Different modes of Transport
Travelling by Road
* Hired cars small groups or individuals * 4x4 Vehicles- off-road trails
* Sedan cars - private transportation * Cars suited to tow trailers and/caravans
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
* Travel times may suffer delays due to roadworks and
* Cost effective for small groups congestion
* Convenience of having transport once destination is
reached * National Road toll fees apply
* Long distance travelling could lead to driver fatigue
* Driver/group determines own itinerary and accidents
Buses and/or Coaches
* Set timetable & fixed routes - tourist has to design * Planned Tour groups use chartered buses - Scheduled
itinerary around schedules routes
* Transport between terminal, arrival ports and * Couch companies provide transport for groups
destinations by Shuttle buses (Greyhound, Intercape, Baz Bus)
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
* Cost efficient - special tour prices * Schedules & routes are fixed
* Departure & arrival points are not always easily
* Relaxing experience - no responsibilities accessible
* Comfortable seating with added benefits such as air * Travel times may suffer delays due to roadworks and
conditioning congestion
Taxis
* Metered taxis charge rates per distance travelled - * Mini-buses operate on their own schedule - charge
flexible drop off & pick up points per trip - flexible drop off & pick up points
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
* Mini-bus trips only proceed once the vehicle is full -
* Close range & long distance destinations are serviced causes delays
* Overloading - uncomfortable trip and often results in
* Affordable accidents
* Unlimited ability to bring passengers to desired *Untimely Industry strike action leads to unreliability of
location service
Motorcycles
* Motorcycles may be hired for self-transportation
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
* No limitations on travel times, road stops for viewing, * Transport for only two persons. Bigger groups will have
shopping or eating - flexibility to hire more motorcycles
*Affordable - travelling expenses are low * Could be dangerous on Main routes.
* Untimely bad weather could ruin an outing
Travelling by Air
* Fast, expensive and joins major cities * Microlights are a popular choice with Adventurers
* Smaller aircraft may be chartered by Business * Helicopters offer great viewing option. They are
Executives and wealthy tourists popular, but are expensive.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
* Mode is fast, safe and reliable. Suitable for groups * Stringent schedule of routes and timetables apply
* Flight attendants add to service delivery, e.g. In flight
refreshments etc. * Luggage restrictions may limit the tourist
* Flights interconnect major cities, and some smaller * Additional transport between airports and destination
towns at an additional cost
Travelling by Rail
* Major Centres are linked by railway networks * Ideal travel mode for sight seeing
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
* Fairly inexpensive and fast * Non-flexible routes and timetables
* Stations usually situated within centres * Commuter trains overcrowded during peak times
* Could be a relaxing experience
South Africa offers several railway options. These include the following :
* Shosholoza Meyl (City to City)
* Metrorail (Commuter service - available for tourists)
* Gautrain (Rapid transit route - links OR Tambo International Airport with Johannesburg & Pretoria)
* The Blue Train (Luxury train - weekly route between Cape Town and Pretoria)
* Rovos Rail (Luxury service - Private. Linking South Africa to other African countries)
* Kimberly Big Hole Tram Service (Entertainment offering at this tourist attraction)
Travelling by Water - Luxury Cruise Liners and/or boats
* Luxury Cruise Liners - passengers are able to embark * Local skippers offer harbour cruises, fishing trips,
& disembark at SA ports whale & dolphin watching outings
* Private cruising available on Yachts
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
* Luxury Cruise Liners - Safe mode of transport, fair * Luxury Cruise Liners - high travelling time
travelling packages which include accommodation,
meals, entertainment & access to facilities * Passengers may experience sea-sickness
* Chartered boat trips offer once in a lifetime
experiences * Transportation costs to and from harbour additional
Alternative modes of transport
* Camels * Donkey carts * Hot air balloons * Bicycles
Considerations when selecting transportation modes :
*Availability, accessibility & reliability *Safety & flexibility *Distance & Time *Cost & personal preferences
