AIR TRANSPORT

International Flights
Increased competition from major European airlines has put pressure on South African Airways (SAA) and British Airways (BA) to reduce fares from the UK to South Africa. SAA and BA both signed a co-operation agreement between London–Johannesburg. Both airlines fly Boeing 747 (the "Jumbo Jet") and offer economy, business and first class accommodation. There are over 48 direct flights from London Heathrow Airport to South Africa on a weekly basis: -

South African Airways - 19 non-stop flights connect London and South Africa every week, 12 non-stop flights to Johannesburg and seven non-stop flights to Cape Town per week.

British Airways has 13 non-stop flights to Johannesburg and six non-stop flights to Cape Town per week,

Virgin Atlantic Airlines has seven non-stop flights to Johannesburg per week, and one non-stop flight to Cape Town per week.

South African Airways:
St George’s House, 61 Conduit Street, London W1R 0NE, Telephone: 0870 4741111
Contact Marketing Manager: Russel Barlow-Jones

British Airways:
155 Regent Street, London, W1R 5TA Tel: 01293 722631 Fax: 0171 828 1742
Contact: Sharon McBroom, Marketing Manager

Virgin Atlantic Airways
Griffin House, High Street, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1DQ Tel: 01293 747322
Contact: Mr Ian Wilkins, Retail & Leisure Sales Manager

Domestic flights
Due to the distances involved, travellers will probably need to use one or more of the various domestic connections available. Services operate to all the key points in South Africa at least daily. Domestic flights are flown by SAA, SAA subsidiary airlines, SA Airlink, and SA Express and British Airways’ domestic partner, Comair. It is advisable to book domestic flights in conjunction with international reservations, for instance to obtain the cheaper "Africa Explorer" combi-tariff which offers a choice of four minimum or eight onward connections, not only within South Africa but also to Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique.
Furthermore SAA takes reservations for safari operators, with connections to Skukuza, Hoedspruit or Richards Bay for stop-overs in the Game Reserves.

Tip:
As an alternative to driving the 460 km. from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park, travellers can take a South African Express flight, which are operated several times daily to Skukuza or Hoedspruit (only 50 km to Kruger Park). This frequent flight allows for short-term planning.

British Airways/Comair also offer domestic flights, bookable in Europe through British Airways (Johannesburg - Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Windhoek, Victoria Falls and Harare).

Sabena Nationwide (Johannesburg - Cape Town, - George, -Durban).

British-Airways/Comair: P O Box 7015, Bonaero Park 1622, Tel: 011/921 0222, Fax 011/973 3913;
Sabena Nationwide: P O Box 130, Johannesburg International Airport 1627, Tel. 011/390 1660, Fax 011/970 1556;
National Airlines: P O Box 64, Cape Town International Airport 7525, Tel :021/934 0350, Fax 021/934 3373.

Airports
Johannesburg International Airport is the most South African gateway offering both domestic, African regional and international onward connections. The separate terminals for domestic and international flights are closely connected and it is easy to walk from one to the other. The airport building offers excellent service facilities such as a SATOUR Information Office situated in the Arrivals Hall, a choice of restaurants, banks, a chemist, tax refund centre and good shopping opportunities.

Tip: Due to the pre-departure rush passengers travelling economy class on inter-continental services (UK-South Africa and vice versa) are asked to check-in at least two hours before take off.
There are three more airports near Johannesburg for domestic flights and private use: Johannesburg Grand Central Airport in the Midrand, Johannesburg-Lanseria in Randburg and Johannesburg Rand Airport in Germiston.
Cape Town is another important international airport, and is now featured as a non-stop service from London by SAA, BA and Virgin Atlantic. UK passengers heading for Durban now have to take an onward domestic flight from Johannesburg. Other international airports, though not served non-stop from London are Port Elizabeth, Mmabatho, Nelspruit and Pietersburg.
Johannesburg International has daily flights to the following destinations: Bloemfontein, Durban, East London, Gaborone, George, Harare, Hoedspruit, Kimberley, Margate, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa, Pietermaritzburg, Pietersburg, Plettenberg Bay, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Skukuza, Sun City, Umtata, Windhoek; several times weekly connections are to: Maputo, Maseru, Mmabatho, Ulundi, Victoria Falls.

