Train Facilities

• What electrical chargers will I need to bring with me?
The electricity on the Pride of Africa is 220V AC 50Hz. The plugs are 3 point round pronged wall plugs. International adaptors are also available on board.

• Is there a First Aid kit on board?
We have a designated “Doctors Surgery” on board the train and this will contain a fully stocked first aid kit. There is also a first aid kit in each carriage, however, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate supplies of any ongoing medication that you will need for the duration of the journey.

• Is there a safe in the cabin / onboard the train?
Safes are provided in all of the cabins.

• Is there a shop on board?
There is an on-board Gift shop situated in the Lounge Car/Royal Suite coach. Due to fluctuating exchange rates we prefer South African Rands or credit cards for any on-board gift shop purchases. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club.

• Is there a DVD, book & games library on board?
There are books and games on board but no DVDs

• Is smoking permitted?
You may smoke in the privacy of your suites or in the Club Lounge situated towards the rear of the Train. Smoking is strictly forbidden in all other parts of the Train

• Is there a laundry facility?
There is a limited laundry service on board. The turn around is 48 hours

• Are there any sort of communication links while we are on board?
There is mobile phone coverage however the reception is poor while the Train is moving, but does improve when we are stationery or near main roads. Please note that the use of mobile telephones and laptop computers is forbidden in all the public areas. Please use your phone and computer in the privacy of your suite. We do not have a satellite phone on board the train, but the Tour Manager can be contacted in emergencies on the mobile telephone number provided on the 24 hour emergency card provided in the travel wallets.

• Is there an internet and fax facility on board and if so, how much does this cost?
There is no internet or fax facility aboard the trains; however it is possible to check emails during certain stops en route. This may mean missing the excursion programme for that day.

• What is the evening entertainment programme?
There is no specific entertainment programme.

• What is the dress code on board the train?
During the day, the dress code is smart casual on board the train and in the evening we request that you wear more formal attire. We expect gentlemen to wear a jacket, collar & tie.
During the day, the dress code is smart casual on board the train and in the evening we request that you wear more formal attire. We expect gentlemen to wear a jacket, collar & tie.
Dress code for the off train excursions is casual. It can be cold during the game drives (open vehicles) and the Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River, therefore warm clothing is strongly recommended.

Cabin Facilities

• What are the main differences between each of the cabin types?
There are two different level of accommodation on board the train. The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring 172 sq ft (16 sq m). Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe suites (11 sq metres/118 sq feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower.

• Do the cabins have en-suite facilities?
Yes both Royal Suites & Deluxe Suites have ensuite bathrooms. Royal Suites include a full bathroom with Victorian bath and a separate shower. Deluxe Suites feature a shower.

• What style of beds do the cabins feature?
Each cabin features either twin or double beds.

• Is there a hairdryer for use?
We provide hairdryers each of the cabins

• Is there a shaver point and electrical points inside the cabin?
Yes, there are electrical and shaver points in the cabins.

• How often is the cabin cleaned during the tour?
Car attendants clean the cabins daily.

• Can the attendant make up/down the beds suitable to my sleeping requirements?
Yes

• How often do the towels get changed?
Every three days

• What toiletries are provided and what brand are they?
Shampoo and shower gel are provided. They are our own brand.

• How is the cabin temperature and lighting controlled?
The lights and individual air conditioning are both controlled from within the cabin.

• Is there one bed or two in a single compartment?
There may be either a double or twin beds in each cabin

• Is it noisy? Are ear plugs required?
The sounds of a moving train may disturb you, especially on the first night on board. However we have not had any comments about guests finding it difficult to sleep while on board, rather the motion rocks you to sleep!

• Can a wheelchair be used on board, or can one be provided for off train-tours?
The passage inside the carriage is too narrow for a wheelchair but we are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties although we recommend that an able-bodied passenger accompany them. Should you have any special requirements please inform us at the time of booking.

• Is alcohol permitted inside the cabin?
Yes

• Are cabins checked on the border crossings?
Crossing the border is usually a formality; however it is theoretically possible that cabins can be checked by border officials.

• Can we lock the compartments?
It is safe to leave compartments open since the car attendants are always in the carriage but if you want to lock the cabin it is possible.

• What sort of on-board entertainment / educational talks are provided?
A variety of lectures and entertainment is provided during the journey.

• Are there tea & coffee making facilities inside the cabin?
There are no facilities within the cabins, however tea and coffee can be provided by the car attendant 24 hours a day.

• Is it safe to stand up in the shower whilst the train is moving?
Yes it safe to stand up. We can also provide a stool if you would feel more comfortable sitting down whilst showering.

• Are the train windows cleaned daily to allow for good photography / general viewing?
We ensure that the train windows are kept clean to ensure that you can enjoy the interesting scenery that we pass.

• Is hot water available at all times?
Yes

• Is it safe to leave valuables in my cabin, especially when I am on a day excursion?
Yes. Each car has two attendants, one of whom is always on duty and they remain on the train during the city tours.

• Where is luggage stored?
There is plenty of room to store luggage inside the cabins.

Meals

• Are all meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

• Are there complimentary snacks if hungry outside meal times?
Yes. There is also a fresh fruit basket in each carriage.

• Is it possible to buy extra snacks on board?
You can always get some extra snacks in the bar or from your car attendants without charge. However, your clients may wish to take their favourites with them!

• Is cabin-service available 24 hours per day?
Yes

• Can GW Travel cater for special dietary requirements?
Please inform our reservations department about any special dietary needs when you make your booking. Our restaurant staff can cater for most special diet requests.

• Are meal times set?
Yes. Breakfast is normally between 8am and 10am. If however there is an off train tour leaving the train before 10am the Tour manager will advise all passengers so that they have eaten prior to the off train excursion. Lunch is scheduled around the off-train excursion arrangements, however it is normally between 12:30 and 2pm. Dinner is served at 8pm most evenings.

• Is it a set menu or are the meals buffet style?
We offer set meals with a choice of main course, however, if you have a specific request you will need to advise the Tour Manager.

• What type of food is provided on-board
International cuisine is served on board. The menu is decided by the Head chef.

• Is there a fully stocked bar at all times?
Yes

• Are all drinks free?
All drinks are included whilst on board the train. Excellent South African wines are served on board.

• Is the water safe to drink?
The water on all trains is not drinking water. The attendants, who are on duty 24 hours a day, will provide passengers with fresh bottled water around the clock. There is also bottled water in the bathrooms for brushing your teeth. Food on board is washed with bottled water.