Travelling by road

South Africa has an excellent, extensive road network that makes travelling by road easy and comfortable (except in rush hour in major cities). Because visitors can see and experience the stunning diversity of the scenery first hand, coach and bus tours are also very popular.

A scenic drive in Cape Town

Self-drive

For the independent traveller, South Africa is a mecca for self-drive enthusiasts. Although long distances are often involved, the roads are well signposted, well maintained and many pass through spectacular scenery.

There are plenty of overnight accommodation options everywhere, but it’s always best to book in advance if possible, especially at major tourist attractions and on major tourist routes.

South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road; seatbelts are compulsory and a valid driving licence issued in your own country is permitted, as long as it has a photograph, the signature of the holder and is in English. Otherwise, it’s easy to obtain an international driving licence before your client leaves home.

It’s best to book vehicles in advance, especially if visitors are coming to South Africa in high season (during South Africa's summer, from December to February).

Buses and coaches

Unless they are the very popular and good-value-for-money hop-on hop-off tourist sightseeing buses that operate in Johannesburg and Cape Town, it’s not a good idea to rely on, or even take, public transport. The exception to this rule is in Cape Town, where there is an excellent MyCiti bus service from the airport into the city centre and vice versa, and a good bus system downtown.

For intercity, interprovincial and regional cross-border travel, go with reputable companies such as Greyhound, Intercape, Translux and the popular backpackers’ Baz Bus, but flying is often a better option.

Ubiquitous minibus taxis often rule the road in South Africa, and their often-dangerous drivers disregard traffic signs and road discipline. Avoid taking one unless your client wants an extreme adventure or there’s absolutely no other option. If your client needs to take a taxi, they should ask their hotel, guide or host to call one for them.

Trains

South Africa boasts two of the top luxury trains in the world: the Rovos Rail and the celebrated Blue Train. Both are very expensive, but if your client wants to splurge, be pampered and see South Africa in ultimate luxury, then this is the way to go.

Not quite so costly, but also comfortable and luxurious, is the Premier Class train from Pretoria via Johannesburg to Cape Town.

Gauteng’s Gautrain operates between OR Tambo International Airport, Midrand, Sandton and Rosebank in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, Centurion, Pretoria, and Park Station in downtown Johannesburg. It’s fast, efficient, safe and is serviced by a fleet of Gautrain buses that connect with some other Pretoria and Johannesburg suburbs. The Gautrain is highly recommended as a way of getting to and from the airport in Johannesburg in particular.