Howto get around SA

Ok there is a slight problem in terms of public transport, we don’t have the infrastructure that you might be accustomed to in terms of London or New York. But yes we are making an effort to get there. In joburg we have started developing high speed rail links called the Gau-train. Initially and hopefully by the world cup in 2010 you will be able to use this to get from the airport to Pretoria, Sandton and Joburg city. There rest of the public transport is pretty non-existent or dangerous, so what can I say? You better hire a car. A entry level car will probably set you back between R100-R200 a day excluding petrol (10-20 US$). A number of companies provide rentals like Imperial, Tempest, Budget etc. If you worried you won’t know how to get around, bring your GPS along, I think they might even rent them out at the airport.

 

If you set on the public transport, then you will need to put up with the mini-bus taxi. This is generally the Toyota Hi-ACE. You will see people pulling fingers along the side of the road. No it’s not a zap sign, it means something for the taxi driver indicating where you want to go. Ask them for help, ensure the mini bus you are about to climb into has a steering wheel and the tyres are on : ), I am serious, hire a car!

 

To get between cities use your hired car or fly. The national roads are in quite good shape, so this is an option. Else you can fly. The following airlines fly locally: Kulula, SAA, Mango, 1-Time or British Airways. You can book online for all these airlines, pay with your Visa or MasterCard and pick up your ticket at the airport.