Before you go to South Africa

South Africa attracts millions of travellers to its shores with its unique blend of old and modern Africa. It has an abundance of wildlife and scenery – from the sandy beaches, forest-covered cliffs, and amazing marine life of its coastline to arid deserts, peak-filled mountain ranges and open bushveld savannah. Historical landmarks and interaction with local cultures and communities provide an insight into the “Rainbow Nation”. Train journeys, award-winning wine estates and a large variety of shopping opportunities are just some of the other facets to be experienced.

Average Rainfall (inches) – This varies according to the year and location:

JNB = Johannesburg  DBN = Durban  CPT = Cape Town

• Road infrastructure is mostly excellent.
• Many of the national roads between the major centres are toll roads. One can pay either with credit card or cash (ZAR) at the toll points.
• While most national roads are tarred and in good condition, the more rural the road, the more likely it is to be pot-holed and poorly surfaced.
• Driving is a viable option, with careful planning advised, as South Africa is a huge country, not easily traversed in a day.
• If you're not used to driving long distances, rather break the journey, as fatigue is a major contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents.
• All signposts are written in English.
• When asking for directions, you may be surprised to get the response "turn left at the next robot ..." – a 'robot' is the South African term for traffic lights.
• Petrol/filling stations are mostly open 24 hours and spread along all the routes. They are not self-help and are manned by attendants who can also check oil, water and tyre pressure if required. Gratuities for this service are at your own discretion.
• Many of these petrol stations have restaurants and restrooms – useful to freshen-up on the long drives.
• There are three types of fuel available: lead replacement petrol, unleaded and Diesel. The car rental agent will be able to advise which fuel to use for the applicable hired vehicle.
• Petrol/fuel prices are fixed and controlled by the government – payable in cash (ZAR), credit and debit cards or South African Petrol Cards – however, these are available to local citizens only. Caution: payment by card is available at certain petrol stations only.
• When travelling through South Africa's neighbouring countries, filling stations can be few and far between, so plan your journey accordingly.

• An International Driver's Permit carried in conjunction with your national driving licence is recommended and must be printed or authenticated in English.
• If your licence does not have a photograph on it, then you must also carry your passport with you so that you can be identified as the legal holder of the driving licence.
• Always make sure documentation is carried with you at all times when driving.
• Traffic officers will expect to see documentation if they stop you for any reason.
• Please liaise with your travel consultant regarding minimum age requirements and additional drivers if hiring a vehicle.

• In South Africa we drive on the left-hand side of the road, and cars are right-hand drive vehicles.
• Keep to the left and pass right.
• All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are in kilometres.
• There are strict drinking and driving laws – with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or 2 for the average or large man.
• Four-way-stops are commonly found at the quieter intersections – the first vehicle to arrive has priority. On roundabouts, give way to the right, although this is often overlooked and it is wise to proceed with caution.
• Wearing of seat belts is compulsory. All occupants of a vehicle are required to wear seatbelts whilst travelling – if you are caught without you will be subject to a fine.
• Using hand-held phones while driving is against the law – use a vehicle phone attachment or hands-free kit if you want to speak on your mobile phone.

• The general speed limit on national highways, urban freeways and other major routes is 120 km/h (75 mph).
• On secondary (rural) roads it is 100 km/h (60 mph).
• In built-up areas it is usually 60 km/h (35 mph) unless otherwise indicated.
• Check the road signs and obey the speed limit at all times
• Speed limits are maximum speeds. If it is raining, misty or the road is congested, reduce speed.
• Reduce speed near areas where there is pedestrian activity.

• Always drive with your doors locked and windows wound up, especially when stopped at traffic lights.
• Don't ever stop to pick up hitchhikers, however innocent, lost or appealing they look. If you are worried about someone's plight, stop at the next town and report it to someone there.
• Do not leave anything valuable on show in your car when you leave it unattended, and always lock your car when you leave it, even if you are only going to be gone for a few minutes.
• Try to always park in a busy, well-lit area.
• Take advice from your hosts where you are staying, and ask if there are any areas that tourists should avoid driving through.
• Do not confront aggressive or abusive road users.
• If possible avoid travelling at night or in remote areas.