South Africa is an incredible holiday destination – but with so much to see and do, you might be wondering how you’ll fit it all in. A lot of it comes down to travel – specifically, how you choose to travel around the country. There are various transportation options in South Africa, including buses, trains and taxis. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways you can travel around South Africa, so that you can get the most out of your time there.
Train
Travelling around South Africa by train is a popular option for people visiting the country. It’s one of the most comfortable ways to get from place to place. You can relax and enjoy watching the landscape through the window as you head to your next destination.
For example, the Blue Train is one of South Africa’s most luxurious ways to travel. With nineteen carriages and a capacity of up to eighty-two passengers, it’s definitely one of the best ways to travel around the country. With an onboard restaurant and lounges to unwind in, plus suites featuring double or twin beds, it’s really more like a hotel than a train.
A key benefit of train travel in South Africa is that once you’re onboard, you won’t have to worry about figuring out the route – you’ll know that train’s schedule when you book your tickets. This means that all you have to do is enjoy yourself, and appreciate the wonders of the South African landscape.
Buses
While buses might not be as comfortable as trains, they can be a useful option if you’re only travelling a short distance. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with bus routes before boarding, as there are a large number of bus companies throughout South Africa and it can be easy to get confused. However, if you’re travelling within a city and have a good idea of where you’re going, taking the bus is a quick and convenient choice. For longer journeys, however, you’re probably better off going by train.
Hiring a car
A rental car could be a good travel option if you’ve been on holiday to South Africa before and you’re familiar with the roads. However, it’s not recommended if you’re not sure about where you’re going, so if it’s your first time visiting South Africa, it’s probably a good idea to stick to public transport, as the pre-planned routes make it much harder to get lost.
With that said, renting a car can be beneficial to your holiday plans under the right circumstances. For example, if you like the idea of being able to set your own schedule instead of relying on one that’s been organised by a bus or train company, a car could be the answer to your problems. It also means that you’ll be able to visit areas that don’t appear on prearranged tour routes, so it’s definitely worth considering if you enjoy having the freedom to explore. Rural parts of South Africa tend to have limited bus services, so a car could be the best way to experience areas of the country that are not well-known to tourists.
