Question 1

Do I need an international driving permit?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid UK driving licence to be permitted to drive a hire car in South Africa. If you have an older, paper UK driving licence, you must also have another form of photographic ID, such as your passport, and you should also get a type 1968 international driving permit (IDP) before you travel. You may need to show a type 1968 IDP to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident. If you do not already have one, you can get one in person at the Post Office. They cost a fee, and to get one, you must live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, hold a full UK driving licence and be 18 or over. If you already have one, please check its validity. A type 1968 IDP lasts for three years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.

Question 2

How safe are the roads in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Route 62 and the Garden Route, as well as all other roads in South Africa, are considered relatively safe. However, you should also adhere to the most important rules while travelling these roads. Do not leave any valuables in your car, lock the doors of your hire car even when driving and, if possible, do not stop directly on the side of the road. You should also avoid driving at night.

Question 3

What safety instructions do I need to follow in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Before your trip, be sure to find out about the travel and security information from the FCDO's website and follow the advice below to avoid risky situations as much as possible.

General:
- Always exercise caution, especially in city centres after dark, and do not visit townships on your own.
- To minimise the risk of injury should you be mugged, do not resist.

Important documents:
- Keep originals in the safe in your hotel room and carry certified copies and/or digital copies with you.

Handbags and valuables: 
- Avoid carrying large and valuable handbags.
- Do not carry unnecessary valuables with you, and keep your mobile devices stored out of sight.

Credit card, payment and cash withdrawals: 
- Make cashless payments if possible and do not let your credit card out of your sight when paying.
- Only carry the cash you need for the day.
- Only withdraw money from cashpoints in shopping centres, supermarkets or banks, not on the street.
- Don't let strangers watch you, and hide your PIN.

Car trips: 
- Always keep the windows closed and doors locked from the inside.
- Don't drive after dark. Use an Uber instead.
- Be aware of your surroundings when waiting in heavy traffic and keep sufficient distance from other vehicles.
- Keep luggage and valuables out of sight when transporting them, for example, in your boot, and make sure even your mobile can't be seen from the outside.
- Use guarded parking spaces if possible.
- Never leave valuables visible in the car.

Police checks: 
- The police are not allowed to collect fines in cash on the spot. If you're asked to pay in cash, remain calm and friendly, ask for proof or politely insist on settling the matter at the nearest police station. If you feel threatened, play it safe –  your safety comes first. If possible, make a note of the officer's name and service number or car number plate, time and place. Report the incident later to the corruption hotline: 0800 00 28 70.

Uber: 
- Use Uber when travelling after dark.
- Do not wait on roadside but rather in a building and then get directly into the vehicle.
- Use the app's existing safety functions in the evening.

Question 4

What's 'load shedding' in South Africa all about?

Accepted Answer

Since 2007, South Africa has been subjecting its citizens to daily interruptions of the electricity supply. These power cuts last at least two hours each time they occur and can happen multiple times in a day. These blackouts are deliberately caused to counteract the power shortage in the country. This practice is known as 'load shedding'.

Where and for how long the power is switched off follows a system that involves several stages. This means that there will never be a simultaneous power cut throughout the country. To find out exactly when the power will be cut in the area you're currently in, we recommend downloading the EskomSePush (ESP) app.

Large shopping centres, restaurants and supermarkets usually have generators so that they can continue to operate during a power outage. The situation is similar for large hotels. In smaller accommodation options, such as guesthouses or holiday homes, you may well have to make do without power for several hours.

In general, you should always be prepared for a power cut wherever you are. Make sure you charge all your devices and use a power bank for your mobile phone. Switch off all lights and devices that you were using at the time of the power cut. Remember that lifts can also fail if the power is cut. It's also best to always keep some cash with you in case you suddenly lose the ability to pay with card. However, you don't have to worry about being left in the dark in most accommodation options, as most of them have rechargeable lamps.

It's also extremely important to note that when driving during a round of load shedding, the traffic lights will also stop working. If you find yourself at a junction with three other vehicles when this happens, everyone driving must first come to a full stop, then allow whoever got to the junction first to continue through and then take turns in the order in which each driver arrived.

Question 5

What should I bear in mind when driving in Kruger National Park?

Accepted Answer

In Kruger National Park, you're only allowed to drive 25 mph (40 km/h) on sandy roads and a max. of 31 mph (50 km/h) on paved roads. Remember that the animals always have the right of way! Leaving the car is not permitted at any time, and feeding the animals is prohibited. Be sure to check the park’s opening hours and make your way back in good time. The opening hours are different depending on the month, so find out when the park closes before you visit.

Question 6

Is there anything to consider when choosing clothing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as you will often be out in nature, you should have clothes with you that cover your arms and legs to protect you from mosquitoes or from thorn bushes should you go on any hikes. Always take something warm with you (such as a jacket or thick jumper) as it may cool down in the evening/at night. When you go on a safari, always dress as inconspicuously as possible. Neutral colours are a sure bet.

Question 7

When's the best time to visit South Africa?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit South Africa is between March and May and August and October. During these months, the South African climate is generally the most pleasant and the dry air cools down at night, ensuring mild temperatures.

Question 8

What currency do I need in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

In South Africa, you'll be paying for things in South African rand (ZAR). You can either exchange some money for rand before travelling or do this locally. You can use a credit card to easily withdraw money in many places in South Africa – especially in the big cities – or make direct payments in shops or restaurants. Before departing on your trip, please check with your bank to find out what fees may be charged for card payments or cash withdrawals made abroad.

Question 9

Do the entry requirements also apply to my nationality?

Accepted Answer

The passport and visa requirements listed under ‘Visa and health’ apply to UK nationals. If you hold a different nationality, please check to see if you can meet the entry requirements before booking a trip. Whether you're a UK national or not, please inform us of your nationality when booking. We will then check the requirements that apply to you and inform you of the necessary measures to take (if any). If it is not possible to apply for the necessary visa or entry documents in time, we reserve the right to cancel the trip.

Important: Depending on your nationality, you may be required to obtain a letter of invitation for entry. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with one.

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