This is one of the first major trips of this length (2+ weeks) when I didn’t use an agency or anyone to help with the logistics. Most of my adventures are shorter than that and don’t require a lot of planning for getting around, especially when I am in big cities. However, when planning a long trip covering a lot of territory, I like to use local tour agencies that know the place and can help make the experience so much more enjoyable. I loved the travel companies I used in India and Turkey and would use them again. They provided for a much less stressful and more relaxing travel experience. However, travel companies operating or designing tours in South Africa were much more expensive than the locally owned places in Asia. This meant I was on my own to figure out how to get around and go from place to place. It isn’t difficult, but it adds a layer of stress that is wonderfully avoided when using a service like India by Car and Driver or Magnificent Travel.
Walking
I enjoy walking! When I am traveling in a big city, I can walk many miles every day. One time in Seoul, I walked around 35,000 steps in one day. Locals, tour companies, tourism bureaus, and others do not recommend walking for Johannesburg or Pretoria. Even in the small town of Kimberley, I was discouraged from walking by the locals.
While, for the most part, these warnings should be heeded, you should do what you are most comfortable with. In Pretoria, I felt safe enough walking through town. I wasn’t going to be able to see the city as my great grandfather did from an Uber, and I didn’t want to rent a car. Instead, I walked from the Gautrain station across the city to the zoo. There were streets or places I held my bag a bit closer, and I definitely heeded the advice to keep my phone out of sight. However, I didn’t feel too unsafe walking down the street, through Church Square, and across to the zoo.
In Johannesburg, I was severely warned that it would not be safe for me to go out and walk to the store. People told me that even in front of the temple, the building where I spent most of my time, muggings occur regularly.
Cape Town is a very different story. It feels like a major modern city just about anywhere. People are out walking and going for runs or strolls down the streets, through the parks, and along the coast. I’m sure there are places in Cape Town you don’t want to spend too much time walking around, especially after dark, but the city has a night life in some neighborhoods and felt as safe as if you were walking through New York City or Kuala Lumpur.
Public Transportation
I like using public transit if the system is reliable and safe. Many cities in Asia and Europe have systems that meet these criteria. Unfortunately, South African cities haven’t caught up yet on the public transit systems. There are some commuter rails, but just about everyone says they are not safe for tourists. Gauteng (Johannesburg and Pretoria region) has a great high-speed train, the Gautrain, that connects the cities and suburbs and airport. The same service also operates very safe city buses. Other city buses meet the same warning as the commuter rails.
The number one most common public transit method in South Africa is the minivan taxi. These vehicles are everywhere! They drive maniacally, and most locals I spoke with do not consider them the safest for tourists. These taxis are the main mode of transport from the cities to the townships and have their own system for usage. They seem to be very similar to Jeepneys in Manila but without regular routes. If you want to try them out, a taxi driver will honk when approaching letting you know they have room and will pick you up. There are special hand signals to use when hailing one to let it know where you want to go. You pass your money to the front and hold on.
Uber
Uber was my go-to transportation service for Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Unfortunately, Kimberley does not have Uber yet. However, it does have reliable and safe metered taxis. They are a bit pricey, but they serve you well when traveling a bit further or with luggage in the area.
Tour Buses
Additionally, in Cape Town and Johannesburg, I used the City Sightseeing buses. They are a great way to get around to different parts of the city. You can hop off at any stop and hop on the next bus that comes along.
Car Rental
Many people will say rent a car when traveling in South Africa. You can do this, but then you have to worry about the safety of the car, where to park it, and additional fees for parking and gas. I rented a car just to get to Nambiti Big 5 Game Preserve. Renting a car was much less expensive to let it sit there for a few days while I enjoyed the safari rather than to pay for a shuttle service or Uber. And, when I say less expensive, I mean about one fourth the price. Renting a car was about $150, including petrol, total, for four days. The shuttle services or Uber were quoting around $300 one way.
