Driving in South Africa?
We are thinking on going on honeymoon to South Africa and a more economical option seems to be going on a fly drive where you drive yourself from one hotel to another and go on safaris etc on the way.is it safe to drive in South Africa any tips?? thanks
Answers:
I HAVE DRIVEN FROM CAPE TOWN TO ROBERTS IN THE WINE REGION DOWN TO THE MOST SOUTHERN POINT BACK ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE TO KYSNA THEN ONTO PORT ELIZABETH.
THE SECOND TIME I DROVE FROM JO BERG TO CHARLTON THOUGHT LESOTHO DOWN THE SIAN PASS ON TO DURBAN UP TO SWAZILAND. THEN ONTO HAZYVIEW AND THE KRUGER
FINISHING UP IN PRETORIA GO THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT
THE ONLY PLACE IN TWO MONTHS OF DRIVING THAT HAD A PROBLEM WAS SUBAWANNA BAY WHICH IS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
IF YOU STICK TO THE MAIN ROADS (SOME ARE GRAVEL) AND DRIVE MAINLY IN DAYLIGHT USING COMMON SENSE
THERE IS NO PROBLEM
ITS A GREAT COUNTRY WITH SPECTACULAR SCENERY , FANTASTIC HELPFUL PEOPLE. THOSE WHO SAY ITS DANGEROUS ARE THOSE THAT ONLY HOLIDAY N SPAIN
LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE, YOU MINIMISE THE RISKS OF THE ADVENTURE
You should be fine as long as you take a shotgun.
I did and had no probs.
South Africa is now one of the most dangerous places on earth! enjoy your honeymoon.
It isn't safe ion South Africa. Don't go.
i live in south africa - it depends on where you are driving. some areas are safe and others are not - if you do choose to drive - you should ensure that the route you are taking is safe. and preferably drive during the day.
South Africa is not that dangerous. I've taken my honeymoon there as well. If you stick to the tourist places you should not have any problems crime wise. don't stop at stop signs at night.. do a rolling stop because of crime. Also if you are driving around be careful of manholes. for some odd reason people like to steal them and sell them for scrap metal. I pretty much drove to the west and east coast stuck to the main roads and didn't have any problems.
Make sure you know where you are going, know your surroundings and don't get lost. Have Fun!!!!
Don't paint the whole country with the same brush!
It depends where you are. My family runs a B&B in SA, along the Kwazulu Natal South Coast, and we get many foreign (German and British Guests) who tell us how surprised they where that SA isnt the war zone that others make it out to be.
It depends where you are, and at what time.
I wont deny that Johannesburgh is a snakepit of crime (but crime can be assoiciated with most big cities in the world)
Follow these rules and you wont have problems:
-Stick to main roads and highways (like the N1) and avoid taking a shortcut on a rural road.
-Stop at one of the many "Ultra Cities" and "One Stops", when you want to make a pit stop. These one stops, have police cctv, you can buy snacks at the shop, eat in the restuarant, use the rest rooms, and refuel you're car.
-When driving at night, stopping at traffic lights are not compulsory, and you can simply slow down, and cross if it's safe.
-Drive with windows up and doors locked in urban areas.
Remember, you will be on the highway most of the way, and criminals will hardly run into the middle of the highway to risk robbing you.
So just be sensible, and enjoy you're holiday.
We, a family group of two daughters plus husbands and my wife and I, spent three weeks in January in South Africa(in three cars) without any problems. However, lots of the other responses urging caution are valid but no one has pointed out what can/could be a problem, namely the excess on your hire car insurance and the penalties you can be exposed to if you have an accident. There are some real horror stories on Tripadvisor about this and before we left, I arranged extra cover(quite cheaply) with a UK insurance firm on the net, who cover the difference in the basic cover.
you people that are saying that south africa is sooo dangerous..SHUT UP!!
and those who are saying that south afircan roads are bad.SHUT UP!!!
i want to tell yol that south africa is one of few countries that to actually has good roads that you wont damage your car!!
south africa is a wonderful place to visit and would be a beautiful place to have a honeymoon.
it will be cheaper for you to drive yourself...just realise that the drivers wheel is on the right and you drive on the left side of the road..it can be a bit confusing if everything is different than what you are use to!!
i am a proud south african that has lived in south africa for all my life!!
let met tell you one thing!! From a south afriacn whe got the best driving in the world if you gonna stress it's gonna be for nothing, but try Dubai that's a stress full place to drive.Believe me, South Africa got the best traffic offesers in the world...
