South Africa is bordered by 6 countries - Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
In order to take a rental vehicle across a border into Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia or Swaziland you need to have a letter of authority from Lekker Camper. Travel into Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia & Zimbabwe is currently not allowed.
Most countries impose a cross border charge - for Namibia this is currently R140 for the vehicle and R90 for a trailer. Note that prices are subject to change, so if you are tight on cash then check with the appropriate tourist information service before you go.
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There are over 800 campsites around South Africa. Having rented a Lekker Camper, you should have no problem in finding great and cheap accommodation all over Southern Africa. Lekker Camper provide an up-to-date campsite guide with all campervan rentals.
If you are travelling in South Africa holiday season then it may be advisable to pre-book some of your campsites, particularly in the more popular areas. If you need assistance with bookings then we at Lekker Camper are happy to help.
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Drinking water is generally safe & palatable across all of South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland & Namibia unless specifically stated to the contrary. If in doubt then ask a local. If still in doubt drink bottled water which is available at most shops, cafes, restaurants & service stations. If this is not available then you may consider using water purification tablets.
Always carry plenty of water when travelling as distances between service stations and shops can be very far and long. Never underestimate how long a journey may actually take you!
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Drive on the left-hand side in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. The majority of roads in South Africa are of good quality tarmac and link all major areas of the country. Be careful after a rainy spell as the roads are very slippery. Also watch out for other drivers - there are many unroadworthy vehicles around and driving skills aren't always 100%.
speed limits
may be indicated, otherwise:
- Urban freeways 80km/h
- Open freeways 120km/h
- Built-up areas 60km/h
SPEED KILLS - There are speed cameras that do work and traffic police are often hiding in a ditch at the side of the road to catch you out so ...don't speed!, especially in towns, where if you don't get caught out by the police it is quite possible that you could run over an animal, child or drunkard.
ALWAYS CARRY YOUR DRIVING LICENCE WITH YOU WHEN DRIVING. It is a legal requirement and the police will not allow you to continue driving if you are found without one.
Please note that the law is always subject to change.
-
DO NOT DRINK + DRIVE - Currently the legal blood/alcohol limit is 0.05mg p/100ml - approx. 2 drinks (although have 1 or none to be on the safe side)
-
NO MOBILE PHONES - It is against the law to use your cell phone whilst driving. Pull over before dialling out or answering a call or text
-
SEATBELTS PLEASE! - It is compulsory for both drivers + passengers to wear their seatbelts
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The below distances are in kms:
| Bloemfontein |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1004 |
Cape Town |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 634 |
1753 |
Durban |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 586 |
1099 |
679 |
East London |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 869 |
438 |
1317 |
638 |
George |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 398 |
1402 |
630 |
1002 |
1285 |
Johannesburg |
|
|
|
|
|
| 177 |
962 |
811 |
780 |
824 |
472 |
Kimberley |
|
|
|
|
| 932 |
629 |
1254 |
575 |
63 |
1351 |
887 |
Knysna |
|
|
|
| 743 |
506 |
1377 |
575 |
60 |
1170 |
698 |
123 |
Oudtshoorn |
|
|
| 968 |
665 |
1218 |
538 |
99 |
1387 |
923 |
36 |
159 |
Plettenberg Bay |
|
| 677 |
769 |
1003 |
324 |
314 |
1099 |
1138 |
251 |
374 |
215 |
Port Elizabeth |
| 456 |
1460 |
636 |
1040 |
1229 |
58 |
530 |
1417 |
1199 |
1348 |
1133 |
Pretoria |
| 570 |
1314 |
445 |
234 |
872 |
862 |
747 |
809 |
932 |
773 |
558 |
920 |
Umtata |
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Electrical appliances are run on 220/240 volts, 50Hz. Outlets are of the round, 3-pin type.
There are very occasional spells of powercuts, so it may be advisable to carry a small torch if you are scared of the dark! Most campsites should have backup generators.
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Due to extreme dry climate across Southern Africa at certain times of the year (usually the dry summer months) there are fire restrictions. These are usually advertised on the radio or on boards by the road so keep an eye out. Please do take heed of fire restrictions, as fire is a huge problem in Southern Africa that destroys forests, animal habitats and homes.
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