Getting There By Road
South Africa has by far the best-maintained and most extensive network of road transport infrastructure in Africa. National roads (designated by an ‘N’) link all of South Africa’s major cities to Johannesburg, while major routes (designated by an ‘R’) connect Johannesburg to most other areas. The generally high standard of roads means that almost anywhere in South Africa is accessible, without the need for a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The minimum age for driving is 18 years. All those without a South African licence must carry an International Driving Permit. Third party insurance is included in the price of the fuel (Note that this is third party personal liability insurance and not ‘Balance of third party’ which covers damage to other vehicle(s)).
By law, both driver and passenger(s) must wear their seatbelts (if fitted) or face an on-the-spot fine of R200. It is now also obligatory that all vehicles carry two red triangular warning chevrons to be placed 20m in front of and behind the vehicle in case of breakdown or accident. Random breath tests can be imposed and the penalties for drink driving are severe – the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.08%. Driving through a red light costs R500. Driving is on the left, with the general speed limit being 60kph (37mph) in ‘built-up’ (suburban and city) areas and 100kph (62mph) on the ‘open road’ (rural areas). The speed limit on most national roads is 120kph (75mph) unless otherwise indicated and it is illegal to stop (other than for emergencies) on or adjacent to these roads. Speeding fines vary (camera traps are very common) but are generally around R10 per kilometre over the limit. All national roads are tolled but most have an alternative route, signposted ‘A’, which is not tolled (some signs have been removed, so plan your route carefully beforehand). These roads are usually slower, have fewer service, fuel and rescue facilities but are often far more scenic and interesting. There are 24-hour service stations (called ‘garages’ in South Africa) with convenience stores at regular intervals along all major routes, however, it should be noted that credit cards cannot be used for fuel purchases. Toll fees on the tolled routes between Johannesburg and Cape Town are R100, to Durban R95, to Messina (Zimbabwe border) R75 and to Komatipoort (Mozambique border) R88.50.
The Automobile Association of South Africa – AA (tel: (011) 799 1000; fax: (011) 799 1010; website: www.aasa.co.za) provides excellent maps, invaluable roadside medical rescue, technical assistance and advice (car hire, insurance, road conditions and recommended routes). The AA can also provide further information on driving in South Africa.
Emergency breakdown and medical emergency service:
AA (080) 001 0101, toll free
Routes to the city: The north-south road artery of South Africa, the N1, links Johannesburg to Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pietersburg, Louis Trichard, Messina and Zimbabwe, while the N3 provides access to Harrismith, Pietermaritzberg, Durban and the route toward Sun City (R512), and the N2 links coastal towns between Durban and Cape Town. The N4 Trans-Kalahari Highway runs west to Zeerust and on through Botswana and Namibia to the Atlantic Ocean, while the N4 Maputo Corridor runs east to Witbank, Middleberg and Nelspruit, on to Maputo in Mozambique, on the Indian Ocean. The Kruger National Park can be reached by taking the R40 off the N4, which then connects to the R536 toward Skukuza and the Paul Kruger Gate.
Driving times to Johannesburg: From Sun City – 2 hours 45 minutes; Kruger Park (Skukuza) – 5 hours 30 minutes; Durban – 6 hours 15 minutes; Cape Town – 14 hours 30 minutes.
Coach services: Coaches to South Africa’s main towns and cities, as well as to neighbouring countries, depart from the coach terminus at Park City (see the Rail section). Greyhound (tel: (011) 830 1301; website: www.greyhound.co.za) and Translux (tel: (011) 774 3333; website: www.translux.co.za) are the service providers and have ticket offices there.
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Getting There By Road