How To Plan A Drive Yourself Holiday In South Africa
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.Each toll road has an alternative road with no toll fees. Some people prefer the alternative roads to see more of the smaller towns and places you will miss when taking the highways. It will all depend on the time you have available to reach the next destination. These alternative roads aren't always as well maintained as the major roads and driving will be slower.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.Changing lanes without indicating is also a habit of them. The best is to expect a taxi to do something totally stupid and you will be fine.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 high jacking do occur as well. If you notice somebody following you, don't enter a residence or hotel gate but drive to nearest police station. Whoever is following you will back off and then you can return.You should always be aware of the potential dangers but they are the exception and not the rule. For the majority of people on a driving holiday in South Africa, the trip will be nothing but a good experience.
