South Africa Travels Blog

Travelling by Car in South Africa
If you are using a car to travel around South Africa, wearing a seat belt is compulsory by law.
The quality of many roads in South Africa can be shocking by European standards, even sub standard if you are used to even, well paved streets, especially in the more remote regions such as Lesotho, Swaziland and parts of natal. The road conditions will often necessitate driving more slowly and more cautiously than you would at home. Some areas may even be impassable without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Do not be surprised to come across the odd wandering cow on the rural road.

Car rental companies charge twice as much insurance, for cars travelling outside South African borders, so drive carefully if you are not going to pay that excess. An additional tip is to take the secondary policy which covers you for the excess on the first policy.

Travelling by Mini Bus Taxi is a definite no – no. All forms of public transport are subject to muggings and theft. If you do, always travel with someone else.

Nicknamed the ‘Platinum Province’ of South Africa, the North West Province has historically been of more interest to geologists seeking out the next big mineral mother load than to binocular toting tourists seeking big game. The area’s booming mineral industry, as well as its cultivation of citrus fruits, corn, tobacco and sunflowers have combined to send tourism plunging down on the list of income- generating industries. This is however slowly beginning to change, as small scale operators begin to exploit some of the regions new, or previous overlooked places of interest.

The North West’s climate is generally hot and dry, through out the year due to its proximity to the Kalahari Desert.
The natural landscape is dominated by bushveld, interrupted only by thicket and woodland on the rocky slopes.

The Magaliesberg mountain range and the massive Pilanesberg crater are two of the oldest geological formations on earth. The proximity of the most North West attractions to Pretoria and Johannesburg means that daytrips from these cities are quite feasible; or, let yourself be seduced by Rustenburg’s rapidly growing hospitality industry and use this quieter urban town as your base. However, be advised that in the absence of reliable inter-city transport networks, travellers are likely to need a car or tour operator to get around effectively.