Whether by plane, train or automobile, there are many ways of getting around South Africa. When travelling through the country, many opt for a quick hop on the plane to get to their destination, especially since most trips combine a safari through the Kruger National Park in the north-east, and a beach holiday in Cape Town, in the southwest. In addition to flying, there are many other exciting ways of getting round and about.
On Arrival
Coming to South Africa from overseas, it is very likely you will land at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From here the go-to mode of transport is often the Gautrain.
Opening in 2012, Gautrain is a rapid transit railway system offering an alternate for locals commuting between Johannesburg and Pretoria, with buses departing to and from the various stations.
On the plus side, the stations are centrally located, and taking the train beats sitting in traffic and paying tolls. On the downside it is pricey, does not run after 9pm and is sometimes hampered by delays due to cable theft!
Take a Taxi
There are lots more methods of transportation you can try out. In Johannesburg and Cape Town Über taxis are gaining popularity as a preferred method.
The Über taxi service is run through an app downloaded on your phone, with central operations run by the company. Individual cars – which range from modest to luxury makes – are owned and managed by the drivers.
For a more hands-on, local experience, the mini-bus taxi is a quick, cheap and easy way of getting around, and used by a large portion of the population. However, stick to using these during the day, and be prepared for some hairy driving. Standard cabs are also available, but are a lot more expensive.
Go In Style
If you are taking in both the north and south of the country, a great alternative travel method is the Blue Train, which steams through 1600kms of diverse countryside, between Cape Town and Pretoria.
The five-star “hotel on wheels” offers a butler service, two lounge cars, an observation car and luxury en-suite compartments.
The blue in the name of this train, one of the most luxurious in the world, is derived from the blue-painted steel carriages introduced in 1937, fourteen years after its inception in 1923. The carriages were upgraded in 1997 to provide the opulent experience travellers indulge in today.
By Bus
Various buses run through the cities, and have their good and their bad days.
Cape Town recently introduced the MyCiTi bus system, which has locals and foreigners raving, proving to be both efficient and economical.
For a bus trip that is more than just a means of getting around, look no further than the City Sightseeing Hop On – Hop Off buses, which enable you to explore a couple of South Africa’s top cities at your own pace.
In Cape Town, different tours will take you to Table Mountain, the District Six Museum, Kirstenbosch Gardens, St. George’s Cathedral and Camps Bay, among others; while Johannesburg’s tours include places such as Gold Reef City, the Apartheid Museum, Orlando Towers, the Newtown Precinct and Constitution Hill.
It is a fantastic and enlightening way of discovering South Africa and unravelling its rich history.
Road Trip
The best way to tailor-make your trip is hiring a car. It will give you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Road tripping is a must in South Africa. From north to south or east to west, you will you be awe-struck at the ever-changing scenery unfolding before you, whether traversing the arid beauty of the Karoo or the lush splendour of the Garden Route.
Several game reserves, meanwhile, allow you to self-drive, enabling you to embark on a personal safari and watch wildlife at your leisure, while still having the option of joining guided safaris in a 4×4.
Touring on Two Wheels
Another quick and easy way of getting around is hiring a scooter, allowing to you to zip through traffic with the wind in your hair.
If you’ve brought your bicycle along (if not, you can easily rent one) be sure to join Cape Town’s monthly Moonlight Mass, when cyclists pedal through the city by the light of the full moon, accompanied by a smattering of skateboarders.
In Johannesburg, you can join the Critical Mass Moonlight ride, which also takes you through the city by night in view of the full moon.
A Bird’s Eye View
It may not be a way of getting around, but it is a wonderful opportunity to absorb the stunning landscapes of South Africa.
From sweeping over the verdant midlands and majestic Drakensberg mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal to the breath-taking Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga and the tumultuous Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape, it is an astounding way to marvel at nature.
Back to Basics
When you feel like a wander, you can always walk. There are an infinite number of ways to appreciate this pastime, from a stroll on the Golden Mile in Durban to hiking up Lion’s Head in Cape Town.
Whether you are merely trying to get from A to Z, or take in more of what the country has to offer, there are myriad ways of getting around South Africa that will reveal so much more of the magnificence it holds.
Featured image by bluetrain.co.za