I live in South Africa and drive around all the time! Driving is the only means of transport that i have. Its great, safe and i have no problems!!
For a tourist though, i would recommend that you drive during the day and make sure you know where you are going. You'll be fine! Have a great honeymoon!
Make sure you have a map, a working cell phone and a dependable car. Then you should be OK. If you do become a crime statistic just give them everything and you may survive. Don't take weapons because criminals usually have more/bigger guns that you can obtain legally and showing any kind of resistance makes them angry and brings their repressed racist tendencies crashing down on you like a ton of bricks.
South Africa is very economical for international guests. The wildlife and game lodges/resorts/hotels are exceptional. World class. Yes it is safe to drive in South Africa. What I always tell international guests is that you must remember that not all of the people in South Africa are friendly and you must keep your wits about you. However it is a very romanticdestination for honeymooners. the beaches, the winelands, the drakensburg, game drives.
Note to others answering this question: People please refrain from running South Africa down. If you do not live in this country then you honeslty do not know what it is like to live here. Let people make their own decisions.
SA is fine...I drive here every day and have never had any problems....just be careful, dont pick up hithhikers, dont take strangers in car to give directions, try and drive in the day..enjoy it....it is a great country
It is perfectly safe, I have lived in Cape Town for 20 years and have been on many driving holidays. Make sure your car is reliable however, you don't want to go breaking down at night anywhere in the world. Also have a mobile/cell phone for emergencies. You must be aware that where there are single lane highways, people move over into the hard shoulder over the yellow line to let you go past and you must do the same for them. You should flash your lights and thank them or wave your hand. The roads are excellent in most places especially the main routes, I thought they were worse in Australia. You should drive down the Garden Route to Cape Town and while in Cape Town visit the wine areas which are beautiful. You wll have a great time I promise. Look up Cape Town tourism sites, there are many. The fly/drive option will be your best bet.
South Africa may have some violence in it but it is only in certain areas. I drove by myself from Cape Town to Welkom (Orange Free State). I was fine. As always where ever you go in he world if you dont know the area plan your route the night before. SA is very touristy and there are plenty places full of friendly helpful people. Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Durban to Johannesburg via Kruger Park. I would avoid the Transkei, I believe the roads are not in good repair and you do get the odd herd of goats round the corner so to avoid a long tedious drive up towards Bloemfontein then down to Durban.
If you are in doubt go to a travel agent and ask them if they have any feed back from previous clients of theirs.
Proudly South African
Hi there, I live in South Africa, and it is safe to go there! I have lived here for 19years, and I have never had any problems of any kind!! You will be fine!! Just don't make it too obvious that you are tourists!
It all depends on where you are going. I met up with friends in Cape Town who were driving around and had no problems. The best advice is to be careful - don't drive after dark, stay in hotels where there is a locked car park at night and if you see anyone flagging you down at the side of the road - don't stop!
Keep left.Speed when everyone is speeding.Open your windows just 1 inch.Don't drive a Volkswagen it easy to drain it's petrol.If you can get a diesel car it's better.Don't drive in rural areas.Don't pull of at road.If you see someone laying in the street try not hitting them but don't stop or slow down just call the police.4 wheel drive better.Pass on right not left.
