Travel by car is a common method for getting around Johannesburg, whether it is via taxi or rental car.   Taxis are available in both standard car taxi form and minibus tour taxi form, both of which are commonly used by travelers.  Standard car taxis are easily found at the main locations of the city, although it is common practice to call ahead of time for a taxi.  Taxi fare is regulated and standardized and should be relatively inexpensive.  Discuss rates with the driver before accepting the ride or while on the phone with the operator if calling in advance for a taxi.  The taxi should be metered and rates may be posted.

Renting a car is commonly done at the airport upon arrival in Johannesburg.   More information about arrival in the area is online at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g31... .   Rental cars are available from major car rental companies such as Avis ( www.avis.com ), First Car Rental (www.firstcarrental.co.za), Hertz ( www.hertz.com ) Alamo Car Rental (www.alamo.co.za), Imperial Car Rental (www.imperialcarrental.co.za), Dollar Rent a Car (www.dollar.co.za), Thrifty Car Rental (www.thrifty.co.za) and National Car Rental (www.nationalcar.co.za).   There are also various Independent car rental brokers that offer better rates via websites, even though the service is provided by one or more of the major car rental companies. eg GlobalRental (www.globalrental.co.za).

Drivers should be aware that driving in Johannesburg and surrounding areas can be aggressive.  It is not excessively dangerous, but travelers should be on the alert on the roads and remember that in South Africa driving is on the LEFT hand side of the road.   Rush hours are standard Monday through Friday morning 06h30 - 08h30 and evening times 16h00 - 18h00; driving at these times should be avoided if at all possible. 

There are many 'illegal' vendors at the major off ramps to freeways in and around Johannesburg, and windows should preferably be kept closed and valuables tucked under seats to prevent any 'smash and grabs' attempts .

South Africa has a very extensive road network, and it is generally in good condition with toll road routes between the major cities that make travelling country-wide easy. There is an extensive network of Petrol stations (Gas), and if you keep to the major road networks you usually don't have too far to go to get to the next station. As distances are great, it is a good idea to stop at one of the petro-ports that have a restaurant attached and refresh every two hours or so.

Some of the routes are very scenic, especially in and around Cape Town.