Destination Spotlight - Cape Town, South Africa

Local Beaches	Garden Route	Activities	Local events	Driving Tips

Driving in South Africa - Top Tips

Drive on the left!

Road signs, distances and speedometers are in kilometers.

Many of the national roads between the major cities are toll roads. Make sure that you have either a credit card or enough cash with you to pay.

Many of the roads in rural areas are unfenced, so you could find dogs, chickens, sheep and even horses or cows on the road. Antelope crossing the road can also be a hazard in certain areas - watch out for the road signs and take it slowly, especially towards evening.

Make sure you have sufficient petrol for your journey - distances between towns and petrol stations can be significant in some parts of the country.

Most petrol stations have an attendant who will fill your car, check your oil and clean your windscreen - be prepared to tip a couple of rand.

Remember to wear your seatbelt, driver or passenger.

Children under 12 years should ride in the back of the car and be appropriately restrained. Don't forget to reserve your child seat at the same time you book your hire car.

It is advisable to drive with your doors locked and windows closed.

Do not pick up hitchhikers.

Roads can be extremely busy during public holidays such as Freedom Day and Workers Day - it is advisable to allow extra time for your journey during these periods.

It is illegal to hold a mobile phone whilst driving a vehicle.

Do not drink and drive.

When parking in a 2 way street, park in the same direction as the traffic flow.

In safari areas, do not feed animals from your car.

Driving regulations for South Africa

"Your Say" About Driving in South Africa:

Louisa Robinson from Northamptonshire advises:
“When driving in South Africa remember to keep your doors locked and be alert at all times. When you stop at traffic lights, keep watching everything around you and be prepared to make your next move should someone try to smash a window. We go every year and we have never had a problem but it is always better to be aware.”

Graham Ross says:
“Never leave your car parked overnight in safari areas with fruit inside - the elephants will destroy your car to get to the fruit!”

Andy Tomlinson from Yorkshire says:
“When driving in Cape Town, remember they drive on the same side of the road as in England. Watch out for the weavers who weave in and out of the traffic at speed. Drive carefully and don’t be intimidated. If approached at traffic lights (known locally as “robots”) by beggars and potential car jackers, I was advised to carry a rubber snake and watch their faces - they won’t bother you again!”

Mr Lingerfelder from Hertfordshire advises:
“Be careful at the traffic lights as taxis don’t always stop on red”

Mr Williams from Wiltshire advises:
“Always drive with the doors locked - ideally you should have a can of tyre inflating foam to get you out of trouble if you have a puncture. And do NOT give anyone a lift, no matter how desperate they seem.”

Travelling to South Africa this year? Don't forget, Car Hire 3000 offer car hire from locations across South Africa, including car hire Cape Town, car hire Johannesburg , car hire Pretoria and car hire Bloemfontein - as well as 4000 other locations across America and the world!

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