My friend from Europe was here about 2 weeks back and in his words : "you have better roads than we do..and it is so clean!" We have a few major highways that is tolled in some stretches, i.e. you pay for using a piece of road. Then there is the ordinary roads that is in good condition and then the roads that towns have to upkeep - but some of these roads do have potholes and generaly you are well warned of it. The gravel roads you will only find in farming communities and rural areas - if you don't need to use it , don't because generaly you need a 4x4 or off road vehicle to drive these. Drivers are sometimes a bit crazy in their driving but that you will find almost anywhere in the world. Have a good following distance from the car in front and just look out for the taxi's because they can be unpredictable. And you won't get AIDS by speaking or touching someone with the disease - so please ignore the other remark about bringing garlic, etc.Crime : yes NONE of the SA people here will ever deny that for us it is a problem. We don't like the situation, and none of us condone it or hide away from it. But if you are street smart you will not have a problem. We are a developing country with a lot of poverty and lack of education and too soft policy on illegals..but that's another story. Please come and form your own opinion and don't listen to the negative ones on here. You will love the country for its beauty and it's diversity.and food!
South Africa is safe, yes there are crimes and hijackings etc..
Just drive during the day, never at night, know where you are going. When you arrive to South Africa go to the AA, they have all the maps and will tell you where to go and where you shouldn't.
I drive long distances in South Africa every 2 weeks (For business and pleasure).
Just know where you are going and what road to take. (This is very important).
Enjoy your stay in South Africa.
Let me tell you, I live in South AFrica, and it is a GREAT COUNTRY. I would recommend it definately. The people telling you that it is not safe, either haven't been here and only heard a bunch of nonsence or sadly was a victom of crime.
Keep in mind, every country has its crimes. If you go into places where there is a high crime rate (for instance the townships, where there are very poor people and steal to make a living) then ofcourse you will get robbed.
Otherwise, if you stay on the main roads (seen as you're tourists), then you will be fine.
Come and enjoy our country. In South Africa you'll experience safaris, a romantic place, you can go to the beach as well as the bushveld(where the safaris is). , experience lots of different cultures, as well as history. South AFrica offers you lots of different interesting things to do!
Don't let anybody tell you one can not surfive in South Africa, how can I then make a living here for 25 years.
Good luck and congratulations on the big day!
You will be safe as can be when driving yourself from one hotel to another and going on safaris. Just make sure you know where you are going and the rules of the road here in SA. I drive everyday of my life and i have no problems. Keep calm, relax, be safe and enjoy!
Record tourist numbers for SA 2006-09-27 .
A record 2.7 million tourists visited SA between January and April, says Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk. Johannesburg - A record 2.7 million tourists visited South Africa between January and April, reflecting a 16% increase over the first quarter of last year, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Wednesday.
"With just over 2.7 million arrivals from January to April, this is the first time we have broken through the 2.5 million mark in the first four months of the year," he said.
"This figure compares very favourably with our first quarter arrivals of 1998, which stood at just over 1.8 million. We have seen a 16% increase in arrivals across all territories compared to the same period last year."
"The largest component of this growth comes from the Africa and the Middle East region, which was 21.9% higher confirming the importance of this sector to our continued success," he said.
"The region showing the second largest growth at 7.1% was Asia and Australasia."
Earlier the minister had said that South Africa aimed to become one of the world's top 10 business conference destinations by 2010, the year it hosts the Football World Cup.
"This year, the global conference and meetings sector is forecast to comprise 10% of the estimated $672bn being generated from travel and tourism activity," he had said recently.
Van Schalkwyk said South Africa was currently rated the world's 32nd leading conference destination by the International Congress and Convention Association and "we have declared our intention of breaking into the top 10 by 2010."
South Africa currently attracts 63% of all conferences held in Africa, helping support 12 000 jobs and contributing R2.6bn annually to gross domestic product, according to the minister.
News24/AFP
south africa is like any other country in the world : you have to be aware and careful 'cos there's crime everywhere!
of course i have been to south Africa twice before and stayed in the last time i went but the first time i went i toured SA with my family going to a safari lodge on the way.
there are beggars on the side of the road so i can understand why you would be worried but if you keep your doors locked you will be fine.
its mostly also in built up areas such as joburg.
We have travelled to South Africa on several occasions. We normally hire a car at Johannesburg travel to Kruger National Park and then take the Garden Route to Cape Town, the drives are awesome and we found it very safe, but it is advisable to hire a car with air conditioning, just to be on the safe side, so you can travel with your windows up and doors locked. Hope you have a great visit, and plan your route, and find out about any roadworks or problems prior to your viist.
