Despite the large distances, traveling around most of South Africa is fairly straightforward, with a well-organized network of public transport, a good range of car rental companies, the best road system in Africa, and the continent's most comprehensive network of internal flights.

The only weak point is public transport in urban areas, which is almost universally poor and often dangerous. Urban South Africans who can afford to do so tend to use priate transport, and if you plan to spend much time in any one town you'd be well-adised to do the same.

It's virtually impossible to get to the national parks and places off the beaten track by public transport; even if you do manage, you'll most likely need a car once you're there

South Africa guide

South Africa
Weather
Average temperature
Getting around
English / Afrikaans

Transportation
Buses
Minibus taxis
Trains
Domestic flights
driving
Cycling
Hitching

Where to go
Best of South Africa
Outdoor activities
Hiking trails
Surfing, diving, canoeing
diving
Ballooning, horse-riding
Gays and lesbians
Contacts for gays and lesbians
Contacts - UK, US, ...
Cape Town gays and lesbian
Crime

 

Eating, drinking, restaurants
South African foods
Restaurants
Drinking
Braai and boverekos
Food and Drink

Communication
Telephone system
Internet
Mail

Cape Town
The city