How To Plan A Drive Yourself Holiday In South Africa

How To Plan A Drive Yourself Holiday In South Africa

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A self drive holiday is always more relaxed with more freedom to do your own thing at your own time. Especially in South Africa where there so many absolute picturesque little towns and the most beautiful coastal roads that will be missed on bus and plane travel.

Driving is done on the left in South Africa. The maximum speed limit is 120km/h. Most major roads are in a good condition. Highways with at least two lanes going both sides connect many cities and towns.

There are a number of tollgates on these highways that cost about R150 ($15) from Johannesburg to Durban and roughly R110 ($11) from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Roads that are serviced by tollgates are normally in a very good condition with regular One Stops.

A One Stop is a facility next to the highway where you can fill up your car, have something to eat and visit the rest rooms.

There is no requirement to take the toll roads with free roads being available that will get you to the same destinations. These will also pass through some smaller towns and give you a chance to see something different. In general the roads won't be in as good a condition.

There are few things you have to be aware of while driving on South Africans roads.

When it comes to road rules South African citizens are not very law abiding. People drive either too fast or too slow. Pedestrians cross highways in a dangerous way or at night when they are not visible. Old dilapidated cars drive around with no lights or one very weak headlight barely visible after dark. Road rage is sometimes a problem but mainly during peak traffic on the city roads.

The taxi industry (mini bus or van taxis) makes this worse as they are forever hurrying from one pick up point to another. They have the tendency to switch on their hazard lights (sometimes they don't) and suddenly stop in the middle of the road to off load or upload another passenger.

They also have a habit of changing lanes without giving any indication. It's always good to assume a taxi driver is going to be a poor driver and be prepared to react accordingly.

You should avoid night time driving if you can, especially on rural roads as the roads can be dangerous and animals that have wandered out of their paddocks are common.

Car jackings are also possible. If you think you are being followed, head straight to a police station rather than to your accommodation to shake off the other car.

It is always better to be aware of potential danger situations but most of these are the exception rather than the rule. Driving through South Africa is nine out of ten times a pleasurable experience.

About the Author:
Jared Wright runs the marketing for Clivir.com, a comunity site offering you free learning resources. Visit the links below to learn more about other digital product related issues such as digital products review and apple 3g iphone tips.



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