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Answers:
I HAVE DRIVEN FROM CAPE TOWN TO ROBERTS IN THE WINE REGION DOWN TO THE MOST SOUTHERN POINT BACK ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE TO KYSNA THEN ONTO PORT ELIZABETH.
THE SECOND TIME I DROVE FROM JO BERG TO CHARLTON THOUGHT LESOTHO DOWN THE SIAN PASS ON TO DURBAN UP TO SWAZILAND. THEN ONTO HAZYVIEW AND THE KRUGER
FINISHING UP IN PRETORIA GO THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT
THE ONLY PLACE IN TWO MONTHS OF DRIVING THAT HAD A PROBLEM WAS SUBAWANNA BAY WHICH IS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
IF YOU STICK TO THE MAIN ROADS (SOME ARE GRAVEL) AND DRIVE MAINLY IN DAYLIGHT USING COMMON SENSE
THERE IS NO PROBLEM
ITS A GREAT COUNTRY WITH SPECTACULAR SCENERY , FANTASTIC HELPFUL PEOPLE. THOSE WHO SAY ITS DANGEROUS ARE THOSE THAT ONLY HOLIDAY N SPAIN
LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE, YOU MINIMISE THE RISKS OF THE ADVENTURE
You should be fine as long as you take a shotgun.
I did and had no probs.
South Africa is now one of the most dangerous places on earth! enjoy your honeymoon.
It isn't safe ion South Africa. Don't go.
i live in south africa - it depends on where you are driving. some areas are safe and others are not - if you do choose to drive - you should ensure that the route you are taking is safe. and preferably drive during the day.
South Africa is not that dangerous. I've taken my honeymoon there as well. If you stick to the tourist places you should not have any problems crime wise. don't stop at stop signs at night.. do a rolling stop because of crime. Also if you are driving around be careful of manholes. for some odd reason people like to steal them and sell them for scrap metal. I pretty much drove to the west and east coast stuck to the main roads and didn't have any problems.
Make sure you know where you are going, know your surroundings and don't get lost. Have Fun!!!!
Don't paint the whole country with the same brush!
It depends where you are. My family runs a B&B in SA, along the Kwazulu Natal South Coast, and we get many foreign (German and British Guests) who tell us how surprised they where that SA isnt the war zone that others make it out to be.
It depends where you are, and at what time.
I wont deny that Johannesburgh is a snakepit of crime (but crime can be assoiciated with most big cities in the world)
Follow these rules and you wont have problems:
-Stick to main roads and highways (like the N1) and avoid taking a shortcut on a rural road.
-Stop at one of the many "Ultra Cities" and "One Stops", when you want to make a pit stop. These one stops, have police cctv, you can buy snacks at the shop, eat in the restuarant, use the rest rooms, and refuel you're car.
-When driving at night, stopping at traffic lights are not compulsory, and you can simply slow down, and cross if it's safe.
-Drive with windows up and doors locked in urban areas.
Remember, you will be on the highway most of the way, and criminals will hardly run into the middle of the highway to risk robbing you.
So just be sensible, and enjoy you're holiday.
We, a family group of two daughters plus husbands and my wife and I, spent three weeks in January in South Africa(in three cars) without any problems. However, lots of the other responses urging caution are valid but no one has pointed out what can/could be a problem, namely the excess on your hire car insurance and the penalties you can be exposed to if you have an accident. There are some real horror stories on Tripadvisor about this and before we left, I arranged extra cover(quite cheaply) with a UK insurance firm on the net, who cover the difference in the basic cover.
you people that are saying that south africa is sooo dangerous..SHUT UP!!
and those who are saying that south afircan roads are bad.SHUT UP!!!
i want to tell yol that south africa is one of few countries that to actually has good roads that you wont damage your car!!
south africa is a wonderful place to visit and would be a beautiful place to have a honeymoon.
it will be cheaper for you to drive yourself...just realise that the drivers wheel is on the right and you drive on the left side of the road..it can be a bit confusing if everything is different than what you are use to!!
i am a proud south african that has lived in south africa for all my life!!
let met tell you one thing!! From a south afriacn whe got the best driving in the world if you gonna stress it's gonna be for nothing, but try Dubai that's a stress full place to drive.Believe me, South Africa got the best traffic offesers in the world...
