How to Get Around South Africa

Fly between regions and drive within them. Cape Town to Johannesburg is two hours by air against sixteen by road, and domestic flights are frequent and reasonably priced.

A hire car is close to essential in the Cape, the Garden Route and for self-drive Kruger. Roads are good by regional standards, signage is clear, and driving is on the left.

Intercity buses are comfortable and cheap. Metered taxis are scarce, but ride-hailing apps work well in the cities and are the standard way to move around Cape Town and Johannesburg at night.

Minibus taxis carry most South Africans and are cheap, but the routes are unmarked and the driving standard is poor; most visitors should not rely on them.

Do not drive long distances after dark outside the cities — unlit roads, livestock, pedestrians and the risk of stopping in the wrong place combine badly.