South Africa Road Trip Guide

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Introduction

South Africa, known as the “Rainbow Nation,” offers a self-drive adventure like no other, with its rich tapestry of cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Embark on a journey through the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town, traverse the lush Garden Route, and experience the thrill of a safari in Kruger National Park, where the Big Five roam freely. The country’s diverse terrain, from the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains to the expansive savannahs, provides endless opportunities for exploration. With its unique blend of traditional heritage and modern vibrancy, South Africa promises an unforgettable road trip filled with adventure and discovery. Hit the open road and let South Africa’s wonders unfold before you!

Car Rental Tips

Book in Advance

Generally, we recommend that you make your reservation one month in advance so that you could choose the desired vehicle and date.

If you proceed directly to the car rental store without an appointment, it is likely that the car you need might be unavailable.

If you were already a QEEQ diamond member, you only need 1$ to freeze your booking and make the rest of the payment before pick-up, which does not affect your credit card limit.

Required Documents

Passport; Driver’s License; IDP(Optimal); Credit Card

IDP(International Driving Permit) is highly recommended, which allows you to drive legally in countries that need one.

If it is inconvenient for you to apply an IDP, generate a free driver’s license translation on QEEQ.com.

Tips: Please be aware that most rental companies require drivers to have held their license for at least one year. Additionally, some companies have age restrictions, and drivers under a certain age may need to pay a young driver fee.

Car Choices

The choice of your car depends largely on the duration of your trip, passenger number, luggage amount and road conditions.

City Driving for small groups (1-3 passengers)

If you were a couple, or travel with a friend or two, or if you travel alone, a reasonably priced small car would be a good choice.

Compact size cars have 4 to 5 seats. We recommend sparing one passenger capacity so you could relax and have more space.

4 to 5 passengers including children and elderly

Medium and large size cars are recommended. These models could still possess a fair mount of space with 2 to 3 suitcases. SUVs are suitable for hybrid road conditions. Eco-friendly cars such as the Prius could save your spend on gasoline. Choose what you need giving you peace of mind on long trips.

Traveling in a group of 6 or more

It would be a wonderful experience to choose a van for everyone to have his or her own seat. These models accommodate a passenger capacity from 7 to 12 people. While it is noticeable that large cars cannot make quick and sharp turns. So we recommend renting two small or medium-sized cars if you spend a lot of time driving through towns.

Online Booking Process

We are endeavoring to make your appointment as convenient as possible. Enter our website QEEQ.com, log in, enter the required information, and follow the instructions, you are free to rent your desired car.

Insurance

What Insurances Are Available?

*For Autopilot Cars:

Insured: Protection for the person renting the car, including passenger accident insurance and personal accident insurance (PAI). This includes the personal safety of the driver, passengers, and their personal belongings.
Automobile Insurance: protection for the vehicle of the renter. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is one example.
Third-party Insurance: insurance that protects third parties other than the renter and the car rental company. Basic Third Party Liability (BTL) insurance, etc.

International car rental orders will include the basic insurance required for car rentals: Vehicle Damage Coverage, Anti-theft System, and Third Party Liability Insurance.

The basic insurance has a deductible, which is the starting point for insurance payments. For example, the deductible is 1000 dollars, if the damage to the rented car is less than 1000 dollars, the customer pays; if the damage is more than 1000 dollars, the customer pays up to 1000 dollars; and the store’s insurance company pays for the part exceeding 1000 dollars.

Many travelers want more comprehensive coverage and purchase additional insurance. Personnel, vehicle and third-party coverage varies by insurance type. Here are some examples of common types of insurance (note: more checks means more coverage): 保险表(2)

There are two ways to obtain insurance: one is to purchase insurance when booking the car online; the other is to purchase insurance at the local store where the car is rented when picking up the car.

Generally, insurances provided by rental car companies usually has narrower coverage, higher premiums, so purchasing insurance online when booking the car is highly recommended.

How to Choose Insurance

If you were traveling with limited budget, it is better to choose the kind of insurance policy with the most comprehensive coverage. The main reasons are:

Repairing fee for the car would probably be higher abroad.
In case of an accident, the medical cost and compensation are very high.
The wider the coverage, the less the troubles you would deal with, which saves tons of time and energy.

Taking automobile insurance as an instance, comparing to common insurance policies, the most comprehensive insurance coverage, including glasses, tires, chassis protection, and considerations for special road conditions such as sand and rocks, is very necessary, but basic insurance of car rental companies usually does not include full coverage as such.

Picking Up the Car

Check Before Departure

Before proceeding to the car rental shop, make sure you have brought with you all necessary documents for picking up the vehicle, and two international credit cards is recommended to ensure that there is enough credit limit for the pre-authorization of the vehicle deposit to be frozen.

