ROAD TRAVEL

A large country with long distances between its major cities, South Africa has an extensive road network which, with about 750 000 kilometres of road, is the longest road network of any country in Africa. National roads, designated by the prefix “N” on route signs, provide the links between cities and regions on 9,600km of surfaced roads. This network extends along a number of primary routes:

The N1 stretched from Cape Town through Bloemfontein, Johannesburg and Tshwane to Musina on the Zimbabwe Border. The N2 stretches along the eastern seaboard of South Africa from Cape Town through Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban to the Mozambique border. The N7 runs through the western region from Cape Town to Namibia, and the N4 links the Gauteng region to Durban.

A number of the national roads across the country are tolled, with cash or credit card payments accepted at toll-booths. Information on tolled road sections and prices can be found on the National Road Agency website www.nra.co.za. Up to date information on road maintenance programmes with traffic restrictions can be found on the site.

The regional road network, with the prefix “R”, links cities and areas regionally whilst metropolitan routes have the prefix “M”.

All 2009 FCC host cities are well served by both national and regional road providing easy access between areas and to the many tourism destinations throughout the country. South Africa has good roads by international standards, and the standard of road engineering, construction, maintenance and management is a real testament to the level of infrastructure expertise that the country enjoys.

See map below for how the 4 host cities are interlinked by road travel and the estimated distance from each venue to the other.

Travelers should be aware that driving is on the left side of the road and vehicles are right hand drive.

 

Tips for drivers on road travel in South Africa:

When approaching a four way stop, always take note of the following procedure:
If you are the only vehicle at the stop street, stop, look both sides, then proceed.
If there is another vehicle already at the stop street, it has the right of way.
Proceed once the other vehicle has Ieft the intersection.
If you stop at the same time as another vehicle, common courtesy applies and either vehicle may proceed first.
Always ensure that your vehicle comes to a complete stop before you proceed.

 

When approaching a traffic light, always take note of the following procedure:

If the light is green, you may proceed. It is always advisable to slow down at a green light and check for approaching traffic.
If you are turning right, the approaching traffic has the right of way. Wait for the approaching traffic to pass and proceed.
If you are turning left and the light is green, you may do so, but always check for approaching traffic.
If approaching a traffic light and the light turns amber, please slow down as amber indicates the light will soon be turning red. Never try to speed up and pass through an amber light, always stop until the light turns green again.

 

Identifying arrows at a traffic light:

A flashing green arrow indicates you may turn in the direction indicated by the arrow.
A flashing red arrow on your left indicates that you may turn, should no other traffic be turning left. This arrow must treated as a yield.
A steady red or green arrow indicates you may proceed with caution.
When traffic lights are out of order, please treat the intersection as a four way stop.
Refer to the above procedure

 

Approaching a traffic circle:

Always yield at a traffic circle.
Yield to vehicles already in the traffic circle and those vehicles entering the circle on your right.
Once all vehicles have passed your right hand side, proceed with caution.
Please note that all vehicles already in the circle always have the right of way.

 

Parking:

It is illegal to park a vehicle on the opposite side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

 

Fuel in South Africa

Types of Fuel Available:

Leaded and unleaded fuel is available throughout the country. Please always ensure you ask for the highest octane fuel depending on the region you are visiting. Most 4x4 vehicles use diesel fuel.

 

The following octane fuels are available:

Inland regions of South Africa - 93 or 95 octane.
Coastal regions - 95 or 97 octane.
If you are in any way unsure of what fuel to use, ask the petrol attendant at the service station to assist you. Purchasing fuel in South Africa may only be purchased with cash. Fuel may not be purchased on credit card or by cheque. Fuel is always set at a fixed Government controlled price.

 

Service Stations:

The service at a petrol station is not self-service. A petrol attendant will assist you. Tipping is at your own discretion. Remember to always ask the attendant to check the oil, water and tyre pressure for a safe and trouble free journey.

 

Vehicle Radios:

Major South African radio stations have been pre-selected on your vehicle radio, simply press numbers 1 to 5 for choice.

 

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