What are the distances like in South Africa?
South Africa is a large and diverse country, covering 1,219,912 square kilometres (471,011 square miles). To put that into perspective, it's five times the size of Great Britain and three times larger than Texas.
Distances between major destinations can vary greatly—driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes around 13 hours, while flying takes just two. Popular safari destinations like Kruger National Park are more accessible, with a 5.5-hour drive or a short flight. Let us know your chosen destinations, and we'll provide personalised advice on the best travel options, including car hire, road transfers, and flights.
South Africa is a vast country, ranking as the 25th largest in the world. Its total area of 1,219,912 square kilometres makes it significantly larger than many other popular travel destinations, such as Great Britain or Texas.
With such distances, travel times between destinations can vary widely. For example, driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town covers approximately 1,405 kilometres (873 miles) and takes about 13 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a two-hour flight.
For safari enthusiasts, Johannesburg is often the gateway city. The Kruger National Park is just 450 kilometres (280 miles) away, requiring a 5.5-hour drive or a short 45-minute flight to Skukuza. Other popular destinations like Madikwe Game Reserve are a four-and-a-half-hour drive, while Victoria Falls, located in Zimbabwe, involves a 1.5-hour flight. Coastal regions like the Garden Route (George) or Durban are accessible by either long road trips or quicker flights, depending on your preferences.
We are here to help simplify your journey. Whether you prefer scenic road trips or quick flights to maximize your time, we'll provide tailored advice to suit your itinerary. Our team can assist with car hire, private road transfers, and flight recommendations, ensuring your travel experience is as seamless and enjoyable as your safari.
