South Africa has excellent roads (except for the roads in rural areas), which makes driving around convenient. However, since this is a massive country, distances are pretty big, and therefore, you must plan your trips carefully. It is best to take a break on your journey along the Garden Route if you are not familiar with long distance driving.
A break will help you to overcome fatigue, which is one of the major causes of road accidents.
Garden Route Transportation Guide
Getting to and around the Garden Route
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Flights to South Africa
Public Transport
It's not so easy to get around in South Africa, especially if you are accustomed to the convenience and ready availability of conveyance abroad. So, while the public transport system in this country is constantly being improved, make sure that you make all your Garden Route transport arrangements before you arrive. This will go a long way in reducing stress on your vacation.
Urban
The major towns of South Africa have bus and suburban rail networks. The fare depends on the zones travelled, and you'll need to pay in cash, or better still, get yourself a 10-ride pre-purchase 'clipcard' that is available at travel kiosks. If you are in Pretoria, you'll find a choice of pre-purchase ticket systems, and even a cheap pass for travel during the tourist off-season. Minibuses and combi taxis cheap transportation around the Garden Route, as far as the towns are concerned, but some of these are illegal, and the drivers are rash and drive very fast. In Durban they pose stiff competition to conventional buses. It is best to avoid travelling by minibus or combi taxi, and rent a car instead which you or a chauffeur can drive.
Bus/Coach
You can travel on intercity express coaches like Greyhound and Translux which are modern and air conditioned. If you'd like to break your journey on an intercity route, make the required arrangements beforehand while booking your ticket. You can then get onto another coach for the rest of your journey at no extra cost and in general these coaches are great to get around the Garden Route stretch.
Taxi
You can find taxis in all the towns of the country, and in hotels, and airports. These charge by distance and time. If you plan to travel long distance, make sure you decide on the rates beforehand.
Surprisingly, an ordinary taxi will charge you more for travel within the city than for long distances. The only way to get a taxi is to hail one from a taxi stand. A 10% tip to the driver is normal.
Car Hire
Should you decide to drive yourself or hire a chauffeur driven car, there are always car rental companies in the Garden Route such as Avis, Imperial, or Budget to be found at most airports and major city centres.
While you don't need an International Driving Permit in this country, the Automobile Association (AA) advises motorists to carry this legal document. It is always helpful, especially in the case of an accident, when you will need a permit in order to claim insurance.
Driving in South Africa
Road Info, Maps
You can obtain the latest information on road conditions from the Automobile Association of South Africa. The AA also offers motorists road maps to specific destinations, as well as information about where to stay en route.
In South Africa, the main roads don't have names. Instead, they are known by colour and number, which probably makes it easier for you to find your way around. All you need is a good map that features this route marker system.
Toll Roads
Many of the national highways in South Africa that link major towns require toll to be paid. So, before you begin your journey, find out about the toll roads on your route, and make it a point to check the toll fees. You can pay toll via cash or credit card. For a light passenger vehicle, the toll fare varies from R 2.50 to R 46.00.
Watch Out for Animals in Rural Areas
It is best not to drive by night since the roads in many rural areas are not fenced. You could suddenly find yourself confronted by chickens, dogs, sheep, cows or horses.
In certain areas, you may come across road signs depicting a leaping antelope. Go slowly when you see such a sign, especially if you are driving in the evening, for large antelope crossing the road can be hazardous.
Keep Left, Belt up, Think Kilometres
In South Africa, motorists drive on the left hand side of the road, and all cars, including rented ones, are right hand drive. Distances, speed limits, and speedometers are in kilometres.
Speed Limit
Always keep an eye on road signs for speed limits. Generally, you can drive at 120 km/hour (75 mph) on national highways, urban freeways, and other major roads. On secondary roads (such as those in rural areas), the speed limit is 100 km/hour (60 mph). In areas with buildings, it is usually 60 km/hour (35 mph).
Driver's Licences
A valid driver's licence must have the photograph and signature of the licence holder, and should be in English.
Filling up
It is a good idea to fill up your tank before setting off on a trip because in some parts of South Africa, the distances between towns can be considerable. You'll find many petrol (gas) stations on the main roads, as well as in the rural areas. Most of these stations stay open 24 hours a day, but some do keep shorter hours.
All petrol is lead free in South Africa. Petrol stations here are not self-help. There are attendants to fill your tank, check oil, water, and tyre pressure and if required, clean the windscreen. They will expect a tip of R2 to R3 for this service.
