At five times the size of the United Kingdom, South Africa takes a little planning to navigate. Luckily, we know the perfect routes between the country’s bustling cities and sweeping countryside. And with impressive landscapes at every turn, exploring the country is so much more than just getting from A to B. When it comes to the transport in South Africa, we’re here to help eliminate any unwanted bumps in the road, so you can soak in the Rainbow Nation in all its glory.
By Plane
In a country so vast, exploring by plane is a convenient way to get around, allowing you to cover huge amounts of ground in a short space of time (not always essential, but great for those on a time crunch). And handily, South Africa has the continent's most widespread network of internal flights with routes connecting major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban – all international airports – as well as more remote spots like Mbombela, the gateway to Kruger National Park.
By Car
Whether you opt for private transfers or prefer to rent your own, travelling by car is essential for reaching South Africa’s remote national parks and reserves. The road system in South Africa is top tier (they even drive on the left side of the road which is handy for us Brits) and long drives are the perfect opportunity to soak in the stunning scenery. There’ll never be a dull driving moment here.
By Train
Train travel is a great alternative to flying and is one of the most eco-friendly forms of transport in South Africa. The iconic Blue Train is well worth experiencing if you can. This five-star hotel-on-wheels promises days of luxury and ample countryside views, with journeys from Pretoria to Cape Town (54 hours) and Kruger National Park (19 hours). The renowned Rovos Railway – which links the country’s finest destinations on epic 48-hour to 15-day journeys – is another route worth riding. The wood-panelled coaches are fabulously elegant and you’ll be treated to impeccable service and big views as you chug between stations.
By Bus
While tourists tend to opt for alternative forms of transport in South Africa, buses are a popular way to get around for locals. Routes connect the country’s major cities as well as more remote locations and buses are clean and comfortable (though not as time efficient as other modes of transport).