Airport Shuttles
Regular bus links are operated from the international airports to the cities:
Johannesburg: Airport Bus (every 30 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm), Tel.: 011/974 6561; Airport Link, Tel.: 011/792 2017, Fax: 011/792 2103; Airport Shuttle (hourly to Pretoria) Tel: 012/323 1222;
Cape Town: Airport Shuttle Service, Tel.: 021/934 5455, Fax: 021/934 5448;
Airport Taxi Service, Tel.: 021/99 2834;
Durban: Airport Bus Service, Tel.: 0331/42 6111;
Airport Travel Services, Tel.: 031/304 8582; Fax: 031/304 51222.
Most airports have taxis or other private shuttle services available; first class hotels offer their guests shuttle bus transfers. At least car rental agent is represented at the airports.

8.2 RAIL

The National rail network (Spoornet) - with a total of 32,000 km rail, of which 23,000 km are electrified - is predominantly used for freight transportation (coal, ore). There are passenger commuter services in the larger cities, however, due to personal security factors, commuter services in the Johannesburg area should not be used by tourists. Cape Town’s services to Simons Town and Stellenbosch etc. are fairly suitable for visitors. The main passenger train services for tourists have names (name trains) and normally travel once a day between major cities. Journeys can be rather slow.

TRAINS from to (via) departure duration (hours)

JOHANNESBURG
Algoa Port Elizabeth (Bloemfontein) daily 19
Amatola East London (Bloemfontein) " ex. Sat. 20
Bulawayo Bulawayo (Botswana) Tu. 25
Komati Komatipoort-Maputo (Nelspruit) daily 16 .5
Trans-Natal Durban (Pietermaritzburg) daily 13 .5

PRETORIA
Diamond Express Bloemfontein daily ex. Sat. 15
Trans-Karoo Pretoria-Cape Town (Kimberley) daily 26

CAPE TOWN
Southern Cross Cape Town-Port Elizabeth (George) Fr. 24
Port Elizabeth-Cape Town (George) Sun. 24

DURBAN
Trans-Oranje Cape Town (Bloemfontein/Kimberley) We. 36
Cape Town -Durban (Bloemf. - Kimb.) Mo. 36

The first class carriages offer coupés for two people and compartments for four, yet can be booked for sole use at a nominal surcharge. The second class provides for three and six persons respectively. Each unit has a washbasin, folding table and a power socket for electric razors. All first class carriages have toilets and showers whilst all second class have toilets; only the more modern types have showers. Dining cars are found on all long distance routes. Reservations for first and second class must be made at least 24 hours before departure. Third class tickets (cheaper and up to six persons per compartment) do not require reservations. Most long distance trains run by night, the fare includes the sleeper. Bedding and breakfast can be booked in advance (a surcharge is paid on board) .
The train fares for Johannesburg - Cape Town:
1st. class R 340, 2nd. class R 230 , Compartment rental 1. class R 1,173,
2nd. class R 1,191, Coupè rental 1st. class R 587 2nd. class R 596.
Children under seven years of age accompanied by an adult, travel free of charge, seven-12 years at half the fare, senior citizens receive a discount of 25 per cent Mondays to Thursdays except during peak hours ( only first and second class). A slight discount is offered on rail passes of five, eight, 12 or 16 days, valid for travel within 21 days and two months.
Information and reservations: Johannesburg: 011/773 2944, Cape Town 021/ 499 3871.

8.2.1. Luxury trains

Blue Train
Reservations: Blue Train Reservations, P O Box 2671, Joubert Park 2044, Tel. 012 334 8459, Fax: 012-334 8464.

