“Culinary Rail Journey To Africa’s Cape Winelands”

AFS All Aboard!  Rovos Rail Travel Trip Tips 2025

Vintage Rails & Vineyards  

Prepare to be thrilled with countless cultural wonders on our new culinary journey by vintage rail with the famous Cape Winelands! There are so many highlights along the way of this epic journey. I wonder which day will be your favorite. All our past groups love South Africa, “a world in one country.”  And we do it all in the lap of luxury. It’s all about discovery with timeless elegance.  

Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

FINAL PAYMENT DUEIN 2 PARTS: 50% DUE DEC 15   and  FINAL DUE APRIL 20.

Wetravel is our data management company, it allows you to pay by check electronically without a fee. Simply follow the instructions. Credit cards will be assessed a processing fee at time of purchase. As a small business, this helps mitigate costs and allows us to give you the very best price.   You can also pay by check without mailing it by making it out to AFS, taking a photo of it and texting it to 770-432-8225 and we will enter the information for you at no extra credit card fee.

Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly).

GTL Salanda, your ultimate travel companion! With decades of experience, 12 years with a top travel management company, and over 50 AFS tours led since 2000, Salanda knows how to create unforgettable journeys. This self-proclaimed “gadget girl” arrives equipped with ingenious tools like pocket-sized washing machines and video-recording sunglasses, showcasing her mastery of travel’s little things.  As a wanderlust warrior who has explored all seven continents, over 100 countries, and all 50 states, Salanda thrives on action-packed, nature-connected adventures. Her attention to detail, infectious enthusiasm, and sharp leadership have earned rave reviews. With Salanda, you’re not just a tourist – you’re part of the journey.

Trip Prep:
• Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
• Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages.  Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
• To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
• Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
• All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.

• Visa – none for US citizens.

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Fitness level –– Easy trip with walking tours at a slow pace.

General Air Info – Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins.   Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number.  Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more.

Many of our clients are flying business class now so we thought we’d give you a few contacts.  Many don’t realize fares range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts for AFS that can get seats at nearly half cost by combining award miles…. [email protected] 305-390-4132 or see skylux.com or business-class.com.  Tell them Suzy sent you.

Important Air Dates: June 25 to July 4.  

Departure USA June 25 arriving Johannesburg (JNB) morning on the 26th – Depart from Cape Town evening of July 4 or extend on own. (you fly into Johannesburg and out of Cape Town. You could simply book round-trip USA to Johannesburg and buy the one leg at trips end from Cape Town back to connect in Johannesburg.)

June 25 – fly USA to JNB.

June 26 – we suggest you book a room at the Sunrock B&B. And AFS favorite for 10 years. They are like family to us. Great rate with airport pick up and breakfast.  www.sunrock.co.za If Sunrock is sold out, you can book any airport hotel with a free shuttle. There are dozens of them.

June 27 – we will arrange pick up times between 7 and 8 AM to transport you 1 hour to Pretoria. We toured the vintage rail museum with a full briefing to learn all about the famous train. A month out, Rovos will send you registration forms to complete with all guest information. All aboard! Our delightful train journey is followed by the fabulous Vergonoegd Low Wine Estate and then fun in Cape Town.

Group Air:  None. Sometimes we offer group air but find few people book sometimes find better rates on own direct from hometown.  This provides you better flexibility to go early or extend at trip end.  I know we will not meet the minimum required to make a group booking since this is a small group.

Doing Own Air–  We like Google Flights.  3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems.  Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you.  If you need help air with the economy seat,  our guy Delhi can help; email [email protected] with your exact air dates, destination, passport name, and details with birthdate.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip: We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination.  If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc.  Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.  (Please understand that as a group tour operator it’s important to note that our specialty lies in organizing group tours, and as such, our resources are tailored specifically for this purpose. Consequently, we are not equipped with the appropriate tools to assist with individual travel plans.)

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland.  You change hotel properties 5 times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale.  Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on.   Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing-  Google weather in JNB a week prior departure – should be in the mid 60’s

Rovos Rail, known for its luxury train journeys in South Africa, has a specific dress code that enhances the overall experience of elegance and sophistication. During the day, the dress code is relaxed but still smart casual, with comfortable and stylish clothing recommended, along with comfortable shoes for exploring during stops. In the evenings, passengers are expected to dress more formally, with men suggested to wear a jacket and tie, and women encouraged to don cocktail dresses or smart outfits, such as skirts and blouses or tailored pants. It’s advisable to consider the season and weather when packing, as evenings can be cool, making layering a good idea.

