By Car in Johannesburg

Traveling by car is the easiest way to get around Johannesburg, as the city's public transportation is not that reliable or extensive. The general speed limit for city streets is 60 kph (37 mph), for main streets it's often 80 kph (50 mph), and for highways it's 100 kph or 120 kph (62 mph or 75 mph). Be warned, though: Jo'burgers are known as the most aggressive drivers in the country, and minibus taxis are famous for not obeying the rules of the road. Most city roads are in good condition, with plenty of signage, and main roads in the countryside are also very passable. Street names are sometimes visible only on the curb, however. Try to avoid driving in rush hours, 7-8:30 AM and 4-6:30 PM, as the main roads become terribly congested. Gas stations are plentiful in most areas. (Don't pump your own gas though, every station employs operators to do that for you.)

Almost everywhere there are security guards who look after parked cars, as street parking is always risky because of car burglaries. It's customary to give these guards a small tip when you return to your car. Most big shopping centers have parking garages, where you pay about R5 per hour.

Most visitors need concern themselves only with the city center and the northern suburbs. The city center is laid out in a grid, making it fairly easy to get around if you can keep track of the many one-way streets. It's not advisable to tour the area on foot, except in groups or with a local guide. If you plan to drive yourself around, get a good map or buy or rent a GPS (for hire at the airport and most car-rental agencies). MapStudio prints excellent complete street guides, available at bookstores, and tourism operators often have maps of the area.

Major rental agencies have offices in the northern suburbs and at the airport. Most are open 24/7.

Rental Companies

Avis (167A Rivonia Rd., Sandton. 011/884-2221. www.avis.co.za). Budget (Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Rivonia Rd. and Grayston Dr., Sandton. 011/883-5730. www.budget.co.za). Europcar (Sandton Holiday Inn Garden Court, Maude and West Sts., Sandton. 011/883-8508. www.europcar.co.za). Hertz (Sandton Hilton, Rivonia Rd. at Chaplin St., Sandton. 011/322-1598. www.hertz.co.za). Imperial (Sandton Sun hotel, 5th St. and Alice La., Sandton. 011/883-4352. www.imperialcarrental.co.za). Tempest Car Hire (Village Walk, Maude St., Sandton. 011/784-3343. www.tempestcarhire.co.za).