Luxury trains were introduced in earlier years to take passengers arriving by sea in Cape Town on their onward journeys to Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Blue Train’s first trip was in 1946. The service was renewed in 1972 and completely renovated in 1997, probably making it the world’s most famous luxury train. It is fully air-conditioned, soundproofed, offers first-class comfort and excellent service and has been described as a five-star hotel on wheels.
Its total length of 380 meters includes 18 carriages and accommodates up to 84 passengers. Exquisite cuisine and an excellent selection of wines are a further attraction. The 1,600 km journey between Cape Town and Pretoria takes 26 hours, with a stop-over in Matjiesfontein (or Kimberley on the return route).
Besides the Cape Town-Pretoria (and return) route, the Blue Train also travels Pretoria-Hoedspruit (one day) as well as Pretoria–Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (two nights on board) and recently also Pretoria-Port Elizabeth, a two-and-a-half day trip.
For reservations and information contact tour operators. Details about the departure and arrival times, as well as the route days, can be obtained from tour operators.

Rovos Rail
Reservations: Rovos Rail Victoria Hotel
P O Box 2837, Pretoria 0001
Tel. 0027/12/323 6052, Fax 0027/12/323 0843
UK: Three Cities and Leisure Lodges: tel: 0171 225 0164, Fax: 0171 823 7701
Excalibur Travel tel: 01202 766650, fax: 01202 767759
Sartravel: tel: 0171 627 3560, fax: 0171 622 9024

Rovos Rail introduced the ‘Pride of Africa’ as the only real competitor to the Blue Train in 1989, a nostalgic train partly driven by steam engine. These carriages, many of them from the early 20th century, were carefully restored, comfortably and elegantly fitted - all 32 deluxe suites and four Royal suits are equipped with double beds, seating arrangements, bath and W.C.
Rovos Rail travels Pretoria-Cape Town (with a Kimberley excursion and stop in Matjiesfontein), Bulawayo (excursion) and Victoria Falls as well as Komatipoort (road transfer to Skukuza, Kruger National Park) and from Cape Town to Knysna. All trips are offered as return trips. A further exclusive offering is the 12-day trip from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam.
For further information about the prices, travelling times and availability, contact a tour operator.

8.2.2. Steam engine trips

South Africa offers various trains powered by steam for steam engine enthusiasts. Shorter and longer trips are available.

The Union Limited (Steam Safaris)
Reservations: The Union Limited, P O Box 4325, Cape Town 8000, Tel.: 0027/21/405 4391, Fax 0027/21/405 4395.
This train is owned by the State Railway. It offers modernised old-fashioned sleeping compartments for one to two people, each equipped with a washbasin. There is a shower and WC in each carriage.
The return six-day tour from Cape Town along the Garden Route allows sufficient time to explore Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Oudtshoorn, excursions being organised in the latter two cities.
Departure and Arrival times:
From Cape Town 11.00 a.m., arrival 11.30 a. m. (five nights).
Costs (more or less)
"Golden Thread" six day trip: R3,000.
The prices are per person (no surcharge for single travellers) and includes all meals and two excursions.

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
Reservations: Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, George 0027/441/73 8288, Fax 0027/441/73 8286.
This small steam train is one of the great attractions of the Garden Route. It departs daily except Sundays from George to Knysna and back through breathtakingly, extraordinary scenery which you cannot see from the main roads.

Departure and arrival times:
George - departs: 9.30 a. m., Knysna - arrives: 12.00 a.m.
Knysa - departs: 14.15 p.m., George - arrives: from 17.00 p.m.
Costs (more or less)
George - Knysna, (Return ticket) Adults R 45, Children R 25

Apple Express
Information and reservations: Tel 0027 / 41/507 2333.
This narrow-gauge train gets its name from the apples it used to carry from Langkloofdal to Port Elizabeth. It departs from Humewood Station, Port Elizabeth and travels to Thornhill Village, 53 km west of Port Elizabeth. The train stops at Van Stadens bridge where travellers may disembark to view the spectacular gorge.