I live in South Africa and drive around all the time! Driving is the only means of transport that i have. Its great, safe and i have no problems!!
For a tourist though, i would recommend that you drive during the day and make sure you know where you are going. You'll be fine! Have a great honeymoon!
Make sure you have a map, a working cell phone and a dependable car. Then you should be OK. If you do become a crime statistic just give them everything and you may survive. Don't take weapons because criminals usually have more/bigger guns that you can obtain legally and showing any kind of resistance makes them angry and brings their repressed racist tendencies crashing down on you like a ton of bricks.
South Africa is very economical for international guests. The wildlife and game lodges/resorts/hotels are exceptional. World class. Yes it is safe to drive in South Africa. What I always tell international guests is that you must remember that not all of the people in South Africa are friendly and you must keep your wits about you. However it is a very romanticdestination for honeymooners. the beaches, the winelands, the drakensburg, game drives.
Note to others answering this question: People please refrain from running South Africa down. If you do not live in this country then you honeslty do not know what it is like to live here. Let people make their own decisions.
SA is fine...I drive here every day and have never had any problems....just be careful, dont pick up hithhikers, dont take strangers in car to give directions, try and drive in the day..enjoy it....it is a great country
It is perfectly safe, I have lived in Cape Town for 20 years and have been on many driving holidays. Make sure your car is reliable however, you don't want to go breaking down at night anywhere in the world. Also have a mobile/cell phone for emergencies. You must be aware that where there are single lane highways, people move over into the hard shoulder over the yellow line to let you go past and you must do the same for them. You should flash your lights and thank them or wave your hand. The roads are excellent in most places especially the main routes, I thought they were worse in Australia. You should drive down the Garden Route to Cape Town and while in Cape Town visit the wine areas which are beautiful. You wll have a great time I promise. Look up Cape Town tourism sites, there are many. The fly/drive option will be your best bet.
South Africa may have some violence in it but it is only in certain areas. I drove by myself from Cape Town to Welkom (Orange Free State). I was fine. As always where ever you go in he world if you dont know the area plan your route the night before. SA is very touristy and there are plenty places full of friendly helpful people. Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Durban to Johannesburg via Kruger Park. I would avoid the Transkei, I believe the roads are not in good repair and you do get the odd herd of goats round the corner so to avoid a long tedious drive up towards Bloemfontein then down to Durban.
If you are in doubt go to a travel agent and ask them if they have any feed back from previous clients of theirs.
Proudly South African
Hi there, I live in South Africa, and it is safe to go there! I have lived here for 19years, and I have never had any problems of any kind!! You will be fine!! Just don't make it too obvious that you are tourists!
It all depends on where you are going. I met up with friends in Cape Town who were driving around and had no problems. The best advice is to be careful - don't drive after dark, stay in hotels where there is a locked car park at night and if you see anyone flagging you down at the side of the road - don't stop!
Keep left.Speed when everyone is speeding.Open your windows just 1 inch.Don't drive a Volkswagen it easy to drain it's petrol.If you can get a diesel car it's better.Don't drive in rural areas.Don't pull of at road.If you see someone laying in the street try not hitting them but don't stop or slow down just call the police.4 wheel drive better.Pass on right not left.
