Planning a Self-drive Holiday to Sunny South Africa
By Gerald Crawford
Travelling through South Africa by car can be a wonderful way of experiencing its natural beauty. South Africa has an excellent road network and almost all destinations are easily accessible by car.
We would advise you to keep your travelling under 400 kms per day to avoid fatigue.
It is important to note that, in Southern Africa, all vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road. So here is some driving tips:
Procedure at a 4 way stop:
If you are the only vehicle approaching the stop street, stop and make sure that there is no oncoming traffic before you proceed.
If there is another vehicle already at the stop street, it has the right of way.
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.
Procedure at a traffic light:
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 and the light is green, the approaching traffic has right of way. Wait for the approaching traffic to pass before you proceed.
If you are turning left and the light is green, you may proceed.
If the traffic light turns amber, slow down and stop.
Identifying arrows at a traffic light:
A flashing green arrow indicates you may turn in the direction indicated.
A flashing red arrow on your left indicates that you may turn if no other traffic is approaching.
A steady red or green arrow indicates that you may proceed with caution.
When traffic lights are out of order, please treat the intersection as a four way stop.
Approaching a traffic circle:
Always yield to the right at a traffic circle.
Vehicles already in the traffic circle and those vehicles entering the circle on your right have the right of way.
Proceed with caution only once all vehicles on your right have passed.
Note that all vehicles already in the circle have right of way.
Parking:
It is illegal to park a vehicle on the opposite side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
Fuel Costs:
Every first Wednesday of every month the fuel price goes up, occasionally coming down. Fuel prices has gone up by 25% in any given month - to give you an idea of possible inflation. Petrol basically used to cost about US$ 0,40/l ; now costing US$ 0,82/l. But in ZAR the fuel price currently (7 March 2007) stands at R5,99/L. In June 1999 the price was R2,23.
That is equal to an average of 13,9% increase year on year! This is the minimum real inflation, not the 5,6% the government claims! If inflation was actually 5 -6%, why did government increase projected state income consistently with12% with the Feb 2005/6/7Budgets??
Zimbabwe is now cheaper than SA if you can get it as they get it from us and are not paying atrocious levies - it is a battle to get both diesel and petrol though. Zambia is about 10% more than SA.
Drivers Licences:
You DO NOT need an international licence if you stay for shorter than 1 year. All you need is a document that is identifiable as a licence. You do have to have your licence with you at all times that you are driving though atherwise you might get fined.
please note the following though as we can't stress it too much:
1. Driving long distances at night is out. There is an amazingly huge number of drunk people staggering across the road in cities which result in an accident.
2. Depending on the region, goats and cows are famous for walking on roads where there are no streetlamps.
3. Take note of broken glass lying on the ground when waiting at a red traffic light, also when parking your car. This means that a window was broken out to steal a wallet/handbag from the frontseat or dashboard. When parking your car at your accommodation, make sure they have inside parking, parking it in front of the hostel is not good enough.
Visas:
It is highly recommended that you determine your visa requirements before you begin traveling. South Africas neighboring states, including Namibia, Swaziland , Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe all have individual visa regulations. It is best to check with each countrys consulate about your visa requirements before you embark upon your journey.
Have fun in South Africa.
Gerald
About the Author
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za