Banana Express
Reservations: Banana Express Office, P O Box 572, Post Shepstone 4240, tel. 0027/39/682 821.
The British constructed the Banana Express initially to transport sugar cane and bananas to the coast. Operating twice a week from Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, this narrow gauge steam railway takes passengers up on a steep climb through plantations of banana and sugar cane to Izotsha (one and a half hours) and Paddock (six and half hours). Reservations are essential.

Shongololo Safari Express
Reservations: Shongololo Express, 10 Amelia Street, Dungevan Edenvale 1610, tel. 0027/11/453 3821, fax 0027/11/454 1262.
This hotel-train, consisting of the normal two class sleepers, and owned by South African Railways, is not that luxurious, but allows travellers to see great parts of the country during a 14-day tour. The major advantage is simply that there is no need to pack and unpack as the train mainly travels at night, while during the day travellers are offered excursions in air conditioned mini buses which are carried on the train. Departing from Johannesburg, the train travels via Hazyview/Kruger National Park, Swaziland, Zululand, Durban, Drakensberg, Bloemfontein/Kimberley, Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown, Oudtshoorn/Garden Route, Mossel Bay, Stellenbosch/Winelands, to Cape Town. Cape Town to Johannesburg services are also available. The price includes breakfast, dinner and the excursions.

8.3 ROAD NETWORK

South Africa’s road network of about 270,000 km includes 105,000 km of tarred roads, about 6,000 km of highway and 803 km Toll Roads for which a nominal charge is made. The roads are generally uncongested once travellers are outside the larger cities.

8.3.1. Vehicles
Due to its excellent road infrastructure South Africa is an ideal country for the individual self-drive traveller. Hiring a car is almost a `must` as there is little public transport suited to tourists. Normal cars are suitable for most roads in South Africa. Four wheel drives (4 X 4s/jeeps) are recommended in Maputaland and on a few mountain routes.
Driving is on the left, as in the United Kingdom, and hire cars are all right-hand drive. At crossings and roundabouts the vehicle coming from the right has right of way. The speed limit on the motorways is 120 km/h., on national, provincial roads it is 100 km/h, in urban areas 60 km/h, unless stated otherwise. Safety belts are compulsory and the permitted level of alcohol 0.8 millilitres.
Roads are well sign-posted for the tourist, however, on any of the older maps, you will not find the larger black townships. The numbered National Routes (N1, Johannesburg - Cape Town) are only partly motorways, but are still of an international standard. The Regional Routes®, are of a similar standard; however the volume of traffic is much less.
Petrol stations are well scattered throughout the country although in the less densely populated areas it is advisable to fill up at regular intervals as the distance between petrol stations can be great. Credit cards may not be used as payment (only cash for petrol). The opening times in general being 7 a.m. to 6 p. m. and 24 hours in major cities. Service centres are found in the cities on most major roads with kiosks, restaurants and shopping facilities.

Hiring a car
All well-known car hire companies are represented at every international airport. Every category, from budget to luxury limousines can be rented. Regional car hire companies are found in most cities. Discounted rates are offered when hiring a car with an air ticket.
Minimum age for hiring a car is 23 years (21 years on presenting an American Express or Diners Club card). An international drivers licence or a drivers licence with an integral photograph is required. The SATOUR folder A B C offers information regarding car hire companies. (Tel. numbers, fax numbers, etc.)

Purchasing a vehicle in South Africa
Should a longer trip to South Africa be planned you might well consider purchasing a vehicle. Specialists in this field are "Drive Africa". According to Brian Talbot, the owner, it pays to purchase a car, rather than hiring one, for durations of a six week weeks or more, four weeks in the case of a 4 X 4 (Jeeps and Campers). Drive Africa guarantees to purchase the vehicle again at the end of the holiday. Motorcycles may also be purchased and returned, sold outside of South Africa in Windhoek, Namibia.
Contact: Drive Africa, P O Box 50288, Waterfront, Cape Town 8002,
Tel. 0027/21/083/448 1230, Fax.0027/21/439 7993
Tip: Excellent maps are available from the A.A. (Automobile Association) or in any Map Studio in South Africa. (See also Partners in South Africa)

