| · Drive on the left hand side of the road in | | | | assistants who not only will fill your vehicle, but will |
| South Africa - similar to Ireland and the UK. Keep to | | | | check your oil, water and the pressure of your tyres |
| the left and overtake on the right hand side only. | | | | if you request it. Don't forget to tip your car |
| · Signposts and Road signs in South Africa | | | | attendant! |
| are written in English, so no language barrier there! | | | | · If these Petrol Stations have bathrooms |
| · It is important to plan your routes well in | | | | and restaurants on site, don't forget to use them on |
| advance - the best advice is to plan ahead! Invest in | | | | long journeys, if only to refresh yourselves and |
| a good quality road map of South Africa and have | | | | stretch those legs! |
| your travel route well researched. Also check out | | | | · Three types of vehicle fuel are for sale, |
| your route on other modes such as Google Maps or | | | | Leaded, Unleaded and Dual Fuel which may be used in |
| avail of a GPS or Sat Nav when reserving your car | | | | place of either. The South African Government sets |
| rental! | | | | and operates the price of fuel. |
| · Many of the National Routes between the | | | | · Note that you must carry your National |
| larger urban centres are of road toll type. Again, plan | | | | Drivers Licence with you at all times when driving |
| in advance as to what the toll fees are, and have | | | | (make sure it has a photograph!) - and it is also |
| your cash or credit card on hand to access the road! | | | | advised to have with you an International Driver's |
| · National Roads are under the auspices of | | | | Permit. |
| the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL). | | | | · Thoroughly check your vehicle for oil, |
| Road standards are generally of high standard, and | | | | water, and tyre pressure before leaving on a journey |
| are tarred. Obviously, the more rural your location, | | | | and remember to fully plan your route! |
| the standard of road will be that bit poorer, so be | | | | · If you need directions, it's probably best to |
| aware of this. For more information on road | | | | stop at a Fuel Station and enquire there. |
| conditions visit the AA South Africa website! | | | | · If travelling in poor visibility, do switch on |
| · Being such a vast country, you may not be | | | | your dipped headlights. |
| used to such long driving distances, so break up your | | | | · Drive with your doors locked and windows |
| journey and plan in advance as to where you are | | | | fully closed, most especially when stopping at traffic |
| going to stay. Let friends and family members at | | | | lights. |
| home know your movements and where you are | | | | · Always lock your vehicle doors if you leave |
| going to take an overnight stay. | | | | it, and be vigilant, especially when travelling in a |
| · If you stop to ask for directions, you may | | | | foreign country. Try to park in a well-lit area that has |
| need to be aware of some of the local lingo! Traffic | | | | plenty of traffic. |
| Lights are known as "Robots" - so if you are told to | | | | · Avoid travelling at night if possible, and in |
| go straight ahead at the very next "Robot", this is | | | | very remote areas. Don't pick up hitchhikers. |
| what they mean! | | | | · Don't drive if you are tired - share the |
| · Fuel Stations in the main operate a policy | | | | journey! |
| of being open for 24 hours. In the main they employ | | | | |