For the rest of the trip, add a day pack, wide brim hat, warm jacket, umbrella and casual clothes to layer.

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry. 

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug.  AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers.  See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters – Always bring some cash!  You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $300 cash should suffice.    Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM.  Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering.  Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted, Amex rarely.   Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases.  Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees.

• Currency  Exchange Rate  $1 = 17 Rand. (great rate for you!)
• Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
• https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities –  Due to the nature of the special trip we have determined that you would pay your gratuities on your own. We estimate them to be between 90 to $100 in total for the trip.  It’s protocol to tip our guides, assistance, drivers, porters, staff, lodges and more for each group abroad.   Discretionary tips help insure a good relationship and the only thing we travelers leave behind is our reputation.   I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed.  Salanda will advise who to tip and when.

Communication– Internet is available. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad.  Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate.  Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

Safety: AFS, safety of our Travelers is our priority since our inception in 1989. Our local teams constantly monitor any issues with your destination. They can access real time safety updates and inform us if necessary.

Avoiding Hackers on Vacation.  Thieves not only want your money but also your data.    Change passwords often. Check device security settings before you leave for your trip. Back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data using a virtual VPN. Since 1989, your safety is our primary concern. Our local teams are experts, constantly monitoring any issues with your destinations. They can access real-time safety issues and will keep us informed if necessary.

• Bottled water is always best abroad, as our gut isn’t accustomed to local tap water.  Stay hydrated.
• Travel health – Avoid street foods. Bring Imodium or anti-diarrhea medicine.  Bring sunscreen.  Load up on antioxidants like vitamin C to zinc.

Health –  All our meals are pure and water is filtered. Bottled water provided throughout.  No travel meds are necessary on this trip.

Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask.  Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame! Note, there may be some restrictions with photos in Buddhist places and religious sites. Guide will advise.

Websites of Interest:

www.rovos.com, https://visitwinelands.co.za/

Chewing-  South African cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by its diverse cultures and rich history. The country’s unique blend of indigenous ingredients, such as maize and game meats, alongside culinary traditions brought by various immigrant groups, creates a bold and exciting palate. The use of aromatic spices, such as peri-peri and coriander, enhances dishes like bobotie and braai, while the freshness of locally sourced produce adds depth and authenticity. Moreover, communal dining traditions foster a sense of togetherness, making every meal a celebration of South Africa’s rich heritage and culinary creativity. This fusion of flavors and cultures makes South African food irresistibly tasty and memorable.

Accommodations –Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel.

 Roommates –  Single supplements have significantly increased in price– if available at all.  Save money and buy yourself an awesome local gift. We all live alone, but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching.  99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night.   The best option is to invite a friend.  Note, kindness begets kindness.  Many of our seasoned travelers bring headsets to drown out any excess noise.  We share rooms only to sleep at night.

Please understand if  the AFS room list ends up with unbalanced gender, and forces a single room, we will offer it to all in group.  If all decline, we split the added forced cost single room. If you were the last to book we may have to remove you from the trip unless you share in the supplement cost

 Leisure Time –  For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions.  We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results.  Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.

Private Facebook Group Page  –  The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour.  The link can be found in your Wetravel Welcome Letter after your initial Deposit.

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/    More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.

 Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation.  Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.   CFAR or cancel for any reason covers Covid but is expensive.  Note that no company covers for fear.

Preexisting conditions – If you would like the security of travel insurance and have a pre-existing condition (elderly parent, medical, etc.), you must purchase insurance within 15 days from your initial trip deposit in order to assure full coverage.  The trip cost can be amended or adjusted as needed after your initial purchase (eg. like adding an air ticket cost later). You can buy travel insurance at any time, just know that there may be some possible limitations if purchased outside the 15 day period.  We like TravelSafe, Allianz or Seven Corners.

• Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

AFS Group Etiquette – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit.  If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience.  Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude.  Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness.  Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

10 Commandments for AFS Travelers

1. Thou shall not expect to find things as thou hast at home, for thou hast left thy home to find things different.
2. Thou shall not take anything too seriously.A carefree mind is the beginning of a fun vacation.
3. Thou shall not let other group members get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
4. Thou shall not forget that doist represent America (Canada too) at all times. Kindness begets kindness, ugliness begets ugliness.
5. Thou shall not worry. This is for thine AFS trip leader.  They who worry hath no pleasure, and few things are fatal.
6. Remember thy passport at all times. A person without a passport is a person without a country.
7. Blessed is the person who can say “thank you” in any language
8. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
9. Do not judge the people of a foreign land by one person with whom thou hast had trouble.
10. Remember, thou art a guest in each land. They who treateth their host with respect shall be treated as a guest of honor.

