I’ve done both.
- The biggest issue I had was leaving the airport (tons of roads going in every direction with multiple forks and bad signage). Review your route via google maps first and have a navigator and you’ll be fine.
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It is @ a 4-5 hour drive, depending on which park entrance you are going to.
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Expect some police stops/road blocks further out in the countryside. Double check that you have the safety items (triangle, etc.) in your car when the agency has you inspect the car. The police will ask you for them, if you are stopped.
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Note that some of the towns along the way have major crime issues and driving habits may be very different to what you are used to. Due to driving conditions, I’d ONLY drive during daylight.
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Don’t let your gas tank go below half-full, sometimes there are long distances between gas stations.
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The tolls outside of JNB have have booths to pay cash, so no problem, but in JNB, some of the toll roads don’t have booths - so email/call your rental agency to confirm that your car will have a transponder. At the toll booths, you can either use the transponder or “close” it and pay cash. Keep your toll receipts.
You’ll have a wild and incredible time - enjoy!
