Response from Rovos. Still, I will NOT take a tie for Ken. That means a completely different type of shirt that I would not normally take. As long as he has a jacket (I have a lightweight travel jacket from travelsmith) and slacks I think a silk tee is in order. That is what I am going to do. Works for informal night on RSSC and I am sure it will be fine for Rovos. I have even seen a black silk tee and black jacket for formal night on RSSC. It is just a "different" formal look. They wont kick us out.

Dear Ngaire

Warm regards from Rovos Rail and many thanks for your e mail. We do look forward to welcoming your group on the train and appreciate the wonderful support!! I am sure the guests will have a memorable journey on our 'Pride of Africa'.

The athmosphere on the train has been designed to capture a 'long lost era' and we therefore have put the request in place that we would like our passengers to 'dress up for dinner'. Whilst we fully understand that the normal passenger to South Africa might not have the space to carry a full dinner suit / evening dress with them, we would like to still adhere to the athmosphere and request clients to at least wear a jacket and tie for dinner. I do hope for your understanding in this regard and we would appreciate that the jacket will fit into the suitcase even with the strict weight limitation. It really is worth the while once clients step into the dining car in the evening and are part of the elegant athmosphere.

Warm regards

Heike