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel.  In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK:  Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included.  We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then.  Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!

The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable.  It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman

A bit about Rovos Rail

Imagine yourself aboard a luxurious train, surrounded by the nostalgic charm of a bygone era. The train features accommodation carriages, dining cars with seating for around 42 guests, a lounge car with space for 26, a quaint gift shop, a smoking lounge that seats 11, and an observation car with an open-air balcony and room for 32. Though we’ve maintained the spirit of the past, our suites – Pullman (7sqm), Deluxe (10sqm), and Royal (16sqm) – offer the utmost in privacy and comfort, complete with twin beds and top-of-the-line amenities. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin, along with tea facilities, a safe, air conditioning, linen, and amenities that cater to your every need. The dedicated staff will service your suite daily. You’ll find ample storage space and small cupboards equipped with hangers and shelves. For more information on our public cars and suites.

We warmly welcome solo travelers, couples, and groups alike. Our dining cars are configured with both two-seater and four-seater tables, so you can dine with new friends or enjoy some time for yourself. The lounge and observation cars, with their expansive windows, plush sofas, and cozy booths, are the perfect places to mingle with fellow passengers or find a quiet corner to relax. Learn more about life on board.

Many of our guests enjoy dressing up for dinner, donning fine attire that matches the elegance of our china, glassware, linen, and silver. We encourage smart casual dress during the day and more formal wear in the evening. On longer journeys, we host themed evenings, and you’re welcome to dress accordingly or stick with smart casual attire. Read about our dress code.

Our talented team of chefs takes great pride in catering to your every culinary desire. We emphasize the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and specialize in traditional dishes. Savor your meals in the dining car, perfectly paired with a selection of exquisite South African wines. Our bar offers a wide range of options, though we recommend requesting special items like French Champagne in advance. Start your day with breakfast from 07:00-10:00, followed by lunch at 13:00, tea at 16:30, and formal dinner at 19:30. The bar is open from 07:00-±01:00. Please note that meals are served at these times unless otherwise indicated in your itinerary. View our dining schedule.

For more information on life aboard – including amenities, policies for children, accepted currency, excursions, laundry service, luggage restrictions, medical considerations, mobility, and more – please visit our General Info page. You’ll find a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions for each journey on the itineraries page.

How it all began…

As so often happens, it was a combination of influences and events that led to the purchase of the first coach, the start of what would become Rovos Rail. A Wilbur Smith heroine with her own private railway coach, a man called Phil Acutt with a passion for trains and the presence of the Witbank Steam Railway in the coal-mining town where Rohan Vos ran his successful auto spares business all played a part.

“Rohan has always been obsessed with things mechanical,” remembers Anthea Vos, who has been at his side throughout and has raised a family in and around developing the railway business. “In fact, he started his first business with the capital derived from the sale of a 1940 Packard and a 1928 Austin that he had rebuilt. Rohan was involved in so many ventures, but I didn’t see this one coming.”

In 1985, Rohan and Anthea took up a last-minute invitation on a Magaliesberg train trip for business suppliers. “I became a train widow on that day,” says Anthea. “I sat all dressed up by myself; Rohan spent most of the time in the engine with the driver. The irony was that we should have seen then how difficult it would be – the train broke down, and we were bussed back to town.”

The same year, influenced by his friend Phil Acutt’s love of trains and the work done by the Railway Preservation Society in Witbank, Rohan attended an auction to buy a coach or two – the intention was to restore four carriages and hitch them to a South African Railways train as a family caravan. Steam-train enthusiast Geoff Pethick was present at the auction and assisted him. “It was the 26th of September – a cold day with rain in the air – and I’d hoped Rohan wasn’t another penniless lunatic with grand ideas,” he recalls. “As we chatted, I quickly realised that here was a man of vision.”

Several coaches were purchased and taken to the Society’s yards in Witbank to be rebuilt. One of them, Private Saloon 15063, is still in service, and another, an engineer’s caboose, stood at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for many years, where it served as the marketing and reservations office. The complications of working with the South African Transport Services administration soon convinced Rohan that he needed to be self-sufficient where possible. As a result, he purchased a 1938 Class 19D locomotive from Lowenthal’s Scrap Metal in Johannesburg. It was rebuilt by Rovos Rail and named BIANCA after one of his daughters.

Negotiations began with Sam Taute of SAR and Rohan was granted permission to run his train in December 1986. This was when the idea of running a vintage train as a business venture was born. The tariff quoted by the authorities for hauling the train was, however, extremely high and would have made the “family caravan” an extravagant exercise.

