This is the ultimate South Africa travel guide for planning an unforgettable road trip. Our comprehensive South Africa driving guide covers everything from road rules, safety tips, and how to handle police stops to essential packing lists.
Discover the most epic South African road trips with inspiring itinerary ideas that make planning a breeze. Whether you’re crossing mountain roads, following scenic coastal routes or exploring iconic national parks, this guide will give you the confidence and insight to navigate the roads like a local. With its diverse landscapes and adventure around every corner, South Africa is one of the world’s best self-drive destinations.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What’s it like to drive in South Africa?
3. Useful tips for self-driving in South Africa
3.1 Road classification
3.2 Speed limits
3.3 How the tolls work
3.4 Navigation
3.5 Useful Apps
4. Is it safe to drive in South Africa?
4.1 Road Safety tips
4.2 How to handle Police stops
5. Renting a 4x4 in South Africa
6. Road trip packing list
7. Road trip itinerary ideas
The best way to see South Africa is by renting a car and getting on the road. Our South Africa road trip began with ‘Lechwe’, a fully equipped off-grid Ford Ranger from Overland 4x4 Rentals. Pickup from the Johannesburg airport was seamless, and the team at Overland 4x4 Rentals gave us incredible support along the way.
Having lived in Cape Town for two years, Jonny had already driven across many parts of South Africa. Our most recent adventure was a drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town, driving up mountain passes, national parks and beautiful coastal drives. Overlanding South Africa was a trip of a lifetime, with tackling the Sani Pass as a highlight.
This South Africa travel guide is packed with essential tips and all you need to know about driving in South Africa, including road rules, safety tips, renting a 4x4 and the best South Africa trip itineraries.
What’s It Like to Drive in South Africa?
Driving in South Africa can be exhilarating for many reasons. The dramatic landscapes are beautiful, from deep-orange deserts to lush, dense and colourful fynbos. Aside from the beauty, you’ll experience all kinds of traffic and may need to avoid the occasional crater-like pothole. Let’s just say, driving in South Africa is a real adventure.
Similar to the UK, South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. That said, driving in South Africa can be pretty chaotic, especially in and around cities. Minibuses and taxis often drive unpredictably, stopping suddenly or pulling into traffic without warning.
Outside the cities, on the major routes, expect long lines of lorries transporting goods. Be especially careful when driving mountain passes, as traffic can be slow. Most routes have overtaking lanes, and it’s common for lorries to move onto the hard shoulder to let faster cars pass.
Road conditions vary a lot between provinces. In the northeast, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, the roads have large potholes that slowed us down on our route. For this reason, we strongly recommend avoiding driving at night. There were also many road works, which were well managed but caused traffic delays in some areas.
Despite all this, South Africa offers some of the most incredible drives in the world. With some common sense, caution and awareness of hazards on the road driving in South Africa is possible. From the challenging Sani Pass to the breathtaking coastal road of Chapman’s Peak Drive, there’s something for everyone.
Useful Tips for Self-Driving in South Africa
Road classification
South Africa’s major roads are called national routes, similar to motorways in the UK. These are referred to with an ‘N’, followed by a number like N1, and they connect major cities across the country.
The national routes are then connected to provincial routes which link smaller towns and cities, marked with ‘R’, such as R21. The smallest roads, known as regional routes, usually in more rural areas are labelled ‘R’ followed by three numbers, such as R500.
Speed Limits
As a general rule, keep to the following speed limits when driving in South Africa.
National Routes 120km/h
Other major roads 100km/h
Urban areas 60 km/h
How the tolls work
Toll roads are common on national routes across South Africa, especially between major cities. Payment options include:
Cash
Debit/travel cards like Revolut or Monzo
Toll tags in rental cars (check with the rental company)
In the Western Cape all the toll booths only accepted cash. Whereas in Gauteng they had tap and go options to use cards which was very convenient.
Costs for tolls range from R10 to R100, depending on your vehicle and the route. You can avoid toll roads by selecting this on Google Maps settings to avoid tolls. Expect longer drives and and poor road conditions.
