When is a Taxi, a Taxi?

Africa has many exceptions to many rules, and forms of public transport are some of them. For the uninitiated, this could either be your last journey alive or an adventure you'll never forget!

In South Africa, there are two main kinds of taxi. The first is the typical looking family sedan with a few bumps in the fender and an orangey light thingy angled precariously on the roof. These can sometimes be found waiting at major tourist spots and airports, or phone ordered to collect, wait and deliver (by the concierge or yourself). These are metered and regulated by the Government. Although pricey, they should be your first option.

The second is the mass transport taxi, generally a 15 seat 'combi' or mini-bus made by Toyota but now christened 'Rambo'. Take note of the 'Emergency Exit' or 'Nooduitgang' painted on the back window... Millions of South Africans use this cheaper form of convenience transport, but sadly hundreds lose their lives every year doing so. This is generally when these vehicles hit the Freeways (or speed through red lights at a junction). They are somewhat licensed and regulated but remain one of those industries that Government cant quite get to grips with. Cape Town 'taxis' are arguably better than the Jo'burg ones - having more defined routes and generally less aggressive drivers. Jo'burg 'taxi' drivers are a special breed. Resilient to the point of being super-human, they are driving machines that communicate in place-name sign language on a money-making mission. Pack-em high, speed 'em around, do as many trips as possible. Who needs to bungy when you can take a Jo'burg taxi?

For the less adventurous, hotels, airlines and tour operators offer airport shuttles, tours and drop off circular routes.