Driving Through Africa

Basic road rules (South Africa)

• South Africans drive on the left side of the road
• Legal driving age is 18
• Keep safe following distances
• Do not drink and drive
• Do not speed
• It is illegal to operate a mobile phone whilst driving
• It is illegal to drive without your seat belt

Driving through Africa - general safety tips

• Check vehicle at the start of each day that it has enough oil and water, that all indicators and lights are functional and that tyre pressure is adequate
• Drive when possible, with your vehicle doors locked and the windows closed
• If approached by a stranger, do not open your windows completely
• Do not pick up strangers and hitchhikers
• Place all packages and personal items in the trunk of your vehicle
• If possible avoid travelling at night

Driving on South Africa's national roads & Highways

• While driving, keep to the left and pass on the right
• All the national roads in South Africa have petrol-stations with restaurants, restrooms and shops dispersed along the route, so use them to freshen-up on the long drives
• It is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers

Driving Offroad in Africa - Safari driving & gravel roads

• Excessive speed is the main cause of traffic accidents while driving on gravel roads. It is therefore advisable to keep to the prescribed speed limit of 60-70 km/h
• If using four-wheel drive vehicles, engage the 4x4 when appropriate (e.g. driving offroad in Africa)
• Observe and obey all road traffic signs
• Observe and obey all nature reserve rules and regulations
• Do not feed animals from your car (baboons are very common along the Cape Town's scenic drives)
• In dusty conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers
• In wet/rainy conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers
• Always reduce speed when your vehicle approaches a dip or wash-away or patches of drift-sand
• Always be aware and on the lookout for animals when driving offroad in Africa, especially when driving on safari

Fuel (Petrol, Gas)

• Petrol-stations (also called 'garages') are widespread across South Africa's cities and national roads
• When travelling through South Africa's neighboring countries, petrol-station are more scarce, so be prepared
• Leaded and unleaded fuel are available
• Fuel prices as regulated by the government and are roughly the same price at all petrol-stations
• Service at petrol stations is provided by petrol attendants. Tipping is at your own discretion
• On long trips, use fuel-stops as an opportunity to relax and freshen-up