Navigation
Download offline maps |download maps for the area you will be driving in sections. Internet can be patchy in more remote areas, especially in the mountains and away from towns.
We used a Holafly eSIM, and had reliable internet for most of our trip in all the towns and cities. Get a 5% discount code for your South Africa eSIM or enter ‘FINDINGOURADVENTURE' at checkout.
Useful Apps
• iOverlander | Campsites and camping spots
• Google Maps | Road navigation and ability to download offline maps
• Tracks4Africa Guide | detailed maps of southern African regions, including remote areas, without needing an internet connection
• Maps.me | free offline maps, best for walking and GPS navigation
• Kruger Explorer | A great first-timers guide to Kruger
• Latest Sightings | See what others on self-drive Safari have spotted, increasing your chances to see more wildlife
Book your stay in South Africa
This easy-to-use map below will help you find your dream stay in South Africa. Select your dates in the search bar below and compare the best prices across the main booking sites to show you the best deals.
Is it safe to drive in South Africa?
Driving in South Africa can be safe with key preparations, such as route planning, road trip essentials and being alert to your surroundings. Staying on major routes and tourist hotspots is usually well-maintained with good road conditions.
The main safety risks to driving in South Africa relate to poor road conditions, traffic, pedestrians, wildlife, non-roadworthy cars, erratic drivers, crime, night-time driving and remote areas. Driving during the day provides better visibility and reduces the likelihood of an accident.
Staying safe in South Africa is possible with common sense and self-awareness. Keep your doors locked and valuables out of sight, and plan your route to avoid unsafe areas. We’ve included a list of unsafe areas in South Africa in our Staying Safe in South Africa guide.
Driving in South Africa is a wonderful way to explore the country and discover the variety of beautiful landscapes.
Road Safety Tips
Watch out for potholes | They can be hard to see especially when driving faster on major roads.
Avoid driving at night | It’s hard to spot potholes at night, and many of the roads are not well lit.
Keep your distance | Many cars are uninsured or in poor driving condition. Be aware of slow and erratic drivers; keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Be cautious when overtaking | Slower vehicles often move onto the hard shoulder to let you pass, only overtake if it is safe.
Look out for pedestrians | People often walk on the side of main roads or cross them without warning.
Lock your doors | Most South African cars automatically lock as you start to drive. Avoid displaying valuables when driving through cities or stopping at traffic lights
Look out for Minibus taxis | These can stop suddenly or change lanes without indicating, give them plenty of space.
Stop fully at stop signs | At stop signs you must come to a complete stop. At a crossroads, the first car to arrive at the stop sign has right of way.
Stay in your vehicle at petrol stations | Most attendants will fill your tank, asking how much you want to fill up. They will offer to clean your windscreen, fill up screenwash, etc. It’s polite to leave a tip of around R5-R20 to the attendants.
How to Handle Police Stops in South Africa
Police stops are common in South Africa and can feel intimidating. Stay calm, polite and keep the following documents ready; driving licence, car rental paperwork or vehicle registration.
If you are unsure whether they are legitimate police, ask for their name, badge number and police station they are from. Ask politely for this information before handing over any identification or documents and keep car doors locked.
Unfortunately, corrupt officers may ask for bribes, claiming you have committed a traffic offence or you have improper documents. In these situations, they are looking for cash to make you feel like this is the only way out of the situation.
When being asked to pay a bribe, it’s best to ask for a written fine or formal charge. If you haven’t already, ask for the police officer's badge number and name and that you’d like to resolve it at the nearest police station. Report any suspicious behaviour to 10111, a police emergency number, or call your rental company for assistance.
Tourist Police Scam | There have been reports of criminals disguised as tourist police, which don’t exist in South Africa. They use flashing blue lights and ask you to check your bags. If they appear to be armed, it is always best to cooperate and report to the police.
What you need to know when renting a 4x4 in South Africa
Renting a 4x4 in South Africa unlocks the ultimate freedom to explore in greater depth and get off the main tourist routes. When we took a 4x4 from Johannesburg to Cape Town, we discovered a few important things to make an enjoyable experience.
Before driving off in your rental car at the airport, take photos and videos of the bodywork and tyres. If unsure, ask how to engage 4WD and low-range gears.
