Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

Although about 30 airlines now fly to South Africa, it still isn't exactly a hub of international travel and the fares reflect that. Johannesburg International Airport remains the main international airport, but there are an increasing number of flights to Cape Town and a few to Durban. There's an airport departure tax of 6.00 for domestic flights, 10.00 for flights to regional (African) countries and 30.00 for other international flights. The tax is usually included in the ticket price.

Getting around

South Africa is geared towards travel by private car, with some very good highways but limited and expensive public transport. If you want to cover a lot of the country in a short time, hiring or buying a car might be necessary. If you don't have much money but have time to spare, you might organise lifts with fellow travellers and, if you don't mind a modicum of discomfort, there's an extensive network of minibus taxis, buses and trains.

Two major national bus operators cover the main routes and will usually be pretty comfortable. The hop-on hop-off Baz Bus is cheap and convenient for backpackers.

Visa information

Entry permits are issued free on arrival (at the airport and land crossings) to visitors on holiday from many Commonwealth and most western European countries, as well as Japan and the US. If you aren't entitled to an entry permit, you'll need to get a visa (also free) before you arrive. It's much less hassle when arriving by air if you arrive with a return air-ticket.