Get around on the ground - Self Drive Holidays in South Africa

South Africa is a vast country with endless natural beauty and a Self Drive holiday is the ultimate and most rewarding way to explore this diverse country. Unlike many European cities, the main form of transport in South Africa is by road. There are some forms of public transport however they are limited to travel within the main cities and between them.

Most tourists fly to South Africa and land at one of the three international airports. Johannesburg International, Durban International or Cape Town International Airport. Capital Car Hire offers convenient car hire solutions from all of these national airports. Additionally, Capital Car Hire will deliver your hire car to you at the Durban International Arrivals Hall, Johannesburg International Arrivals Hall or Cape Town International Arrivals Hall.

Once you land your holiday has begun. Self drive car tours offers almost unlimited freedom for the tourist to South Africa. Excellent road infrastructure opens up a country away from the main cities that is filled with natural splendour: completely unspoilt beaches, wine farms, magnificent mountains and wildlife parks

The self drive holiday allow you to discover the unexpected and experience the heady mix of third and first world cultures in South Africa away from the set tourist routes.

South Africa is a huge country and not to be traversed in a day, take your time, break up your journey. You'll often find that the best memories are made once you are off the beaten track!

Get the most out of your South Africa self drive holiday

Car Hire Tips

Navigation

• Plan your self-drive routes beforehand

• Most areas are well signposted. The AA can provide excellent maps and information on accommodation en route

• When you hire a car opt of GPS, the cost is negligible and it will often have information on nearby attractions

• Watch out for animals in rural areas (particularly sheep and cows and goats as well as wild animals

• Keep left, use your seatbelt and do not talk on your mobile phone whilst driving

Speed limit

Distances are all in Kilometres and not miles. The general speed limit on national highways urban freeways and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary (rural) roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated. Check the road signs.

South Africa boasts excellent roads. well signposted areas within larger cities and towns, making it easy to navigate your way around South Africa. You may encounter gravel roads and some rugged terrain in the more mountainous or rural areas, but when you navigate through these areas you will discover untouched landscapes combined with interesting and unique cultures.

Filling up

Petrol stations in South Africa are not self-help an attendant will fill the car, check oil and water and tire pressure and, if necessary, clean the windscreen. Attendants will appreciate a tip of three or four rand ($0.40) If you are hiring from Capital Car Hire all our cars use unleaded petrol but check before you set off.

A variety of petrol (gas) stations are situated on both main and country roads. Most of them are open 24 hours a day, although some keep shorter hours. However, distances between towns (and therefore between petrol stations) are considerable in some parts of the country, so it is advisable to fill up your tank before it starts giving warning signals.

Safety and Security

• Speak to the locals for tips and use commons sense like avoiding ostentatious displays of jewellery and electronic equipment.

• When driving, keep car doors locked and wind the windows up;

South Africa can be hot and humid in certain areas. If you are traveling long distances, opt for a hire car that has air-conditioning.

If you are planning a long distance trip make sure that your car hire company offers you a generous daily free kilometre allowance