South Africa: How To Get Around

By Air – Domestic flights are numerous and connect most of the major towns and cities. It's a good option if you don't have a lot of time to see the whole country. Kulula.com offers some good rates. Click here for a good overview of all domestic airline services offered.

By Bus – There are several bus companies servicing the main towns of South Africa. They are generally very comfortable and luxurious and cheaper than flying. A reputable company is Intercape Mainliner. Their site has routes and prices as well as a route map. The Greyhound Bus Company is also a good option, although their web site isn't quite as easy to use. For budget travelers, the Baz Bus is an ideal way to get around. The company offers passes where you can get on and off whenever you want. It drops you off and picks you up at your hostel door.

By Train – The Blue Train is the ultimate in luxury train travel, the kind of experience which includes five forks and five knives in the place settings at breakfast. You have to book well in advance since this train ride is truly a legendary experience. It is certainly not about getting from A to B, the train has one basic route, from Pretoria to Cape Town. Blue train video

The Shosholoza Meyl is an excellent option to get around the country. A luxury train with many routes to choose from it is safe and inexpensive to boot.

By Car – South Africa is an excellent country to rent a car and plan your own trip. The roads are good, gas stations have gas and there are plenty of hotels and lodges to stay at along the way. Find out more about renting a car in South Africa by clicking here. You need a valid driver's license (get an international one if yours is not in English), and a major credit card.