Roads in South Africa, travelling on South African roads       
     
This section is designed to help visitors understand South African traffic regulations and gives some advice on driving on South African roads.

You'll find general advice about driving norms, busiest roads and what kind of habits to expect from South African drivers below on the Driving in South Africa section.

For specific advice on access and exit roads, what to avoid, where to park and how to drive around South Africa's main cities, click on each individual city name below.

If you are travelling with a gps navigator, still find a good map of the South African road system, because new roads are built all the time and our experience is that even gps with updated information do not recognise the newest roads in many areas of South Africa, whereas recent maps do have them pencilled in (maps can be bought at most South African petrol/fuel stations or book stores).

Because South Africa's public transport system still falls short of most European countries - seeing South Africa by rental car gives you more freedom to explore South Africa's beautiful countryside.

Car Rental Agencies

Have a enjoyable and safe journey.

The best way to explore South Africa is by car. Renting cars in South Africa is easy and convenient and allows you to explore so much more of our beautiful country by road. There are leading care rental outlets at all the major airports and in the main city centres of South Africa.

Foreigners planning to rent a car in South Africa, are advised of the following:

You will need a valid drivers license from your country of residence, your passport and at least an International drivers license valid for the period of your stay in South Africa.

Generally a rental deposit will be required over and above the actual rental fee quoted, so a credit card would be required also. Most of the the leading international car rental agencies offer online car rental and reservation services which makes it convenient to plan your car rental well ahead of your visit.

Our leading Car Rental agencies allow easy drop-off and collection points at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban (King Shaka International) airports, these are well advertised, and accessible from the terminal buildings.

Driving in South Africa

In South Africa we drive on left side of the road and rental cars are right hand drive.

Road conditions throughout South Africa are generally very good which makes South Africa's provinces a great place to explore by means of a self drive vacations.

Avoid driving long distances at night if you are unfamiliar with the route, try doing most of your road travel during the day, this way you will also see more of our spectacular countryside. If you have to drive through the night, remember to stop every 2 hours, to stretch your legs and to prevent micro-naps.

We remind you that road maps can be purchased at airports, most book stores and most gas/fuel stations country wide.

We have a good network of modern gas stations on main routes that offer rest rooms, restaurants and convenience shops that make long drives a pleasure.

These are places to stop, enjoy some coffee and something to eat, read the newspaper and continue your travel afterwards.

Driving and Alcohol.

Do not drive if you have been drinking. Wine can flow during meals in South Africa, so if you have enjoyed a relaxed lunch or dinner, don't jump into your car straight away; rest for a few hours or take a taxi to your hotel.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence and convicted drivers could have their driver’s license suspended for six months or face up to six years in jail.

The permissible limit for alcohol consumption is about one glass of wine for the average women and 1.5 glasses for the average or large man

Fuel Prices:

Fuel is generally less expensive along the coastal provinces of South Africa and it gets more expensive the further inland one travels. Both diesel and unleaded fuel is in use in South Africa.

The lowest fuel prices in the Western Cape can be found in Cape Town and Mossel Bay; which is on the Garden Route about 4 hours drive East of Cape Town.

Distances by Road:

Cape Town - Durban (N2 Route)  = +- 1800 km 
Cape Town - Bloemfontein  (N1 Route) = +- 1020 km
Cape Town - Beaufort West (N1 Route) = +- 475km
Cape Town - Worcester (N1 Route) = +- 115 km
Cape Town - Upington (N1 Route) = +- 960km

Bloemfontein - Pretoria  (N1 route) = +- 470km
Johannesburg - Durban (N3 route) = +- 605 km

Photo: Stellenbosch Winelands Western Cape, South Africa   Look great at the beach and tan safely through your swimsuit, achieving a tan without tan lines! Yes you can tan thru Cooltan swimsuits. Micro pores in the swimsuit fabric allows the sun in. The swimsuits have a average SPF6 factor allowing your skin to tan under the swimsuit as if you where using a SPF6 sunscreen. Also see the tan through golf shirts.