International and Domestic Flights

A number of international airlines fly directly to South Africa’s major cities, with Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban the most popular. For our friends and family travelling from the UK, you can fly direct from London to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport and Cape Town airport. Direct flights are typically 11 hours. In-direct flights from London to South Africa are also available, should you wish to break up the journey with a layover in Europe or the Middle East. Manchester and Birmingham airports also schedule in-direct flights to both Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport and Cape Town airport. We recommend guests fly into Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport if they are beginning their holiday with the wedding. Once you are in South Africa, there are regular domestic and regional flights operating out of both Johannesburg O.R. Tambo and Cape Town airport which can get you to the main tourist destinations.

Once in the country, there are many modes of transport which are safe to use. Please note, we do not recommend public transport like minibus taxi's and buses however we often use Uber and we often self drive whenever we are in the country.

Organised transportation options

If you would prefer to have organised transport and guided tours for the duration of your holiday, there are excellent local guides and various private transportation options. If you would like some help organising private transportation and transfers, please contact our family friend Ellie Parkinson, who operates as an independent Travel Agent. For more information on how to contact Ellie, see the Travel Expert tab above!

Self-drive transportation options

South Africa is an excellent self-drive destination and we highly recommend this method for confident drivers who want the freedom to travel around the country. There are many car hire locations all around the country; at all major airports, in city centres and a number in larger towns. Most car hire companies will have a choice of vehicles from urban runabouts, luxury saloons to pick-up trucks and SUV! Please see our care hire recommendations below.

What should you be aware of if you want to self drive?

South Africans drive on the left and give way to the right. The South African government advises UK drivers to obtain an international driver’s permit if they wish to drive within the country. International driving licenses are easy to buy from most Post Offices in the UK for approximately £5. Driving in South Africa is easy to adapt to with most signposting in English. In general, speed limits are 120 km/h (75 miles) on highways and 60 km/h (37 miles) in towns and cities. There are a number of toll roads in South Africa that are clearly indicated well before reaching the toll stations.

Car hire companies

There are a number of car rental companies and locations which allow you to find the best rates and location to collect and return your hire car. We often rent a hire car once we land at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport. The airport is home to various car rental companies, we recommend Avis, Sixt, Europcar and Budget.