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Roads in South Africa are well maintained and easy to navigate, and for the most part travelers who hire a car to explore the country say it's a piece of cake.
Roads in rural areas present more of a challenge to drivers and can be dangerous. Given the high crime rate in South Africa, drivers are often faced with much more than just traffic hazards.
Keep these safety tips in mind while you drive South Africa's scenic roads and highways.
Drivers in South Africa love to overtake other cars on the road. Expect it to happen on any street, and from any lane (including the shoulder lane), so stay alert, check your rear-view mirrors, and watch out for blind spots. If you see someone trying to overtake you, just pull over (if it's safe to do so) and let them pass.
Use your judgment. Don't pull over if you're near a sharp bend, close to the edge of a cliff, or on a tight street. Just slow down, maybe put your hazards on, and wait for a safe place to stop. Never speed up for the satisfaction of the driver behind you.
Always be alert when you come to an intersection with a four-way stop, which are common in South Africa. The first car to arrive has the right of way, so pay attention and wait your turn to avoid a possible collision.
Minibuses are a popular way to get around in South Africa, however, they can be dangerous. Reports show that hundreds of accidents involving minibusses occur each year, and many include fatalities. A recent survey showed significant concerns among South Africans about minibus safety due to overloading of vehicles and disobeying traffic laws. Metered taxis or Uber are generally safer options. Be sure to use an accredited taxi service, and be aware of ongoing tensions between Uber drivers and taxi drivers, which sometimes escalate into violence.
In rural areas, street signs and road markings are often lacking, and in many cases nonexistent. It's not uncommon to find roads that aren't marked on your map, or for street numbers and addresses to be totally different from what you expected. It's particularly important to understand where you're going before you set out, that way you can avoid getting lost or ending up in a dodgy area.
Watch for pedestrians while driving. School children often have long walks to and from school, and sometimes carelessly wander onto the road.
Many farmers don't bother fencing their livestock in, so don't be surprised if you come around a bend and see a cow or goat in the middle of the street. During daylight hours this may not be an issue, but at night, especially on roads that aren't well lit, it can be extremely hazardous – so drive carefully.
One of the many reasons travelers head to South Africa is for the diversity of wildlife, including the "Big Five": lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo, and elephants.
If you're planning to take a drive through the many game parks and reserves, here are some important safety tips to keep at top of mind:
South Africa is a beautiful country, but there is also a lot of criminal activity going on. You may feel safe inside a vehicle, but there are still some dangers to be aware of. Here are some things to keep in mind, plus a few safety tips to avoid becoming a victim while behind the wheel.
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You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance.
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6 Comments
Such horse Shit, I have never seen any free roaming wild animals in south africa. It is only in the national parks and thet are worlds away from Cape Town. And very few unlit areas.
Lonnie, you do not drive around much? I live in the Northen Cape and regulary encounter free-roaming animals, domestic (donkeys, goats,dogs etc) as well as game (kudu, steenbok etc). That is one of the reasons that a "bullbar" and aftermarket bumpers are fitted to most bakkies (pick-up trucks / utility vehicles) in rural areas. Although it will not be of much help if you hit a kudu or donkey, a correctly designed and installed "bull-bar" (attached directly to chassis and angled forward /downward to deflect animal under vehicle - away from radiator and windscreen) saved my vehicles on at least five occasions (twice steenbok, a goat and two dogs).
Cassie,
drive slow/careful and stop hitting animals :)
True about the animals, more especially outside cities and on secondary roads. The national routes are well taken off so you don't have to stress there.
You also have to look our for portholes on the road that will shit your spinal discs and do great damage to your vehicle. Crime – I need not say more here, you know the situation. Don't be stupid!
Other than that, South Africa is a great country!
Where my father in law lives in kommetjie 45 mins south of capetown you get babboons sunning themselves on the roads to get a heat in the morning.
Lonnie, mebbe try opening yer eyes, or at least get a new pair of specs? :D