Driving guide in South Africa

Content

Car rental
Road conditions and safety
Speed Limit
Toll roads

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South Africa is a popular holiday destination for those seeking the outdoors as well as the comforts of modern cities. When you visit the country, you might want to spend some time in Table Mountain National Park, which includes the Cape of Good Hope and offers some truly amazing views. Some of the other areas you might want to explore include the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the Robberg Nature Reserve, the Kruger National Park, Boulders Beach, and the Franschhoek Automobile Museum.

Car rental

In South Africa, if you have a driver's license with your photo and signature, you will be able to drive. However, rental agencies will also require you to have an International Driving Permit before they will hand over the car to you. The minimum driving age in South Africa is 18 years old. Some rental agencies may require you to be over 18 in order to rent a car. When renting a car, be sure to obtain a phone number and emergency contact information from the rental agency.

Road conditions and safety

South Africa has a high quality infrastructure and road network. Most of the roads are in good condition, with no potholes or other problems, so driving on the main roads and many secondary roads is a pleasure. Of course, there are also rural areas and dirt roads where the road conditions are not so good. If you are planning to travel outside the settlements, you can rent a four-wheel drive car.

When you drive in South Africa, remember that traffic here is on the left hand side and distances are in kilometres. When you are in a car, you must wear a seat belt. You can only use your mobile phone while driving if it is a hands-free system.

When you come to a four-way stop, the first car that was at the intersection has right-of-way, followed by a second, a third, and then a fourth. Never stop to feed the animals you may see along the road while traveling through the countryside. It's dangerous and it's illegal. It is recommended to drive with open windows and locked doors, especially in cities and at traffic lights. Try to avoid overnight trips.

Speed Limit

When driving in South Africa, it is important to respect the posted speed limit. Different types of roads will have different speed limits.

Highways, highways, main highways - 120 km/h.
Rural roads - 100 km/h
Population - 60 km/h

Toll roads

There are many different toll roads in South Africa. Below are some of the ones you may encounter along with their current rand value. Please be aware that toll rates are subject to change and you should always check the latest information before traveling.