Everything you need to know about driving in South Africa

South Africa

Ready to start your South African adventure? This country of breathtaking landscapes and rich diversity is best explored by car. Whether you're planning a road trip along the spectacular coastline, venturing into national parks, or immersing yourself in cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg, driving in South Africa is an exciting experience.

It’s essential to adapt to driving on the left, understand local road rules, and know how to navigate toll roads. In this guide, we provide tips for driving in South Africa, from planning your journeys to managing tolls—so you can enjoy a stress-free adventure!

Hiring a car in South Africa: Is it a good idea?

Hiring a car in South Africa is an excellent choice for a truly immersive travel experience. The country is packed with breathtaking sights waiting to be explored, from safaris in Kruger National Park and the Garden Route to Johannesburg and Cape Town’s streets.

Beyond the freedom to set your own itinerary and stop wherever you like, hiring a car allows you to reach places that public transport simply doesn’t. You’ll make the most of your time in South Africa without relying on bus schedules or organised tours. To ensure your itinerary is well-organized, make the most of the Google Maps app, so it’s always accessible at your fingertips.

With CarJet, you can find the lowest price thanks to its intelligent search engine, which compares offers in real time across South Africa. Choosing CarJet for your rental means opting for a platform that truly understands and adapts to your unique needs. Offering a wide range of vehicles—from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury models—you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your travels.

The booking process is designed to be fast, easy, and completely transparent, ensuring there are no hidden fees. Moreover, CarJet provides exceptional flexibility with pick-up and drop-off options at various key locations, including major airports and cities like Port Elizabeth and East London. It’s convenience, affordability, and reliability rolled into one.

Tips for driving in South Africa

Here are the best tips for safe and hassle-free driving in South Africa, so you can enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind!

Driving license

Before hitting the road, ensure that you have the correct driving license to legally drive in South Africa. Visitors from the UK or other international locations should carry their full, valid driving licence. While South Africa recognises many foreign licences written in English, it’s a good idea to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a supplementary document, particularly if your licence is in a language other than English. Be prepared to show this documentation when collecting your rental car.

Driving on the left

South Africa follows the British system, meaning you’ll be driving on the left. This can be disorienting if you’re used to driving on the right, so extra caution is needed—especially at intersections and roundabouts.Another common challenge is that vehicle controls, such as indicators and windscreen wipers, may be reversed. This can cause confusion at first, but a little practice in a quiet area will help you adjust and drive confidently.

Types of roads in South Africa

South Africa has a well-maintained and diverse road network, suited to both urban and rural travel. Here’s what to expect:

• Motorways (National Roads – ‘N’): These highways, marked with an ‘N’ and a number, connect major cities and regions. They are usually in excellent condition, with multiple lanes and frequent service stations. Some are toll roads (more on this below).
• Main Roads (Provincial Roads – ‘R’): These secondary roads, marked with an ‘R’, connect medium-sized towns or serve as access routes to motorways. Some sections, particularly in rural or mountainous areas, may be narrower.
• District Roads (‘D’): Local roads, often unpaved, leading to remote areas. These may not always be in great condition as the roads mentioned before.

Speed limits in South Africa vary depending on the type of road. In urban areas, the maximum speed is 60 km/h (37 mph), while on rural roads, it increases to 100 km/h (62 mph). On motorways, the limit is 120 km/h (74 mph). Speed cameras and strict traffic enforcement are common, so it’s important to obey road signs, as limits may change depending on the area or road conditions.

In national parks, lower speed limits are in place to protect wildlife. On dirt roads, the maximum speed is 40 km/h (25 mph), while on paved roads, it is 50 km/h (31 mph). Sticking to these limits is essential for both visitor safety and animal conservation.

What about the toll system?

Toll roads are common in South Africa, particularly around major cities and key routes, helping to maintain and improve road infrastructure. Some of the most well-known toll roads include sections of the N1, which connects Cape Town to Johannesburg, as well as the N3 and N4 motorways. Highways near Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban also have tolls in place.

Toll fees vary depending on the distance travelled and the type of vehicle. Payments are typically made in cash, though some areas, especially around Johannesburg, use an electronic toll system known as e-tolls. If you plan to drive in these regions, getting an e-tag for automatic payments can make your journey smoother and more convenient.

Choose CarJet for a unique South African adventure

Exploring South Africa by car is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the beauty of this remarkable country. With the freedom to roam at your own pace, you can discover everything from sun-drenched coastlines to breathtaking national parks.

CarJet makes hiring a car effortless, giving you the freedom to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Its intuitive platform offers a wide selection of vehicles to suit every traveller’s needs, whether you’re after a budget-friendly option or a touch of luxury. Best of all, CarJet promises transparent pricing with no hidden charges and provides the flexibility of pick-up and drop-off at convenient locations.With CarJet, every detail of your journey is tailored for ease, so you can focus on creating memories in one of the world’s most diverse and stunning destinations.