Proceed to the Car Rentals

If there is a pickup store nearby, you could just walk there, following signs for airport rental cars.

If the rental car center is far away, there is usually a free shuttle bus bound for the rental car center. Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes approximately, so take the bus when you see the logo of your car rental company.

If the shuttle is not available, you can contact the car rental company and wait for staff member to pick you up at designated location. In case you have difficulty communicating with the store staff, please call QEEQ and we will assist you in English or other languages.

Inspect the Car

When you receive your reserved vehicle, inspect the bodywork for damage. At that time, it’s a good idea to document the entire process with your smartphone camera or take a picture of the dashboard. Because if you forgot to check the condition of your vehicle before departure, you may be charged for wronged damage repairs when you return it.

Payment

Payment is due on the day of the rental unless you were paying online or purchasing a tour package.

Insurance is usually included in the rental price, but some car rental companies offer paid options for more comprehensive coverage.

Last but not least, keep all contracts and documents safe for possible further usage. Once you have received your keys, check the seat heights, mirror positions, secure child seats, and then you are ready to go!

Traffic Rules and Signs

Traffic Rules

Drive on the Left

In South Africa, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. This is a crucial adjustment for visitors from countries where driving on the right is standard.

Respect Animals on the Road

When driving on highways, Stay alert for wildlife on rural roads and be prepared to stop if necessary.

No Phone use

In South Africa (SA), it is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. If you need to make or receive calls while driving, utilize your phone’s speaker function or a Bluetooth device.

Use Headlights Daytime

It’s common for locals to drive with their headlights on during the day.

Pedestrian Priority

Pedestrians always have the right of way, as do vehicles traveling straight and those on main roads. At roundabouts, yield to vehicles coming from the right. Look out for GIVE WAY signs, which indicate that you must yield.

Overtake Correctly

Overtake on the right. Most roads are two-way with two lanes, so avoid using the oncoming lane for overtaking. Use your indicators and check your mirrors before changing lanes.

Adapt to Traffic Light Scarcity

While road conditions are generally good, traffic lights are less common, especially in residential areas and on smaller roads.

Stay Safe at Intersections

Keep your windows closed when waiting at traffic lights for added safety.

Signs

For more road signs in South Africa, please refer to: Road signs in South Africa – Wikipedia

Road Conditions and Toll Payments

Road Conditions

Road Quality and Safety

South Africa’s roads are in good condition. Major routes are paved and well-maintained, which makes the country one of the leaders in having the fewest potholes in Africa. Although about 30% of roads are paved, a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle may be necessary for remote areas. Secondary roads are often gravel, so drivers should exercise caution. In the former Homelands, deep potholes, washouts, and unsigned hairpin turns are common. These conditions contribute to about 15% of road accidents, so careful driving is essential.

Traffic Circles and Stop Signs

Mini traffic circles often replace 4-way stop signs. Many drivers fail to stop, so it is important to stay alert for 4-way stop signs on major roads.

Congestion

Traffic is often heavy in Gauteng Province, which contains 45% of all registered vehicles in South Africa. The Johannesburg-Pretoria (Joburg-Tshwane) corridor experiences significant congestion.

Road Types

“N” routes are national highways, and some are toll roads.
“R” routes are regional highways.
“M” routes are metropolitan roads.

Toll Payments

You have several options when paying fees at a toll gate, so you never need to have cash on hand:

Cash (South African Rand)
MasterCard & Visa Credit Cards (Class 1 only)
Garage Cards & Petrol Cards issued by South African banks (Class 1 only)
Fleet Cards issued by South African Fleet Card issuers

Fueling

Fuel Types

South African petrol stations typically offer the following types of fuel:

Unleaded Petrol 93: Suitable for most standard petrol engines.
Unleaded Petrol 95: Offers higher octane for better performance, often used in high-performance vehicles.
Diesel 50ppm: A common diesel option with a lower sulfur content.
Diesel 10ppm: An ultra-low sulfur diesel, providing cleaner emissions and better for the environment.

It’s crucial to know your vehicle’s fuel requirements before setting off. If you’re renting a car, confirm the type of fuel it uses to avoid any mishaps.

Payment Methods

Most fuel stations accept credit and debit cards, but it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially in rural areas where card facilities might not be available. This ensures you won’t be caught off guard if electronic payment systems are down.

Service Stations

Many fuel stations in South Africa are full-service. Attendants will fill your tank, check oil and water levels, and clean your windshield. Tipping is customary, and a small tip is appreciated for their assistance. This service can be particularly helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the vehicle.

Operating Hours

While many fuel stations in urban areas operate 24/7, those in rural areas may have limited hours. It’s wise to refuel during the day and plan your stops to avoid running low on fuel at night when stations might be closed.

Parking Guidelines

Where to Park

Designated Parking Areas: Use designated parking lots, garages, or marked parking bays. These areas are often monitored and provide better security. In cities like Cape Town, parking is managed to ensure adequate supply.

