Road Genius compares campervan rentals across South Africa so you can see price, seating and equipment options in one place. Most international travelers pick up an RV at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and start exploring Gauteng, North West and Mpumalanga provinces. High-altitude weather and electronic toll roads are the two things that surprise visitors most—both are easy to manage with the right information.
Season | Average High Temperature | Good time? |
---|---|---|
Summer (Dec–Feb) | 26 °C / 79 °F | Yes—expect short afternoon thunderstorms |
Autumn (Mar–May) | 23 °C / 73 °F | Best—dry skies, mild days |
Winter (Jun–Aug) | 17 °C / 63 °F | Yes if you pack for cold nights |
Spring (Sep–Nov) | 24 °C / 75 °F | Good—warming temperatures, first rains |
The highway speed limit is 120 km/h (75 mph) unless signs show otherwise.
Most Gauteng highways use electronic toll systems. Rental vans usually carry a tag and the rental company bills you later.
A security guard may watch your parked vehicle. A tip of 5–10 ZAR is normal when you leave.
Sudden hailstorms happen in summer. Keep your distance from other vehicles and find covered parking if hail starts.
Place | Utilities | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Dinokeng Caravan Park (50 km N) | Water+Electric | Inside Big Five reserve, pool, accepts vehicles up to 8 m | Booking required on weekends, baboons take food |
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve (45 km SE) | None | Quiet bushveld, good hiking, low cost | No electricity, basic toilets, gate closes 18:00 |
Malonjeni Guest Farm, Meyerton (70 km S) | Full | Level grass sites, children's play area, waste dump point | Some highway noise, 2-night minimum on holidays |
Petroport N1 North & South (truck plaza) | None | Free overnight, 24 hour security, fuel and food available | Very noisy, no utilities, maximum stay 1 night |
Johannesburg sits at 1,750 meters (5,740 feet) altitude. Apply strong sunscreen even in winter.
Winter nights can drop to 0 °C (32 °F). An extra blanket or diesel heater is useful.
Planned power cuts can last 2–4 hours. Charge batteries during daylight.
National emergency mobile number is 112. Police landline is 10111.