South Africa is built for road trips. The distances between cities are vast, public transport outside urban centres is limited, and the roads themselves — from the Garden Route's coastal curves to the Drakensberg's mountain passes — deliver some of the most spectacular driving on the planet. But driving here is fundamentally different from driving in Europe or North America. Left-hand traffic, unique toll systems, variable road conditions, and legitimate safety considerations mean you need to prepare properly.
This guide gives you the practical knowledge to drive confidently across South Africa, whether you are tracing the Cape coastline or crossing the Karoo.
Left-Hand Driving: Adjusting Quickly
South Africa drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle. If you are coming from a right-hand driving country, this is the single biggest adjustment you will face.
Tips for Adapting
- Collect your rental car and practise in the airport car park before hitting the road. Get comfortable with the indicator and wiper stalks (they are reversed on right-hand-drive cars).
- Roundabouts flow clockwise. Enter to the left and give way to traffic already on the roundabout from your right.
- The biggest danger moment is turning: after a stop at a petrol station or rest area, your instinct may be to pull onto the right side of the road. Consciously check before every turn for the first few days.
- Overtake on the right. This feels natural for left-hand traffic but takes adjustment if you are used to passing on the left.
Pro tip: On South African highways, slower vehicles often pull onto the hard shoulder (called the "yellow line") to let faster traffic pass. If a vehicle does this for you, it is customary to flash your hazard lights twice as a thank-you. Do not confuse this with an emergency signal — it is simply South African road courtesy.
E-Tolls and the Toll Road System
South Africa has two types of toll roads: conventional toll plazas with manned booths, and the controversial e-toll system in Gauteng province.
Conventional Toll Roads
Major national routes (N1, N2, N3, N4) are operated by SANRAL and feature toll plazas at regular intervals. Payment is straightforward — stop at the booth and pay in South African rand (cash or card). Toll costs are modest: a typical single toll plaza charges ZAR 30–90 (roughly GBP 1.50–4.50) per car.
Gauteng E-Tolls
The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project introduced electronic tolling on highways around Johannesburg and Pretoria. Gantries overhead read your number plate or e-tag and charge your account. The system has been politically contentious, and compliance rates among local drivers are low.
As a tourist in a rental car, your rental company will typically register the vehicle and pass charges on to you (check your rental agreement for the e-toll policy and any admin fees). If you have an e-tag, charges are discounted. Without one, you will be billed at a higher rate.
Toll Costs Example: Johannesburg to Durban (N3)
The roughly 570 km drive on the N3 from Johannesburg to Durban passes through several conventional toll plazas. Total toll cost one way is approximately ZAR 350–400 (around GBP 15–18).
Safety: Honest Advice for Visitors
Crime is a reality in South Africa, and it would be irresponsible to ignore it in a driving guide. However, the risk to tourists is routinely overstated by those who have never visited. Sensible precautions make a huge difference.
Carjacking Prevention
- Keep doors locked and windows up in urban areas, particularly at traffic lights (called "robots" in South Africa).
- Do not leave valuables visible — bags, cameras, and phones on seats are an invitation. Use the boot.
- Avoid driving in unfamiliar urban areas at night, especially in Johannesburg. Use GPS and stick to main roads.
- If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest petrol station (they are staffed 24/7) or police station. Do not pull over on a quiet road.
Rural Driving Hazards
- Animals on the road: livestock, baboons, and antelope regularly wander onto roads, especially at dawn and dusk. This is the single most common cause of rural accidents.
- Potholes: on secondary roads, potholes can be severe and vehicle-damaging. Keep your speed moderate on unfamiliar roads and scan ahead constantly.
- Pedestrians: in rural and township areas, pedestrians walk along and across highways that lack pavements. Drive with extreme caution, particularly at night.
Pro tip: South African petrol stations are full-service — an attendant will fill your tank, clean your windscreen, and check your tyre pressure. Tipping ZAR 10–20 is customary and appreciated.
Fuel, Speed Limits & Road Rules
Fuel Types
South Africa uses petrol (unleaded 93 and 95) and diesel. Fuel prices are government-regulated and change monthly, displayed at every station. As of early 2026, expect to pay approximately ZAR 22–25 per litre for petrol. Most rental cars run on unleaded 95 — confirm with your rental company.
Self-service pumping is not permitted. All stations are attended, and payment by card is widely accepted, though some rural stations are cash-only.
Speed Limits
- Urban areas: 60 km/h (sometimes 40 km/h in residential zones)
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- National highways: 120 km/h
Speed enforcement is handled by both fixed cameras and traffic officers with handheld devices. Fines are issued to the registered vehicle owner, so rental companies will pass them on with an admin fee.
Drink-Driving
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.05 g per 100 ml of blood). Enforcement at roadblocks is common, particularly around holiday weekends. Penalties include fines of up to ZAR 120,000 and potential imprisonment.
The Garden Route: South Africa's Classic Road Trip
The Garden Route is South Africa's most famous driving journey, and for good reason. Stretching roughly 300 km along the N2 from Mossel Bay to Storms River, it combines Indian Ocean beaches, indigenous forests, lagoons, and charming small towns.
Key Stops
- Mossel Bay: start point with the Bartolomeu Dias Museum and Santos Beach
- Wilderness: boardwalks through wetlands and river gorges
- Knysna: famous lagoon, Knysna Heads viewpoint, and oyster farms
- Plettenberg Bay: whale watching (June–November), Robberg Nature Reserve hike
- Tsitsikamma: suspension bridge over Storms River Mouth, forest hikes, bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge
Allow at least four to five days for the Garden Route to avoid rushing. The road is well-maintained throughout, and the driving is relaxed and scenic rather than challenging.
Start from Cape Town by driving east on the N2 and you can combine the Garden Route with the equally stunning whale coast route via Hermanus. Plan your South Africa trip to build a full itinerary with distances, stops, and overnight suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in South Africa?
If your licence is in English and includes a photograph, you do not legally need an IDP. This covers UK, Irish, US, Australian, and Canadian photocard licences. However, if your licence is not in English or does not have a photo, an IDP is required. Some rental companies request an IDP regardless of your licence format — check with your provider before travelling.
Is it safe to drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town?
Yes, this is a well-travelled route and perfectly safe with basic precautions. The most direct route via the N1 through Bloemfontein and Beaufort West is approximately 1,400 km and takes around 14 hours of non-stop driving. Most people split it over two days with an overnight in the Karoo. The roads are excellent, fuel stops are regular, and the semi-desert scenery is surprisingly beautiful. Avoid driving after dark in rural areas due to animal hazards.
What side of the road does South Africa drive on?
South Africa drives on the left, the same as the UK, Australia, and Japan. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side. All rental cars are right-hand drive. If you are used to driving on the right, allow a day to adjust — most people find it becomes natural quite quickly, especially outside city centres.