Where Not to Park

No-Parking Zones: Avoid parking in areas marked with no-parking signs or yellow lines on the curb. Parking in unauthorized areas can lead to fines or towing
Private Property: Do not park on private property without permission, as this may result in fines or towing.

Parking Fees

Urban Areas: In cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, parking fees vary. According to Parkopedia, the average cost for two hours of off-street parking is approximately $1.33
Parking Garages: Fees in parking garages can vary depending on the location and duration of stay. Always check the posted rates upon entry.
Free Parking: Some municipal streets offer free parking, but these are often time-limited to ensure turnover.

Accident Handling

If you are involved in a traffic accident, do not panic. Check whether the passengers are injured, help yourself and seek help from passersby. Emergency contacts are available at any time.

Emergency services

Police, Fire Department: 10111

Ambulance: 10177

National Traffic Call Center: 0861 400 800

Embassy Numbers by Country

South Africa – Embassies, high commissions and consulates

You can also call your car rental company

For the rental company’s phone, please refer to your rental confirmation.

Here are the steps to handle different types of accidents:

Minor Collisions

Ensure everyone’s safety.
Move the vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic.
Call 10111 to report the accident.
Take photos or videos of the vehicle’s condition.
Have the police document the accident and keep the accident report.
Contact the rental company and your insurance provider.

Vehicle Break-Ins or Theft

Call 10111 to report the incident.
Have the police document the incident.
File an insurance claim.
Verify the information.
Receive compensation.

Vehicle Breakdown

Open the car’s trunk and hood.
Hang a white object on the door handle to signal for help.
Call the rental company.
The rental company will dispatch staff for towing or repairs.

If the rental company cannot resolve the issue, ask the police for towing assistance. Repair costs can be high, so having full insurance is important.

Car Return Process

Important Reminders

After your enjoyable road trip, it’s essential to return the vehicle on time. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the 24-hour customer service hotline.

Car Return Tips

Refuel Before Returning

If your rental agreement requires a full tank upon return, make sure to refuel within 5 kilometers of the drop-off location and keep the receipt to show the rental staff.

Keep the Car Clean

Return the car in a clean condition to avoid cleaning fees. Note that smoking in the car may also result in additional charges.

Reconcile the Fee

When you return the car, the staff will inspect it and provide a final invoice. Carefully review the invoice and address any discrepancies immediately or contact customer service for clarification.

Keep the Contract and Document

Retain the rental agreement and receipts after returning the car for future reference.

Early or Late Return

Early Returns

Returning the car early usually does not result in a refund for unused days.

Late Returns

If you need to return the car late, call the rental location in advance to get approval and confirm any additional charges.

After-Hours Returns

If you can’t return the car during business hours, check if the rental location allows after-hours returns. If permitted,

Park in the designated area
Lock the car
Take photos of the fuel gauge, odometer, and car exterior
Drop the keys in the key/drop-off box.

Note that you are responsible for the car until the rental location reopens. To avoid issues, it’s best to return the car when staff are present.

Help after Trip

Insurance Claim

If you bought a full coverage insurance, you would receive a fast claim settlement. The following documents should be prepared:

Passport
Driver’s License
Credit Card Checkback History
The Car Rental Contract
Car Damage Deduction Bill

For more detailed information, check the terms and conditions of insurance company:

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Classic Routes

Garden Route

The Garden Route is celebrated as one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, renowned for its lush landscapes and vibrant towns. This route stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River, offering a blend of lush forests, stunning coastlines, and charming towns. Key stops include Knysna, known for its beautiful lagoon and vibrant arts scene, and Tsitsikamma National Park, where ancient forests and dramatic coastlines captivate visitors. The Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn provide a subterranean adventure. The route is renowned for its biodiversity, offering opportunities to see unique flora and fauna.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled safari experience. The park’s vast savannahs are home to the Big Five, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Rest camps like Skukuza and Satara offer convenient access to prime viewing areas. The best time to visit is during the dry winter months from April to September, when wildlife congregates around waterholes. The park is famous for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

Cape Town and Surroundings

Cape Town, with its iconic Table Mountain, serves as a gateway to a region rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. The Cape Peninsula features attractions like Cape Point and the penguins at Boulders Beach. The Winelands region, including Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, offers some of South Africa’s finest wines. The scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak provides breathtaking ocean views. This area is celebrated for its cultural diversity and natural beauty.

Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg Mountains, known for their dramatic landscapes, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Northern and Central Drakensberg regions are ideal for hiking and exploring ancient rock art. The Royal Natal National Park is home to the iconic Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world. The Drakensberg is known for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance.

Useful Website and Numbers

South Africa’s official tourism website

Everything you need to know to travel to South Africa (GL)

Emergency services