Many first-time visitors to our country are amazed at the sophisticated infrastructure of the country’s major transport networks. Getting around is relatively easy whether it is by:
• Air
• Road
• Rail
AIR
South Africa has three major international airports and six national airports. Smaller and private airports handle regional, unscheduled and domestic flights.
Through the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), passenger-handling facilities are continually being upgraded, offering excellent facilities for any traveller.
O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA)
• Situated 24km east of the Johannesburg city centre.
• Regular shuttles run between the airport and the city centre and the northern suburbs of Johannesburg as well as Pretoria.
Cape Town International Airport (CIA)
• Situated 22km from Cape Town’s city centre.
• There are regular shuttles between airport and city and taxis are on standby at the airport.
Durban International Airport (DIA)
• Situated 14km from the centre of Durban.
• There are regular shuttles to the city and taxis are on standby at the airport.
National Airports
Apart from the three major international airports that all have domestic departure lounges, the other national airports in South Africa include:
• Bloemfontein
• East London
• George
• Kimberley
• Port Elizabeth
• Upington
See our map for airport locations.
ROAD
South Africa’s national road network covers more than 7 200km. The roads include 1 400km of dual carriageway freeway, 440km of single carriageway freeway and 5 300km of single-carriage main road with unlimited access.
South Africans are essentially dependent on the road network, as currently, there is no major underground subway system. However, generally, the road networks are excellent and South Africa’s highways continue to be upgraded and maintained.
Car hire
There are a number of reputable car hire companies offering a wide range of vehicles that vary according to the traveller’s needs. One can hire vehicles from the most basic (without air conditioning and radio) to the ultimate in luxury (a Mercedes-Benz with all the trimmings). Some car hire companies even rent out 4x4 vehicles for trips to the bush.
Companies with excellent international reputations operate in South Africa – so try out familiar car hire companies such as Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
Local Buses
One can catch a Metro public bus in the cities of South Africa. Our bus system is by no means as effective or comprehensive as the systems in Europe, but if you do your homework – you can use our public bus system to travel around locally at minimal cost.
Long Haul Buses
There are a number of excellent bus companies offering cost-effective deals for people to travel around the country. Look out for the Greyhound and Trans-Lux buses, amongst others. These luxury buses will transport you from one major city centre to another at a very reasonable cost.
There is an excellent backpacker’s bus option for those who fall into the rough-and-ready category. Known as the Baz Bus you can get from point A to B with a number of stopovers along the way – which makes for great flexibility.
Metered taxis
South Africa does not generally have metered taxis cruising the streets looking for customers as in cities like New York and London. These metered taxis generally need to be ‘ordered’ by telephone. Often the hotel you are staying at will organise a taxi through a reputable company. These taxis are dependable, but can be rather costly especially if you are covering large distances.
The AA (Automobile Associations) has recently launched a taxi service and is probably your best bet in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
RAIL
Trains are also a popular way of moving around South Africa. The standard long-haul passenger trains operated by the state-owned Spoornet, called Shosholoza Meyl, are inexpensive, clean and safe, but not particularly luxurious. There are three “classes” of travel: four-sleeper, six-sleeper and sitter class.
However, there are a number of opportunities for travellers who want a little more luxury, including Spoornet’s Premier Classe (from Pretoria via Johannesburg to Cape Town) and the two luxury trains that are the pride of the country – Rovos Rail and The Blue Train.
Safety & Security
When travelling, South Africa is like any other country in the world. You need to use your common sense and bear these basic rules in mind.
• Never leave luggage unattended;
• Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box;
• Keep the door of your hotel or B&B room or chalet locked at all times – no matter how peaceful or rural the region appears to be;
• Always avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables;
• Do not walk around carrying large sums of money at any time;
• At night, steer clear of dark and isolated areas. It is always better to stick to well-lit, busy streets;
• Find out about trouble spots at a destination – talk to the locals, B&B owners, and so on;
• Plan your self-drive routes beforehand;
• Always take a map with you in case you get lost;
• When driving, keep car doors locked and wind the windows up;
• Lock valuables in the boot of the car;
• Never give strangers a lift or pick up hitchhikers;
• If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone or visit the local police station for advice.
• Watch out for wild animals when driving in rural areas.
As long as you are aware of these safety tips you are guaranteed a laid-back and fun stay in sunny South Africa.
Links:
• Airports: For a list of all airports handled by Airports Company of South Africa, log onto www.acsa.co.za
• For local airline information, visit the following websites: www.flysaa.com; www.kulula.com; www.flynationwide.co.za; www.1time.aero/
• Road Travel: For information on South Africa’s road networks, maps and assistance regarding self-drive journeys, visit the Automobile Association of South Africa at: www.aasa.co.za
• For Car Rental: visit the following: www.europcar.co.za www.avis.co.za www.tempestcarhire.co.za or www.imperialcarrental.co.za
• For information on our national roads, visit: www.nra.co.za
• Bus travel: For information about bus travel in South Africa, visit; www.intercape.co.za www.greyhound.co.za or www.translux.co.za.
• Trains: For information on train services in South Africa, visit: www.rovos.co.za www.bluetrain.co.za or www.spoornet.co.za