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.
When looking to travel short in town distances, Johannesburg and Cape Town have an excellent bus line that travels to most major areas. However, it is important to note that these buses tend to be very crowded early in the morning and in the late afternoon as they are packed with workers returning home.
Metered taxis are readily available and mostly safe but very expensive.
A less expensive mode of transportation would be a mini-bus or van. However, these tend to be very overcrowded and have drivers who are fearless. So, don't take this ride if you are among the faint at heart.
Using a private transfer line is another option for travel in South Africa. While this mode of transportation is a little expensive, they will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel, or pick you up and take you safely home after enjoying a fun night 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.
When looking to travel short in town distances, Johannesburg and Cape Town have an excellent bus line that travels to most major areas. However, it is important to note that these buses tend to be very crowded early in the morning and in the late afternoon as they are packed with workers returning home.
Metered taxis are readily available and mostly safe but very expensive.
A less expensive mode of transportation would be a mini-bus or van. However, these tend to be very overcrowded and have drivers who are fearless. So, don't take this ride if you are among the faint at heart.
Using a private transfer line is another option for travel in South Africa. While this mode of transportation is a little expensive, they will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel, or pick you up and take you safely home after enjoying a fun night 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 lives in Gauteng South Africa and loves to explore new places in Southern Africia. She shares her personal travel experience about Travel to Southern Africa and many other places such as What to Do in Durban on Clivir.com.
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