Getting Around South Africa

By car

In South Africa, the privileged means of transport is the private car. If you rent a car, remember the following pieces of advice:
 There are plenty of roads, many of them in good condition, apart from rural roads, which can have a poor surface and have holes in them.
 Distances are huge, so plan your trip carefully
 Watch out for animals when you’re travelling in country roads: animals can range from normal farm animals to antelopes crossing the road very fast. In places where the latter danger is likely, there are signs warning you, and evenings are the time of day when it’s most likely to happen.
 South Africans drive on the left, but all limits and distances are in kilometres, not miles. Seat belts are compulsory.
 In order to drive, you generally need a valid license, as long as there’s your picture and signature on it, and it’s in English. Always check with authorities if yours is valid.

Public Transport

Buses are ideal if you’re not used to driving long distances. There are several companies running routes from town to town. You must be aware that the service will be a bit less comfortable than the average American or European bus company.

There’s also a the quasi-statal railway which covers the routes between the major cities. It’s not luxurious or fast, but it’s quite clean and safe.