8.3.2 Bus connections

Intercity Bus
Reservations:
Greyhound Coach lines, P O Box 11229, Johannesburg 2000, Tel. 0027/11/830-1301, Fax 0027/11/830 1528;
Intercape Mainliner, P O Box 618, Bellville 7535, Tel 0027/21/386 4400, fax 0027/21 386 2488;
Translux Express, P O Box 2383, Johannesburg 2000, tel 0027/11/774 333, Fax 0027/11/774 3318.
The most important intercity connections are the coaches which run daily or several times weekly, connecting the major centres. Greyhound, Intercape, Mainliner and Translux offer a comprehensive network of routes, with stop-overs. Greyhound operates beyond the borders of South Africa from Johannesburg to Bulawayo - Harare, while Intercape operates from Johannesburg, Upington and Cape Town to Windhoek (Namibia) Maputo (Mozambique) and Lusaka (Zambia); Translux has services to Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. All buses are air-conditioned and fitted with reclining seats. In certain places the service terminates outside the
city centres which makes it essential to arrange onward transport. Reservations can be made by phone (with credit card) or via Computicket, up to three months in advance. Intercape Mainliner requires a 72 hour advance reservation.
Senior citizens discounts - 20 per cent from Greyhound and 10 per cent from Intercape; Children aged three to 11 years accompanied by an adult receive a 50 per cent discount. Discounts are also offered on certain routes during low season.
Greyhound and Intercape offer a Travel Pass, Translux the Translux Pass providing discounted rates.
Fares: are fairly similar:
i.e. Johannesburg - Cape Town via Greyhound R 360, Intercape R 325 and Translux R 330.

Baz-Bus
Reservations: 8 Rosedene Road, Sea Point, Cape Town 8001, tel.: 0027/21/ 439 2323, Fax 0027/21/439 2343.
This is a low-budget option for youngsters and backpackers, offering a fare of R 595 from Johannesburg to Cape Town via the Drakensberg with unlimited stopovers, Youth Hostels included. The trip via Zululand-Swaziland costs R 670, or R 1,100 return for the whole of 4,100 km. round-trip. Tickets are valid for three months, seat reservations should be made in advance by phone with corresponding ticket number.

Public transport
Public buses, especially in the Johannesburg area, are not suitable for the European visitors. In Pretoria city buses may be boarded from the main bus station on the south east corner of Church Square; information bureau: tel: 012/313/0839.
In Durban the Mynah-Shuttles, run by the Durban Transport Management Board, are recommended. These smaller buses run frequently and offer various connections between the city centre and beach promenade during the day. Information: Corner Aliwal and Pine Streets, tel: 031/ 307 3503.
In Cape Town regular bus transfers to the Cable Car Station and regular shuttles to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront operate from the Cape Tour information centre in Adderley Street (near main station). From the central bus station behind the Golden Acre Shopping Mall the Metropolitan Bus Service provides regular services to Sea Point or Kirstenbosch etc.
Information: Golden Arrow Bus Services, tel.: 021/461 4365.
Regular bus services from Seapoint to the Waterfront are also available.

8.3.3 Taxis

Taxis are comparatively cheap and fairly plentiful in the larger cities. However, travellers cannot flag down a taxi on the street so you generally need to book by telephone, or go to a taxi rank. A basic *R2,00 is charged, any further kilometre costs *R4,00. Passengers must check that the meter is set at the start of the journey.
Foreign visitors are advised not to take the numerous minibus taxis, which make up a major part of the commuter services of the black population. They normally operate without set routes and react to hand signs and are generally over crowded.
Cape Town offers the unusual Rikkies, licenced minibus taxis which can be phoned for (tel.: 23 4888) or hand-signalled, daily except for Sundays. These are fairly cheap as the cost is shared between the occupants, albeit this is not the fastest form of transport.

Issued: Satour - South African Tourism,
5-6 Alt Grove, Wimbledon, London SW19 4DZ,
Tel.: 0208 971 3350, Fax: 0208 944 6705,
E-Mail: satour@satbuk.demon.co.uk
(November 1999)