Driving yourself allows you to take a more relaxed approach to the safari holiday. At national parks like Etosha in Nambia there are parking areas at water holes where you can sit in your hire car and quietly observe animals coming down to drink. It's a much less intrusive way of watching wildlife than in the big game parks of Kenya and Tanzania, where minibuses packed with tourists hurtle across the bush in pursuit of the "big five" - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.
Traffic drives on the left which makes acclimatising to the roads here easier for Brithish drivers. roads in country areas are usually quiet and a pleasure to drive on , but less experienced drivers should steer clear of cities and busy main roads where driving styles can be intimidating. Many roads are gravel, which are generally a lot smoother to drive on they look quite suitable for two-wheel-drive-cars but they do need to be treated with respect and tackled at reduced speeds.
Main roads are generally well maintained, but watch out for overcrowded minibuses and reckless overtaking. Local drivers expect slower traffic to move onto the hard shoulder to let them overtake, and sometimes expect oncoming vehicles to move over to make room for them too.
As in the US, four-way intersections with stop signs are common in towns. The rule is that the first to arrive at the junction has priority. A single yellow line means no parking at any time; a single red line means no stopping. Don't park facing oncoming traffic. Report any accident involving another car to the police within 24 hours.
You may need cash at petrol stations, which do not always accept credit cards. Some main highways, tunnels and bridges have tolls, but an alternative route is signposted where the toll begins.
Crime
Townships and isolated areas tend to have a high rate of crime, but tourist areas are normally safer. The threat of terrorism is not high in South Africa but travellers should always take the normal precautions
Travel Documents Required.
A return ticket is essential.
If you are staying less than 3 months a visa is not required for travel to South Africa, but a current passport with two blank pages must be held and it must be valid for 30 days until 30 days after your return date. If you want to stay longer after you've arrived then the Department for Home Affairs must be contacted. Overstaying without authorisation is considered a serious matter and a fine is levied for a minor infringement. Longer periods of overstay result in arrest and an appearance in court which brings a more serious fine and deportation.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance should be obtained before travelling – this is a must, and it should cover all proposed activities, and check any exclusions.
Driving Conditions In South Africa
South Africa's extensive road network boasts good maintenance on most main roads which are wide, straight and uncrowded, but the manner in which the locals drive needs your concentration. Most roads have two lanes and an emergency lane. There are many fatal accidents caused by questionable driving standards. Overcrowded vehicles and bullish driving can be hazardous. In particular watch out for dangerous overtaking and be prepared to give way to oncoming overtaking traffic and faster vehicles from behind. If necessary follow the example of the locals and use the hard shoulder or emergency lane to let others pass. Hazard warning lights are often flashed as a 'Thank you'.
Roads in rural areas may not be in such good condition and even have pot-holes. These roads will also probably be unfenced and at night straying animals – dogs, chickens, sheep, cows and horses – can be a hazard. Large antelope can also be encountered but there is usually a warning sign (leaping antelope) in affected areas.
Some petrol stations may only take cash, and some major routes, bridges and tunnels have tolls, although a toll-free alternative is usually signposted.
Although car-jacking is rare, but because of the need to carry cash car doors should be kept locked and valuables hidden from view.
Particular care needs to be taken if driving at night as drink-driving is not uncommon. Stopping at a red light at night, particularly in the bigger cities, can provide a target for the criminal element so if in doubt, look left and right then cautiously drive on. Most roads are dimly lit at night.
Driving Laws.
Driving licence. Any driving licence is accepted as long as it is in English and has the photograph and signature of the holder.
Drive on the left-hand side of the road – all rental cars are right-hand drive.
Speed limit on major roads is 120km/h (75mph). On rural or secondary roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas the limit is 60km/h (35mph). Always check the road signs.
In towns, four-way intersections are common. The first to arrive takes priority. The rule at roundabouts is to give way to the right, but this often not observed so always proceed with caution.
Always keep within the speed limits – all distances are in kilometres, both on road signs and the speedometer.
Seat belts are compulsory.
Do not use hand-held 'phones while driving – it is illegal (even though the locals use them).
Single yellow line: No parking at any time.
Single red line: No stopping.
You must not park facing oncoming traffic.
Accidents must be reported to the police within 24 hours
Traffic lights are called 'Robots' in South Africa.
Facts and figures
Some of this information is constantly changing and should be taken as a guide only. It is correct at the time of writing – 23 rd April 2006.
Exchange rate: 10.1746 Rands = £1 sterling
Contacts
The South African Police Service is the principal Law Enforcement Agency in South Africa,
South African High Commission
South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP
British High Commission and Consulate General in South Africa
www.britain.org.za
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