My friend from Europe was here about 2 weeks back and in his words : "you have better roads than we do..and it is so clean!" We have a few major highways that is tolled in some stretches, i.e. you pay for using a piece of road. Then there is the ordinary roads that is in good condition and then the roads that towns have to upkeep - but some of these roads do have potholes and generaly you are well warned of it. The gravel roads you will only find in farming communities and rural areas - if you don't need to use it , don't because generaly you need a 4x4 or off road vehicle to drive these. Drivers are sometimes a bit crazy in their driving but that you will find almost anywhere in the world. Have a good following distance from the car in front and just look out for the taxi's because they can be unpredictable. And you won't get AIDS by speaking or touching someone with the disease - so please ignore the other remark about bringing garlic, etc.Crime : yes NONE of the SA people here will ever deny that for us it is a problem. We don't like the situation, and none of us condone it or hide away from it. But if you are street smart you will not have a problem. We are a developing country with a lot of poverty and lack of education and too soft policy on illegals..but that's another story. Please come and form your own opinion and don't listen to the negative ones on here. You will love the country for its beauty and it's diversity.and food!
South Africa is safe, yes there are crimes and hijackings etc..
Just drive during the day, never at night, know where you are going. When you arrive to South Africa go to the AA, they have all the maps and will tell you where to go and where you shouldn't.
I drive long distances in South Africa every 2 weeks (For business and pleasure).
Just know where you are going and what road to take. (This is very important).
Enjoy your stay in South Africa.
Let me tell you, I live in South AFrica, and it is a GREAT COUNTRY. I would recommend it definately. The people telling you that it is not safe, either haven't been here and only heard a bunch of nonsence or sadly was a victom of crime.
Keep in mind, every country has its crimes. If you go into places where there is a high crime rate (for instance the townships, where there are very poor people and steal to make a living) then ofcourse you will get robbed.
Otherwise, if you stay on the main roads (seen as you're tourists), then you will be fine.
Come and enjoy our country. In South Africa you'll experience safaris, a romantic place, you can go to the beach as well as the bushveld(where the safaris is). , experience lots of different cultures, as well as history. South AFrica offers you lots of different interesting things to do!
Don't let anybody tell you one can not surfive in South Africa, how can I then make a living here for 25 years.
Good luck and congratulations on the big day!
You will be safe as can be when driving yourself from one hotel to another and going on safaris. Just make sure you know where you are going and the rules of the road here in SA. I drive everyday of my life and i have no problems. Keep calm, relax, be safe and enjoy!
Record tourist numbers for SA 2006-09-27 .
A record 2.7 million tourists visited SA between January and April, says Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk. Johannesburg - A record 2.7 million tourists visited South Africa between January and April, reflecting a 16% increase over the first quarter of last year, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Wednesday.
"With just over 2.7 million arrivals from January to April, this is the first time we have broken through the 2.5 million mark in the first four months of the year," he said.
"This figure compares very favourably with our first quarter arrivals of 1998, which stood at just over 1.8 million. We have seen a 16% increase in arrivals across all territories compared to the same period last year."
"The largest component of this growth comes from the Africa and the Middle East region, which was 21.9% higher confirming the importance of this sector to our continued success," he said.
"The region showing the second largest growth at 7.1% was Asia and Australasia."
Earlier the minister had said that South Africa aimed to become one of the world's top 10 business conference destinations by 2010, the year it hosts the Football World Cup.
"This year, the global conference and meetings sector is forecast to comprise 10% of the estimated $672bn being generated from travel and tourism activity," he had said recently.
Van Schalkwyk said South Africa was currently rated the world's 32nd leading conference destination by the International Congress and Convention Association and "we have declared our intention of breaking into the top 10 by 2010."
South Africa currently attracts 63% of all conferences held in Africa, helping support 12 000 jobs and contributing R2.6bn annually to gross domestic product, according to the minister.
News24/AFP
south africa is like any other country in the world : you have to be aware and careful 'cos there's crime everywhere!
of course i have been to south Africa twice before and stayed in the last time i went but the first time i went i toured SA with my family going to a safari lodge on the way.
there are beggars on the side of the road so i can understand why you would be worried but if you keep your doors locked you will be fine.
its mostly also in built up areas such as joburg.
We have travelled to South Africa on several occasions. We normally hire a car at Johannesburg travel to Kruger National Park and then take the Garden Route to Cape Town, the drives are awesome and we found it very safe, but it is advisable to hire a car with air conditioning, just to be on the safe side, so you can travel with your windows up and doors locked. Hope you have a great visit, and plan your route, and find out about any roadworks or problems prior to your viist.
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