Travelling

Africa has a number of unpredictable elements one needs to be aware of when traveling by motor vehicle.  Knowledge of certain travelling tips and suggestions can make the trip so much more enjoyable and obeying the traffic laws and road signs as well as  equipping yourself with local knowledge can help eradicate the most common incidents and causes of accidents hence the reason why careful planning is of utmost importance.

Excessive speed is the main cause of traffic accidents while driving on gravel roads. It is therefore advisable to keep to the prescribed speed limit of 60-70 km/h when driving off tarred roads.
Always reduce speed when your vehicle approaches a dip, wash-away or patches of drift-sand.
In dusty conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers.

In wet/rainy conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers.

All maps, speed limits and road signs in Southern Africa use kilometres to confer speed and distance when travelling.

Check your vehicle at the start of each day, be sure that it has enough oil and water and that all indicators and lights are functional and the tyre pressure is adequate.

Observe and obey all nature reserve rules and regulations.

Do not feed animals from your car.
Always be aware and on the lookout for animals when driving off-road in Africa and especially when driving on safari.

Driving at night can be hazardous, particularly in rural areas. These roads are often poorly lit, wildlife may be on the roads and the roads can be in poor condition.
Be mindful of drunk drivers and pedestrians, particularly at night.

When planning remote journeys ensure you have adequate water and reserve fuel – 20 litres of each.

To prepare for fuel (Petrol, Gas) scarceness outside of South Africa is essential.  Preparation is a must. Plan your route, refuelling, rests and overnight stops.

Spend some time before each journey to plan your route and prepare your vehicle. Study and review your maps. Make sure you know which routes to follow and the estimated time it will take to reach your destination.

Check with your embassy or car hire company if you require international drivers licenses for the countries you plan to visit and drive in.
If you’re not used to the heavy downpours parts of Africa can experience, it’s worthwhile familiarising yourself with Driving in Heavy Rain Practices.
Drive with your vehicle doors locked and the windows closed when possible. This also applies when you leave your vehicle unattended.

If approached by a stranger, do not open your windows completely.

Do not pick up strangers and hitchhikers.
Place all packages and personal items in/the trunk of your vehicle, out of sight.
If possible avoid travelling at night.

If you are not an experienced 4×4 driver, Drive South Africa recommends taking a course in 4×4 and off road driving.

When loading your 4×4 vehicle remember to try pack as much weight as possible into the vehicle and not on the roof. One of the leading causes of accidents and vehicles overturning is overweighting and poor weight distribution. Top-heavy vehicles are far more likely to roll. They are not easy to control if you need to suddenly swerve you vehicle. Your heaviest baggage and equipment should sit low in the vehicle.  With as little weight as possible on your roof.

In conclusion travelling speed compounds problems.  Any eventuality you encounter on the road becomes easier to deal with the slower you are travelling. You have more time to react and your momentum is easier to manage.

Dirt and gravel roads in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa can have sloping shoulders.  Swerving onto these uneven planes increase the possibility of overturning your vehicle. In the event of wildlife blocking your path it is often safer to maintain your course than to swerve onto a slopping shoulder. Again, low speeds can prevent this becoming a decision you have to make.

Be aware of your vehicles fuel capacity.  Fuel consumption and the distance between fuel stops must be determined. Terrain, speed, tire pressure and load all influence your consumption. Carry spare fuel to be safe.
If using four-wheel drive vehicles, engage the 4×4 when appropriate (e.g. driving off road in Africa.)

On the Arrive Alive website we share advice on safe driving techniques for a variety of different driving conditions 24/7.

Most international road safety authorities advise that drivers take a break from driving after 2 hours / 200km. It would be fair to refer to long distance driving as distances in a range covering 300km or a drive further than 3 hours.

South African drivers often travel distances during Easter and the Festive Season from the inland provinces to the coast. This can vary anything from 500km to 1,500km. Long distance driving requires exceptional vigilance. Some experts on safe driving have suggested that a driver should avoid driving more than 10 hours in a day.

Before making the decision to climb behind the wheel and driving for a long distance  we suggest asking the following questions;

Are you familiar with the road and road conditions you might encounter?
Are you driving alone?
Will you be driving at night and is it possible to avoid night driving?
Will you be driving you own car or a rental car?
Are you prepared for the additional challenges to driver and vehicle fitness?