South Africa is one of the most rewarding countries in the world to drive: distances are long, the roads between major centres are generally in good condition, and scenery ranges from winelands and fynbos to the Drakensberg escarpment and the Highveld plateau. A hire car unlocks the whole country in a way that public transport simply cannot — but it demands preparation. Safety, fuel planning and the peculiarities of Johannesburg's e-toll system all need thinking about before you set off.
The basics: rules of the road
South Africa drives on the left-hand side, with the steering wheel on the right. Speed limits are 120 km/h on national highways (N-roads), 100 km/h on regional roads, and 60 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise posted. Traffic laws are formally the same as most countries, but a few things are done differently in practice.
Traffic signals — called "robots" in South African English — are sometimes non-functional, particularly in smaller towns and after power cuts (load-shedding). When a robot is dark or flashing, treat it as a four-way stop: all drivers yield and take turns. Four-way stops are themselves extremely common at suburban intersections in South Africa, and the convention is strictly first-come, first-served, with vehicles alternating when two arrive simultaneously.
Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless on a hands-free kit.
Distances and journey times
South Africa is large — about the size of Western Europe — and the distances between major destinations are substantial:
- Johannesburg to Cape Town: around 1,400 km by road, typically 14–16 hours of driving (most travellers break it over two days, or fly).
- Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha): around 750 km, roughly 7–8 hours, along the N2 highway which is the Garden Route corridor.
- Johannesburg to Durban: around 570 km, roughly 5–6 hours via the N3.
- Cape Town to Stellenbosch: around 50 km, under an hour — a short trip into the winelands.
- Johannesburg to Kruger National Park (Phalaborwa gate): around 480 km, roughly 5 hours.
Always add time for road works, police checkpoints, and the general unpredictability of N-road traffic, particularly on the Johannesburg–Durban N3.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route runs along South Africa's southern coast, broadly between Mossel Bay in the west and Storms River in the east, passing through George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It is one of the most celebrated drives in Africa: lush coastal forest, lagoons, beaches and mountains compressed into a relatively compact route that most visitors take in three to five days.
The N2 highway forms the spine of the route, but the Garden Route's pleasures lie off it — on the winding R-roads through the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma forests, along the coast near Wilderness, and on the cliffs above the Knysna Heads. Knysna Lagoon, the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge, and Robberg Nature Reserve (a seal colony and long beach walk near Plettenberg Bay) are the highlights most people aim for.
Driving the Garden Route end to end between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth takes roughly 7–8 hours without stops; with proper exploration, allow at least four to five days. Accommodation ranges from campsites and backpacker hostels to luxury lodges, with the greatest concentration around Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
E-tolls around Johannesburg
The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project introduced electronic tolling — e-tolls — on major highways in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria. The system has been contentious and compliance has been low, but it remains technically in operation.
Gantries monitor traffic on routes including the N1, N3, N12 and N14. Registered users pay reduced rates through an e-tag transponder; unregistered users are charged higher "alternate user" fees billed via a licence plate look-up. Hire cars may or may not have e-tags fitted — check with your hire company and confirm who is responsible for the toll charges and how billing works. Some companies include e-toll costs in the rental agreement; others pass them on separately.
For travellers who have not pre-registered, toll notices are sent to the registered vehicle owner (i.e. the hire company), who typically adds an administration fee before passing the cost to you. Keep your hire agreement and be prepared for a post-return charge. If driving your own vehicle, register at the e-NATIS/e-toll portal before travel to minimise costs.
Safety on the roads
South Africa's road safety situation is mixed. National highways between major cities are generally well-maintained and reasonably safe in daylight. Urban driving — especially in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town — demands more attention, and certain areas are best avoided at night.
Some practical guidance that applies across the country:
- Don't drive at night if you can avoid it. Long-distance driving after dark increases the risk from unlit vehicles, pedestrians on the road, and carjacking on isolated stretches. If you must drive after dark, stay on well-lit major routes and avoid stopping unless essential.
- Hijacking awareness: South Africa has a real vehicle hijacking problem, concentrated in urban areas. Keep doors locked and windows up in cities, be cautious at traffic lights in unfamiliar areas, and avoid stopping in poorly lit spots. Your hire company will advise which areas in each city to avoid.
- Slow punctures and tyre blowouts: Road debris is common on some routes. Carry a spare tyre and know how to change it, or confirm your hire car includes roadside assistance.
- Animals on the road: Outside cities, cattle, goats and wildlife cross roads — particularly at dusk and at night. In game reserves, this extends to elephants and other large mammals.
- Minibus taxis: South Africa's informal minibus taxi network operates on public roads and taxis may stop, pull out or accelerate unpredictably. Give them space.
Travelling with travel insurance that includes roadside assistance and emergency medical evacuation is strongly advisable. South Africa has excellent private hospitals in major cities, but distances mean a serious accident in a remote area could be life-threatening if you don't have the right cover.
Hiring a car in South Africa
All major international hire companies operate in South Africa, with the largest rental desks at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International Airport. Local companies exist and can be cheaper; read reviews carefully and check what is and isn't included in the excess waiver.
Most hire companies in South Africa accept major international driving licences without an IDP if the licence is in English or accompanied by an official translation. If your licence is not in English, obtain an International Driving Permit before travelling — see our IDP guide for details.
One-way rentals between Johannesburg and Cape Town are widely available but carry a significant drop-off surcharge. For a South Africa road trip that starts in one city and ends in another, factor this into your budget from the outset.
Fuel and service stations
Fuel stations are well distributed on main routes and in cities. In rural areas — particularly in the Northern Cape or Limpopo — stations can be far apart; fill up whenever you pass one. Most South African fuel stations are full service (an attendant pumps the fuel); a small tip is customary. Both petrol (gasoline) and diesel are widely available.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive in South Africa as a tourist?
Driving between major destinations during daylight hours is generally safe. The main risks are urban driving in Johannesburg and carjacking at night; both are substantially reduced by sticking to daylight driving and following standard urban safety advice. Consult your government's travel advisories before your trip.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for South Africa?
If your licence is in English, most hire companies will accept it without an IDP. If your licence is not in English or Roman script, an IDP is required. Carry the original licence alongside it at all times.
How do the Johannesburg e-tolls work for hire car drivers?
Your hire company is billed for any e-tolls incurred on gantried highways, and will typically pass the charge to you with an administration fee. Confirm the terms before collecting the car.
Can I drive into neighbouring countries with a South African hire car?
Many companies allow cross-border travel to Lesotho, Swaziland (Eswatini), Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe, but require prior written authorisation and may charge a fee. Not all companies permit Mozambique or Zimbabwe. Always confirm before travel — crossing a border in a hire car without authorisation can void your insurance.
Sources and further reading:
- South African National Roads Agency (sanral.co.za) — e-toll registration and route maps.
- Arrive Alive (arrivealive.co.za) — South Africa road safety, rules and driving advice.
- South African Tourism (southafrica.net) — Garden Route planning and destination guides.
- Your government's travel advice for South Africa (check before departure).