South Africa driving. South Africa is ideal for driving with a generally well-maintained network of highways and a high proportion of secondary and tertiary roads which are tarred and can be driven at speed

South Africa driving

South Africa is ideal for driving with a generally well-maintained network
of highways and a high proportion of secondary and
tertiary roads which are tarred and can be driven at speed

South Africa is ideal for driving with a generally well-maintained network of highways and a high proportion of secondary and tertiary roads which are tarred and can be driven at speed. Some of the most interesting places off the beaten track are only accessible in your own vehicle, as buses tend to ply only the major routes. Short of joining a tour, the only way to get to national parks and remoter coastal areas is by car. The only real challenge you'll face on the roads is other drivers.

Renting a vehicle is not prohibitively expensive. In a small group, it can work out a cheap option, allowing you to explore areas in depth and at your own pace.

The usual fuel in coastal areas is 97 and 93 octane on the highveld, with most filling stations also offering unleaded.

Filling stations are frequent on the major routes of the country, and usually open 24 hours a day, so it's hard to run out of fuel. Off the major routes, though, stations are less frequent, so do fill up regularly if you're on a long journey. Stations are rarely self-service; instead, poorly paid attendants fill up your car, check oil, water and tyre pressure if you ask them to, and often clean your windscreen even if you don't. A tip is always appreciated, though not obligatory.