South Africa: Traveling

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

Transport system is comparatively better in major centers but can be unreliable in smaller towns. Hiring a car is advisable to avoid difficulty traveling in those areas. On a general note public system in the country is unreliable and inefficient.

Road signs are in English and Afrikaans. Metros are extensive though low on comfort quotient. Foreigners need to be extra cautious while traveling; do not carry expensive articles and jewellery.

Taxis are generally available in all towns and are relatively more expensive. Taxis do not cruise in South Africa and need to be called from a rank.

Maps of Urban Networks

Mapblast
Maporama
UT Library online
South African Rail Commuter Corporation
Map of Western Cape Rail Network
Map of South African provinces

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Cape Town (CPT)	22km / 15.5 miles	ZAR 200 / 20-40 min	-	-	Available
Durban Intl (DUR) 18km / 11.2 miles south	18km / 11.2 miles south of Durban	ZAR 100 / 20-25 min	-	-	Available
Johannesburg Intl (JNB)	21 km / 13 miles	ZAR 273-363 / 30 min	ZAR 109 / 45 min	-	Available
Pretoria - Wonderboom National Airport (PRY)	11 km/7 miles N of Pretoria city centre and 64 km/40 miles NNE of Johannesburg.	ZAR 200	Available to Pretoria: StarLine Bus #162	-	Available
Lanseria Intl (HLA)	30 km/19 Miles NNW of Johannesburg, 35 km/22 miles SW of Pretoria.	Available	-	-	Available
Port Elizabeth (PLZ)	5 km / 3 miles	ZAR 91	shuttle service available	-	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

Buses and suburban rails operate in all the main towns of South Africa. Fares are not expensive.
In some cities conventional buses face stiff competition from minibuses and combi-taxis (both legal and illegal). Although cheap and very fast, these should be used with care.

Rail Companies

Railroad association of South Africa
Spoornet- South Africa Rail

Airlines

You Can Consult the List of Airlines Banned Within the EU. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling By Yourself

Recommendation

The road infrastructure in South Africa is good, so driving is a viable option. However, South Africa is a huge country and in case you not used to driving long distances, rather break the journey, as fatigue is a major contributing factor in motor vehicle 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. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory. Using hand-held phones while driving is against the law. Visit : Self Drive –Southern Africa

Road Maps

Maps of South Africa
Brabys Road Maps

Find an Itinerary

Via Michelin
Routes Travel Info Portal

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

The country’s rich culture and its colonial past is being reflected by its historical places. Some of them are Robben Island, Cradle of Humankind, Apartheid Museum, Voortrekker Monument, Bo- Kaap, Castle of Good Hope.

Cultural

Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

Robben Island

Nature

Cape Floral Region Protected Areas

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park

Vredefort Dome

uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park

Religious

Cathedral of St George's in Cape Town – one of the most popular places Roman Catholic cathedral at Pella Mission station in Cape Town – an incredible sight.

Kimberley’s St Cyprians Anglican Cathedral – said to have the longest nave in the country.

Johannesburg’s oldest monument to Islam is the Jummah Mosque. However, one of the most significant mosques in the city is the Hamidia Masjid (found in Newtown).

In Durban the Juma Masjid (mosque) is a bold testament to Islam.

For information on Hinduism in South Africa, visit: Hinduism.co.za

For information on Islam in South Africa, visit: Jamiat.co.za

Thermal

Bela Bela is the destination for hot springs. Natural hot water springs also found near the town of Citrusdal in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Visit: The Baths.

Beach

South Africa has numerous beautiful beaches. Visit:Drakensberg

The country is a paradise for sea lovers. Visit: Tourism Office.

Winter Sports

Winter sports are not common in south Africa. Drakensberg in the eastern cape offers skiing options.

Outdoor Activities

Whale watching, shark-cage diving, reef diving, surfing, Bungee jump, fishing, hand gliding.

Visit: Adventure Activities in South Africa

Shopping

South Africa is renowned for its exceptional quality of gemstones and hand crafted precious metal jewellery. The country offers unique shopping experience of high end boutiques and shopping malls along with vendors selling local crafts. Visit:

African Craft Market

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Red Shed Craft Workshop

Canal Walk

Tourism Organizations

South African Tourism Board
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)
Lescha Tours
Tourism Organization

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from an infected area. There are no other obligatory vaccinations.

- Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the low altitude areas of the country. Risk is highest from October to May.

- Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant or slow-moving water as there is a low risk of contracting bilharzia.

- Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are recommended.

International Hospitals

Hospital Association of South Africa

Cohsasa

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

Department of Health
World Health Organization about South Africa
Health Information for South Africa

For Further Information on Safety Conditions

Travel Report South Africa
U.S. Department of State

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Pretoria (GMT+2)

Summer Time Period

None