DRIVING TIPS:

Roads
Our road infrastructure is excellent, so driving is a viable option, but South Africa is a huge country, so plan your journeys carefully and take breaks, as fatigue is a major contributing factor in motor accidents. 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.

Road info, maps
Current information on the conditions of roads can be obtained through the Automobile Association of South Africa. The AA also provides invaluable guides for road users in the form of strip maps tailored for specific destinations and information for tourists on accommodation en route. Maps of South Africa are available at airport kiosks, hotels, tourist outlets etc.

Toll roads
Many of the national roads between major centres are toll roads. Ensure that you have either a credit card or cash to pay tolls of between R2.50 to R46.00 for a light passenger vehicle.

Watch out for animals in rural areas
Be aware that the roads in many rural areas are not fenced, so you could find dogs, chickens, sheep and even horses or cows on the road, so it may be dangerous to drive at night.

Keep left, belt up, think kilometres
We drive on the left-hand side of the road, and our cars are right-hand drive. All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are in kilometres. One mile is the equivalent of 1.6 kilometres. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory. 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.

Speed limit
The general speed limit on national highways, urban freeways and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary (rural) roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated. Check the road signs.

Driver’s licences
Any valid driver’s licence is accepted provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English. A driver’s licence must be carried on a driver’s person at all times.

Filling up
A variety of petrol (gas) stations are situated on both main and country roads. Most of them are open 24 hours a day, although some keep shorter hours. Different petrol types are available: unleaded, and 95- or 93-octane ("super" or "premium") and diesel. South African petrol stations are not self-help: an attendant will fill the car, check oil and water and tire pressure and, if necessary, clean the windscreen – for which he or she will expect a tip of two or three rand. Most petrol stations have convenience stores or restaurants on-site.

Alcohol
The drunk driving limit in South Africa is exceptionally low, and the penalties very high. Do yourself and your passengers a favour - DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!