Transport
Car: The options for getting around Southern
Africa are numerous. How you decide to get around depends
mostly on your time and money constraints. Car hire and
car buy-back is probably the easiest and most convenient
way to get around as it affords you independence to do as
you like.
Buses: The most convenient and flexible
of the scheduled transport is the BAZ BUS, a dedicated hop-on,
hop-off service that covers the mains tourist routes between
Cape Town and Durban, Durban and Swaziland and Durban and
Johannesburg. Other bus options include mainline coach companies
such as Intercape, Translux and Greyhound.
Minibus taxis: Minibus taxis operate throughout
Southern Africa and are quick and cheap. They are the only
form of transport for millions of the country’s black
population. Other South Africans feel daunted by this and
will discourage travelling by taxis. But amongst the many
black faces at taxi ranks and in taxis, you will spot the
odd white face of the carless commuter or US Peace Corps
volunteer that use taxis hassle free. Of course, there is
some research that goes into using taxis. Problems with
using taxis are the lack of schedules (taxis leave when
they are full), little written information at taxi ranks
(you’ll have to ask questions), inconveniently located
taxi ranks and not knowing where to get dropped off. The
biggest problem is that taxis are notorious for being overloaded
and unsafe. But, if you’re planning on using minibus
taxis elsewhere in Africa, South Africa will offer a beginner
lesson with the bonus being that you can always get help
from someone who speaks English.
Rail: For a more romantic and spacious
journey passenger-railways service many of the major centres
around Southern Africa. Some of the classic trips include
the Trans-Karoo between Johannesburg and Cape Town and the
old Steam Train between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. We
would only suggest that you travel with a companion. Also
do not skimp on the ticket. Go first class, preferably a
coupe that can be locked at night, as undesirables have
been known to steel luggage in the night.
For a day trip, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe (a narrow gauge
steam train) that operates between George and Knysna is
well worth the experience.
If you would like to splash out and have the budget to,
the legendry luxury Blue Train can offer a classic experience
comparable to such greats as the Orient Express.
For the more intrepid traveller, the 3-day train journey
between Zambia and Dar es Salaam on the Chinese-built TAZARA
line will not be easily forgotten. From Dar es Salaam you
are just an hour ferry trip away from the exotic spice island
of Zanzibar.
Money:
Currency can be easily and conveniently converted at most
banks and foreign exchange agencies. Banks are generally
open between 9am and 3.30 pm during the week and 8.30am
and 11am on Saturdays.
South Africa also has a wide network of ATM’s (Automatic
Teller Machines) where major credit and debit cards can
be used (Visa, Amex, Master Card and some Visa-electron
and Maestro). Find out from your hostel about safety of
using ATM’s in the area, as ATM fraud and theft is
a problem in some areas.
Some hostels and bed and breakfasts do also have in-house
credit card and ATM facilities. Do note however that there
may be a 4-7% charge by the lodge.
Telecommunications:
There are many public telephones spread across South Africa.
It might be wise to buy a phone card and keep it on you,
as many of the coin phones do not work due to vandalism.
There is also a wide cellular network, which covers 90%
of the populated areas of South Africa. South Africa uses
the GSM standard on 900mhz countrywide and 1800mhz in some
areas of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Most international
operators who use the GSM standard have roaming agreements
with local cellular networks. Check the rates between the
networks as roaming can be exorbitantly priced and the difference
in the local network call charges can be substantial. Optionally,
SIM cards can be bought cheaply, giving you a telephone
number to use on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. You
can send international text messages or ‘sms’
as we call it in South Africa affordably. As with anywhere
else in the world handset theft can be problematic.
To phone outside of South Africa (international) use 00
and then your country code, region code and then the number.
Do not insert the 0 before the region code to dial international….
e.g. England 00 44 ……
Cellular - www.vodacom.co.za
.... Land lines www.telkom.co.za
Internet:
Most of the larger towns and cities have internet cafes
with respectable connections to the web. Many hostels also
have access to the internet. Southern Africa has limited
international bandwidth so many major web-based e-mail sites
such as Hotmail and Yahoo can be exceptionally slow. This
is especially true outside of business hours when South
African net-surfers sign up to en-mass to take advantage
of lower call tariffs. Wi-Fi hotspots are becoming more
popular in the cities and in backpacker hostels.
Postal:
Post offices and agencies are generally open between 9am
and 3.30 pm during the week and 8.30am and 11am on Saturdays.
The postal service can be dreadfully slow if post is sent
as regular mail. The Post Office does offer a premium speed
service. Mail can also be received by means of Post Restante.
Health:
The two health matters you should be the most aware of
other than everyday health is AIDS and malaria. Both diseases
are by far the principal killers in Africa. If you are travelling
into a malaria area the necessary prophylactics are absolutely
essential and should be taken studiously to avoid any risk
of contracting the disease. If you have travelled in a malaria
area and you think you might have contracted malaria (the
symptoms are flu-like) then head off to the nearest doctor
or clinic to be tested. The sooner malaria is diagnosed
the better and more effective the treatment can be. The
best preventative for malaria is still is not to be bitten.
So take along your favourite repellent cocktail and do not
forget to apply it. There are a variety of repellents solutions
on sale in Southern Africa, from the more organic citronella-based
solutions to the synthetic DEET solutions.
Even more so than malaria, AIDS is best prevented than cured.
So if you are going to take part in the pleasures of the
flesh make sure to protect yourself. All blood in South
Africa is screened for HIV and Hepatitis so there is no
need to be concerned should you be in the unfortunate situation
of needing a transfusion. If you should need an injection
for anything, insist on a disposable needle opened in your
presence. Looking for more comprehensive information? Try
this page.
Safety:
Though South Africa does have a high crime rate simple
diligence and caution should help you stay clear of becoming
a crime victim. Ask your backpacker hostel or lodge for
advice before going out in order to gauge local conditions.
Whatever you do, do not fall prey to paranoia, as it is
sure to stifle the pleasure of your journey.
Drugs:
Drugs can be plentiful and easily gotten in many parts
of Southern Africa. A tour of the inner workings of the
South African justice system is not recommended as a memorable
experience so beware that in Southern Africa drugs are illegal
and penalties can be stiff. |