A 4x4 is recommended for the following places:
Sani Pass
Kruger National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park
Wild Coast
Lesotho
When driving around game reserves or national parks, a car with high ground clearance and low-range gears is ideal. Most of the national parks have tarmac routes which are suitable for most cars; even in a 4x4, you can only drive on marked roads.
When camping in remote areas, make sure to have recovery gear, fuel jerry cans and spare tyres. Fill up regularly and have at least 1/2 tank of fuel where possible. Our 4x4 rental had an extended tank, which gave a total of 120 litres.
Overlanding into neighbouring countries requires paperwork that can be completed by the rental company before you arrive. Make sure you have this paperwork with you at border control.
Low-range gears are great for muddy, rocky and steep roads. When driving on off-road routes, check weather conditions beforehand. During heavy rain, roads can quickly change, especially with river crossings, making it difficult or impossible to pass. In these situations it’s worth having a plan B.
What to Pack for a Road Trip in South Africa
Overland 4x4 Rentals made sure we had most of the essentials, saving us space in our suitcases. Check with your rental company what equipment will be provided in the vehicle. Below is a list of the essentials for an overlanding trip in South Africa.
Documents
Passports and visas
Diver’s licence (if driving from a non-English speaking country you will need an International Driving Licence)
Rental agreement & insurance
Cross-border paperwork
Credit cards or travel cards (Revolut/Monzo)
Printed map or offline maps (download Google Maps)
Emergency contacts
Car checklist
First aid kit
spare tyres & assembly tools (jack, wheel spanner)
torch and spare batteries
breakdown reflective triangle & hi-vis
multi-tool
shovel for sand and mud
portable power bank and car charger
jump-start cables
recovery gear – including tow ropes
fire extinguisher
Camping essentials
tent/roof tent & bedding
awning for shade
cooking stove, pans & utensils (knives, spoons, spatula)
gas bottles
cutlery, cups, plates and bowls
fridge or cooler
tea towels & washing up liquid
camping chairs & table
towels
containers for food
small plastic bags for rubbish/muddy clothes, etc.
headlamps
spice kit & cooking oil
Game drive essentials
snacks & drinks
binoculars
guidebook & map
camera & memory cards
Toiletries
Suncream
insect repellent
Wet wipes
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
hand sanitiser
Shampoo, shower gel & conditioner
toilet paper
Clothing
waterproof and warm layers for mornings and evenings
walking shoes
sandals or flip-flops
hat
swimming gear
lots of layers
Road Trip Itinerary Ideas
Panorama Route
As the name suggests, this scenic route takes you through Mpumalanga’s highlands, with spectacular waterfalls and the stunning Blyde River Canyon. The Panorama Route is ideal for a day drive or a relaxed weekend getaway. It can also be added onto a visit to Kruger National Park.
Sani Pass & Lesotho
A 4x4-only route, the Sani Pass is an iconic road which climbs up to 2,876 metres, making it one of the highest mountain passes in South Africa. At the top of the pass, you’ll arrive at the border of Lesotho. Visit the highest pub in Africa for spectacular views on a clear day.
Kruger National Park
The ultimate South African self-drive safari experience, Kruger National Park is the size of Wales, offering a chance to spot the Big Five and so much more! Stay overnight in a rest camp for the best chances of spotting wildlife and hearing the lion roars at night.
Garden Route
A stunning coastal drive, stretching over 300km from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The Garden route takes you through some of the most lush, green landscapes. Read our Garden Route guide for the places to stop on the route.
Chapman's Peak Drive
The famous Chapmans Peak Drive follows the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in Cape Town. It’s the perfect sunset cruise, put your windows down and soaking in the incredible coastal views.
Johannesburg to Cape Town
An epic overland adventure through Kruger NP, Eswatini, Drakensberg Mountains, Lesotho, Karoo and Garden Route spanning over 3 weeks. Read our detailed guide to driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Wild Coast
The untamed wild coast is known for its remote, beautiful beaches and wildlife. A fantastic route for 4x4s, with tracks through sand dunes to off-grid campsites.