After his objection to the charge, the Railways returned a well thought-out curve ball, giving Rohan the right to sell tickets. “I remember the occasion very clearly: on a wintry evening, I was subsiding into a hot bath with my Red Heart Rum and coke close at hand. There’d been a power cut, so musing by candlelight about the consequences of turning a hobby into a business, I let my imagination float around in delusions of grandeur. But I knew that launching into the arena of tourism and trains, of which I had no experience, held many dangers. It was an uncharted course and I had little idea where to start, let alone where to aim. However, a unique challenge was right up my street and the decision was made to go ahead. This was – unknown to me at the time – a life-changing moment, and sadly, during the next few years or so, I had many agonizing thoughts of regretting the move. I could never have imagined how all-consuming the business was to become, both financially and emotionally.

“Consisting of a locomotive and seven carriages, the train was launched on 29 April 1989, and with four paying passengers, friends and press, we set off for the Eastern Transvaal. So, with a four-night Lowveld experience and in 1991 the Pretoria to Cape Town run, the business began to find direction. But, as any train operator or airline will confirm, running a schedule is risky and nerve-wracking. To project consistency and reliability to agents and passengers, it’s imperative to run according to the advertised schedule. Of course, this wears rather thin when passenger loads are less than the number required to break even financially. I found, to my horror, that one can lose considerably more money establishing a schedule and, consequently, a reputation than it might cost to buy or construct the hardware.

“To finance this one-way street, I had sold various cash-generating businesses in and around Witbank, mostly to my management partners. Just prior to the train launch, I sold my Witbank and Secunda spare businesses to a public company. I accepted shares for this transaction and these were lodged with the bank as security for the overdraft to finance the train operation. Then, surprise, surprise, the public company went insolvent, and my shares were valueless. My bankers, of course, were not amused.

“So, with the first democratic elections coming in 1994 and confidence in the business future of South Africa tumbling to an all-time low, they put pressure on me to repay the overdraft. Although I was of the opinion that they were well enough secured and that I could service the account, they were not interested and proceeded to summon me for the outstanding amount in late 1993. The operation was close to break-even at this time, but nobody was interested in investing in the business and I had exhausted every possible avenue of financial assistance.

“Visiting the London World Travel Market during this trying time, I met tour operator Philip Morrell, owner of Jules Verne in London. Between us, we hatched a plan to run the train from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. The package was advertised in the Sunday Telegraph during late December and it was with trepidation that I answered the call from him soon after Christmas. To my relief, he reported that sales were going extremely well and nearly four train loads had been booked. My answer, after a suitably stunned silence, was ‘send cash’.

“And so, bankruptcy was avoided by a nose, and to illustrate the turnaround, it was, in fact, a year later that I purchased 38 redundant carriages from the South African Railways. Since then, we have never looked back, although the scars of battle are always there, reminding me never to relax.”

Armed with Les Pivnic’s book on dining cars, Rohan started the search for suitable coaches. An early target was the Jewish Guild Country Club in Johannesburg, where three vandalized and dilapidated dining cars stood as part of an aborted restaurant venture. All three – KEI, NILE and MODDER – were hauled to Witbank and returned to the rails. In the years since then, family life has been inseparable from the business with Rovos Rail growing up alongside the Vos children. Family holidays always had another agenda as they scoured the far ends of the country for coaches and locomotives to add to their collection.

All the engines acquired for Rovos Rail have been named after the Vos children – Brenda, Bianca, Tiffany and Shaun – and nothing could be more appropriate as the family’s history and memories are so tightly interwoven with the Rovos Rail story of acquisition and expansion. On the 10th anniversary of Rovos Rail, the magnificently restored and rebuilt locomotive – 25NC 3484, which had been converted from coal-firing to oil – was christened MARJORIE by Rohan’s mother, Mrs Marjorie Vos.

Before the first commercial trip, Joy Strydom joined Rovos Rail as its first employee in May 1988 and is still with the company. “Rohan called me out of the blue and we met at a Cape Town restaurant with a railway coach bar. Rohan spent most of the time checking it out to see what had been removed and which features remained. The romance of the railway project – and his enthusiasm – had me hooked.”

Through two decades of hard work, trying times, bankers and accountants (who were by turns sympathetic and sceptical), the birth of a new democracy and a tourism surge, there’s been a special magic about Rovos Rail. “Many of us in those early years didn’t believe that Rohan would ever achieve what he’d set out to do,” says Pethick. “It’s wonderful to see that, despite ups and downs, Rovos Rail is doing well and has helped preserve much of our railway history.”