There are a number of ways to get around in South Africa of which hiring a car would give you the most freedom to travel where and when you want.
Taking a long distance train is still a very reasonable and comfortable way to travel as well as being quite safe. However, the second and third class carriages are usually pretty packed and offer uncomfortable accommodations. With inner-city travel, it is highly recommended that tourists avoid the inner-city trains as they have become a playground for thieves and vagrants.
A few privately run trains like the Outenikwa Choo-tjoe and the Magalies Express are completely safe and a great experience. They only run in certain areas and not too regularly. They are more focused on day trip outings than on transport from one area to another.
Bus services in South Africa are mostly reliable and safe. Inter City bus and Greyhound service most major towns. It is important to stick with the well known services even if they are more expensive. Many fly by night companies have tried to offer cheap bus trips with un-roadworthy buses which resulted in horrific accidents throughout the country. The Baz bus is aimed at tourists and has stops at many hotels across the country. Tourists normally report good experiences with this service.
For short in town trips some areas like Johannesburg and Cape Town have a reasonable bus service going to most major areas. These buses can be very full early mornings and late afternoons when workers return home.
A metered taxi is another option for travel. These cars are readily available and generally safe; however they can be quite expensive.
Mini "bus or van taxis are very cheap but they are more than often overloaded. The drivers are fearless and using them is not for the faint hearted.
A pricey, but convenient option for travel is a private transfer line. These will not only pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel; they will also pick you up and take you safely home when you have enjoyed an evening out on the town.
A rental is another fabulous option for traveling in South Africa. There are many rental agencies at hotels, airports and across the country. However, it is important to again remind you that sticking with reputable companies is the best way to go. Agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Budget are all readily available and offer customers the satisfaction of knowing if any problems arise while they are on the road, they wall immediately rectify the situation with a car exchange. All of these agencies have
Taking a long distance train is still a very reasonable and comfortable way to travel as well as being quite safe. However, the second and third class carriages are usually pretty packed and offer uncomfortable accommodations. With inner-city travel, it is highly recommended that tourists avoid the inner-city trains as they have become a playground for thieves and vagrants.
A few privately run trains like the Outenikwa Choo-tjoe and the Magalies Express are completely safe and a great experience. They only run in certain areas and not too regularly. They are more focused on day trip outings than on transport from one area to another.
Bus services in South Africa are mostly reliable and safe. Inter City bus and Greyhound service most major towns. It is important to stick with the well known services even if they are more expensive. Many fly by night companies have tried to offer cheap bus trips with un-roadworthy buses which resulted in horrific accidents throughout the country. The Baz bus is aimed at tourists and has stops at many hotels across the country. Tourists normally report good experiences with this service.
For short in town trips some areas like Johannesburg and Cape Town have a reasonable bus service going to most major areas. These buses can be very full early mornings and late afternoons when workers return home.
A metered taxi is another option for travel. These cars are readily available and generally safe; however they can be quite expensive.
Mini "bus or van taxis are very cheap but they are more than often overloaded. The drivers are fearless and using them is not for the faint hearted.
A pricey, but convenient option for travel is a private transfer line. These will not only pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel; they will also pick you up and take you safely home when you have enjoyed an evening out on the town.
A rental is another fabulous option for traveling in South Africa. There are many rental agencies at hotels, airports and across the country. However, it is important to again remind you that sticking with reputable companies is the best way to go. Agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Budget are all readily available and offer customers the satisfaction of knowing if any problems arise while they are on the road, they wall immediately rectify the situation with a car exchange. All of these agencies have
About the Author:
Annette Hendley is a passionate traveler and lives in Gauteng South Africa with her husband and 2 children. You can find her traveling experience about Traveling to South Africa and many other destinations such as What to Do in Hermanus on Clivir.com.
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