stamps are available for sale from the Gift Shop. Postcards may be handed to the Administration Deputy for posting. They may not be able to do so straightaway. Rovos Rail and Noble Caledonia are not responsible for mail that may be delayed or lost en-route to its destination.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated external defibrillator and a wheelchair. For emergencies there are private healthcare hospitals available. Outside of South Africa, private hospitals are not guaranteed. The train can organise evacuation either by road or air to a medical facility should this be required (own account). The Train Managers have completed First Aid up to Level 3 and are trained in emergency situations.
ONBOARD ACCOUNT
Guests will be requested to sign for onboard purchases made during the trip. This includes signing for drinks and purchases of a personal nature. All accounts are to be settled on the evening before departure. Please note that drinks purchased on the last night of the trip will be settled on a ‘cash bar’ basis and that any additional excursions booked also need to be settled in cash. Account payment can be settled by South African Rand, major foreign currencies or credit cards. Regrettably debit cards are not accepted.
PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Train Manager upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities between borders. If required, your Train Manager will also provide necessary forms for you to fill out. Passports will be returned to passengers prior to the end of the journey. Costs of any visas required will be borne by the passengers.
PUBLIC AREAS
On board there is a non-smoking dining car, an observation car at the rear of the train and a coach next to it containing a small gift shop and smoking lounge. A unique feature of the observation car is the enlarged windows and open-air balcony. Deep sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable car. All public areas are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore we ask that you fill in the end of stay questionnaire sent with your final documents. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Please also help Rovos Rail & Shongololo Express evaluate their success in meeting your expectations by completing the comment sheet provided in your cabin.
SAFE
An electronic safe is provided in the cupboard in each cabin.
SECURITY & SAFETY
Whilst on board, passengers are encouraged to close shutters (and preferably windows as well) in the cabins and passengers are specifically requested to close windows and shutters when not in the cabin. The train doors in the passages are all locked from the inside. Your cabin door can also lock from the inside. It is requested that guests adhere to the following:
• Never open exterior doors while the train is moving.
• Never jump off or onto the train while it is moving.
• An emergency brake is located halfway down each corridor and is only to be used in the case of an emergency. If used in a non-emergency situation, the culprit will be heavily fined.
• When taking photographs out of the window, always look ahead to see what is coming. Safety goggles are provided in your cabin.
• Please ensure that all valuables, documents and cash are kept in a safe place. Management and staff will not accept responsibility for any loss of personal property or cash if it is not put in the safe. Please be advised that if you leave your cabin you must make certain that your windows and shutters are closed.
• Do not stray from well-frequented areas after dark.
• Change foreign currency at an authorised dealer only.
SERVICE
If you require service between 12.00 am and 6.00 am, please call your host using the internal telephone system. Your cabin is cleaned daily and there is a nightly turn-down service. Linen is changed every third day. If you wish to have your towels changed, please place them in the shower basin.
SMOKING POLICY
In accordance with the Southern African Smoking Act, designated smoking areas are provided. On board the train, smoking is allowed in the smoking area only. Smoking of vapes and e-cigarettes is allowed in your cabin. However, please be mindful of other guests who do not smoke, that the train is generally made up of wood and do not throw flammable items such as cigarette or cigar butts off the train. Bush fires in Africa are a constant and dangerous hazard.
TRACK
The track over which the train travels is inconsistently maintained. The train is therefore restricted to 60km/h (37mph) and over bad sections the speed is reduced to as little as 20km/h (12mph). If you find it noisy, earplugs are available.
WAKE-UP CALL
Wake-up calls can be requested via your host/ess.
WATER
The water used on the train is carried in tanks under each coach. These tanks are filled every day but they cannot be topped up while the train is travelling. Water inside the cabins has been filtered and chlorinated; it is safe for bathing and brushing teeth only. Please use the bottled water provided for drinking.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Click below to download a copy of the Information Directory
Also of Interest
Wonders & Waterways of Southern Africa - 2022
A unique escorted tour to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe including three nights exploring Lake Kariba aboard the African Dream
African Dream
Itinerary at a glance
- Cape Town / Kirstenbosch / Cape Winelands / Cape Peninsula / Cape Town / Kasane / Cascades Lodge / Chobe National Park / Impalila Island / Kasane / Gache Gache / Sanyati Rivers / Matusadona / Kariba / Victoria Falls
Journey from Victoria Falls by Private Train
An escorted journey between Victoria Falls & Pretoria aboard the Shongololo Express
Shongololo Express
Itinerary at a glance
- Victoria Falls / Hwange Game Reserve / Matopos National Park / Antelope Park / Great Zimbabwe Monument / Limpopo Province / Kapama Game Reserve / Swaziland / Maputo / Kruger National Park / Panorama Route / Pretoria / Soweto / Johannesburg
Wonders & Waterways of Southern Africa - 2023
A unique escorted tour to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe including three nights exploring Lake Kariba aboard the African Dream
African Dream
Itinerary at a glance
- Cape Town / Robben Island / Groot Constantia Wine Estate / Cape Peninsula / Victoria Falls / Kasane / Chobe National Park / Impalila Island / Lake Kariba / Gache Gache / Sanyati / Matusadona National Park
South Africa & Namibia by Private Train
A journey from Pretoria to Swakopmund aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail Private Train
Rovos Rail Private Train
Itinerary at a glance
- Johannesburg / Pretoria / Kimberley / Upington / Fish River Canyon / Kolmanskop / Luderitz / Keetmanshoop / Quiver Tree Forest / Soussuvlei / Windhoek / Cheetah Conservation Fund / Etosha National Park / Namib Desert / Walvis Bay / Swakopmund /
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000