Driving in South Africa

South Africa drives on the left - so the same as the United Kingdom if you have driven there. Distances are in kilometres.

Driving in the city is generally fine.  The roads are on the whole in good condition and the signage and rules very similar to visitors' own experiences.  One phenomenon to look out for is a four-way stop.  This can be found at a crossroads and there will be a STOP sign on all four approaches.  That is dealt with on a first come first served basis.

You might also find busy traffic junctions with hawkers of all sorts of goods. Just keep the windows up and the air con on! If someone tries to wash your windscreen beep the horn and shoo them away. I have never seen any goods for sale that would tempt me - in particular remembering "fresh meat" being offered in thirty degrees plus heat. And definitely don't by any fruit if you are near a farm (it's probably stolen) and avoid crayfish up the West coast (they're protected and the fines for possessing them are severe).

Beyond the cities you will find most of the roads are good quality.  There are a selection of main routes (N roads) and then different classifications of other roads.  In many country areas you can't go too wrong as there is probably only one way to get somewhere.

On bigger roads look out for a wide space to the left demarked by a solid yellow line.  It is the convention for slower moving vehicles to move into that area to allow a faster vehicle to overtake.  The beneficiary will normally give thanks by flashing their hazard lights.

Do keep an eye on speed limits - you will see police speed checks and they are often concealed.  In addition small "robot" speed check cameras are used and are very difficult to see. You might find a roadside check - normally it's just a matter of showing your driving licence. You should carry it in your wallet or purse.

Most roads are solid traditional materials but you will come across gravel roads, especially as you drive through less populated areas.  These can run for some distance.  Do expect dust to be thrown up whether by a vehicle ahead or one coming the other way.  Sometimes the non-gravel alternative doesn't actually add that much so might be a better option - sometimes there is only the gravel option!  And if a South African road says that it is only suitable for four by four vehicles, they really do mean it.

Generally we would suggest only travelling in daylight - especially out in the countryside.  Firstly the roads (aside from motorways) will not be lit.  Secondly you can't see what is running out in front of you until the last second, and many animals are more active at night.  In addition you might find fuel stops closed, and if you have any mechanical issues there will be less help around.  And talking of fuel stops, we would always suggest refuelling before you get down to a quarter of a tank.

When you do refuel most places will be served pumps. The attendant will ask what you want (e.g. a full tank of unleaded), set the pump going and then clean the windscreen. If it's quiet you might have two or three attendants. Generally you would then tip a little and might find that the fuel charge is just under a round number. Most South Africans would say 5 Rand is a suitable amount. Personally I normally give 20 if they've cleaned front and back but it's up to you.

As to what sort of car to use, that's up to you after considering your budget and needs.  We've always found the smaller cars perfectly fine, even on gravel.

When it comes to hire cars the big name companies should present you with a safe car in good working order. We prefer the bigger companies in case something happens on the road - they are much more likely to have a branch in a number of large towns with spare vehicles, for example. And generally just be sensible - know where the spare is, make sure your phone is charged, pack a torch and plenty of water, and food for a longer trip, make sure you have enough fuel as the next stop might be some distance. We have always found driving in South Africa very easy going on very good roads. When we have gone onto gravel or shale they have been very hard packed and whilst they throw up dust they have been find for driving on too. You might need a map or sat nav for a larger town or a city, but on the open road there aren't that many decisions to be made as the terrain often dictates the route.