Cape Town, found on South Africa’s southwest coast, is the country’s legislative capital. From its incredible geography and wildlife, which ranges from Table Mountain to the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and from baboons to great white sharks, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa.
Here at Holiday Cars, we will offer you some advice on how to drive in Cape Town and its nearby areas. Whether you want to drive out and see some of the amazing wildlife for yourself, or simply explore what the city has to offer, we’ve got you covered for your visit to Cape Town.
How to Plan Your Route and Avoid Traffic in Cape Town
Driving Rules and Regulations in South Africa
There are several rules and regulations surrounding driving in Cape Town, and indeed, South Africa:
General Rules and Regulations
- Cars drive on the left and overtake on the right. This is the same as in the UK, but the opposite in the USA and many European countries.
- If you are involved in a road traffic accident (RTA), then call the police on 10111. If you need an ambulance, you should call 10177. The fire brigade can be reached on 10999.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in South Africa.
- The blood alcohol limit in Cape Town is the same as in the rest of South Africa: 0.05%. However, for professional drivers (such as taxi drivers, bus drivers, lorry drivers and the like), this limit is 0.02%. You should never drink and drive, no matter how little you have had.
- You must wear a seatbelt at all times when the vehicle is moving. You can be fined anywhere from R250 (£10.95) to R500 (£21.89) for not wearing a seatbelt. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
Speed Limits in South Africa
The speed limits in South Africa, like most speed limits throughout the world, vary depending on a range of circumstances – from the type of road, whether or not it is an urban setting, national park or more. It is also important to remember that speed limits are displayed in km/h (kilometres per hour), not mph (miles per hour) like in the UK, USA and a select few other countries. We have provided a handy conversion rate for the most common speed limits in South Africa below:
- In Cape Town CBD (Central Business District): 30km/h (19mph)
- Urban areas: 60km/h (37mph)
- Rural areas: 100km/h (62mph)
- Freeways: 120km/h (75mph)
How to Navigate Toll Roads in South Africa
There is one toll road near Cape Town, called Chapman’s Peak Drive. The toll is currently R37 (£1.62) for vehicles to use. Various payment methods are accepted, including cash, card, and mobile phone payments.
There are also several other toll roads in South Africa as a whole. In fact, approximately 19% of the country’s major road network is made up of toll roads. This is to keep them in good condition.
The majority of the toll roads are paid using cash, so it is a good idea to carry some cash with you – the currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. However, some tolls now accept e-payments via card, or mobile phone payments, which can be paid after you have parked up after using the toll road.
Tips for Driving in Cape Town
Navigation: Cape Town is a popular city, and can become congested, particularly in the peak tourism season in the summer. Therefore, we recommend using a navigation system such as a sat-nav or Google/Apple Maps to find your way around the city.
Rush Hours: Avoid rush hour in Cape Town as it can be chaotic on the roads. This usually falls between 07:30–09:00 and 16:00–19:00 during the week. Outside of these times makes for much quieter driving in Cape Town.
Alcohol Driving Limit: While the blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for regular drivers, and 0.02% for professionals, it is always best to not drive at all if you have had any alcohol, no matter how much or how little. Use public transport or a taxi instead. You should also be careful the morning after if you have consumed a large amount of alcohol the night before.
Vehicle Type: The type of vehicle that you might want to hire in Cape Town can depend on your reason for visiting. If you are planning on some long road trips, then a larger vehicle may be a more attractive option. However, if you just need a car to drive around the city, then something smaller may be more suited to your needs.
Parking Options and Tips in Cape Town
Parking in South Africa
Cape Town has some unusual (or rather, unique) parking systems compared to other countries, particularly compared to countries in Europe and North America. In specialist parking garages, there are dedicated car parking attendants, known as car guards. These people will offer to guard your vehicle against any carjackers or criminals while you are out of your vehicle. Therefore, it is customary to tip them. Usually, a 5 Rand (£0.22) tip is sufficient, and gives you the peace of mind that your car will be protected.
Parking in Cape Town
There are several public car parks in Cape Town, which often require a fee to enter. However, on top of this fee, it is customary to tip a car guard, so make sure that you have enough spare cash to be able to do so.
Car Hire Services and Prices in Cape Town
There are numerous car hire companies that operate from downtown Cape Town, including big names in the industry such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Tempest. There are numerous cars to choose from, too – all of which suit different drivers and their needs. For example, a small car like a Suzuki Swift can be hired for £14.82 per day, while larger cars like a Toyota Urban Cruiser can be hired for around £31.54 per day.
Cape Town Airport and Car Hire Facilities
Cape Town International Airport lies 20km from downtown Cape Town and can be reached in around 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Picking up your hire car from Cape Town International Airport is good advice, as most of the car hire suppliers in Cape Town also have offices here, and it also gives you the flexibility to explore areas near to the airport, and not just in Cape Town itself. By booking through a reliable comparison site such as HolidayCars.com, you can rest assured knowing that you are getting the very best deals available to suit you and all of your car hire needs.