Page 438 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

436 SUR VIV AL GUIDE

TRAVEL INFORMATION

South Africa, historically a welcome stopover South Africa is in good condition, though the
for seafarers, is well served by air links with accident rate is high. Intercity bus services
most parts of the globe and by road to the operate along the main highways, and the rail
rest of Africa. The national carrier is South network, though slow, covers the country.
African Airways (SAA), but most inter national Public transport within the cities is fairly
airlines operate regular flights to and from comprehensive and efficient, but in the
here. Domestic destinations are served by smaller towns it is seldom satisfactory, and
SAA and other airlines. The road system in self-drive is often the better option.

of routes and flights, you need
to book well in advance for the
best fares, especially over the
Christmas and New Year period,
which is the peak summer
holiday season in South Africa.
For flight information, contact
the Airports Company South
Africa (ACSA) call centre or
check its website.
Public transport to and from the
major airports includes privately
operated shuttle buses to the
nearest city centre (see Directory).
South African Airways and Star Alliance carriers on the runway These can be pre-booked, in which
case a representative meets you at
Arriving by Air
your eventual destination, the arrivals terminal and drops you
The three international airports immigration is at Johannesburg. at your hotel, or they have kiosks at
in South Africa are OR Tambo A few of the international airlines the airports. To get to the airport,
International Airport in serve Cape Town and Durban you need to book in advance.
Johannesburg, Cape Town directly, but there is a far greater In Cape Town, there are also
International Airport in Cape choice of flights if you go via regular MyCiTi buses (see p439) to
Town and King Shaka Johannesburg first. Domestic the city, while in Durban, the King
International Airport in Durban. destinations served by the Shaka Airport Shuttle Bus goes to
Most European carriers and national carrier South African Umhlanga, the city centre and
almost all the Asian, African and Airways (SAA) and by beachfront. Visitors travelling from
Middle Eastern airlines fly to domestic low-cost, no-frills OR Tambo International Airport to
Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airlines include Johannesburg, Johannesburg and Pretoria can
(named after the late anti- Durban, Cape Town, Port take the Gautrain (see p438).
apartheid activist Oliver Tambo). Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, East Approved ACSA metered taxis
From there onward flights go to London, Nelspruit, George and can be found outside the main
the other cities, and regardless of Upington. With a huge choice terminal buildings but they cost
Distance Taxi Fare Driving Time
Airport § Information
from City to City to City
~ Johannesburg Tel (086) 727-7888 24 km (15 miles) R400 40-60 mins
~ Cape Town Tel (086) 727-7888 20 km (12 miles) R350 35–50 mins

~ Durban Tel (086) 727-7888 20 km (12 miles) R450 30-40 mins
~ Port Elizabeth Tel (086) 727-7888 3 km (2 miles) R60 7–10 mins

~ Bloemfontein Tel (086) 727-7888 10 km (6 miles) R170 15-25 mins
~ East London Tel (086) 727-7888 15 km (9 miles) R200 20-30 mins
~ George Tel (086) 727-7888 10 km (6 miles) R170 10-15mins