While locals await the much-heralded Gautrain (a train service that will eventually link the airports to the inner city, key suburbs, and Tshwane), public transport remains sketchy and, after hours, nonexistent. Until then, Johannesburg is best explored by car, but self-driving is not a good idea: Jo'burg drivers are notoriously impatient, as the myriad skid marks on the roads will attest, and you will need a very good map and innate sense of direction.
By Car
If you're comfortable with self-driving, you can rent a car from one of the myriad desks in the airport: Of the big brands, Hertz tends to have better deals more often. Alternatively ResQ (tel. 011/867-6552; www.resqrentacar.co.za) will deliver and collect at the airport, and offers secondhand budget options that have the added advantage of being less desirable to carjackers. Britz Africa (tel. 011/396-1860; www.britz.co.za) specializes in fully equipped four-wheel-drives and camper vans, and will pick you up at the airport. Hire a Land Rover (contact Neil Kemp, tel. 011/608-3442 or 082/929-9237; www.hirealandrover.co.za) rents out a wide range of "Landies" that are in good condition.
By Taxi
Taxis generally don't cruise the streets, so you'll have to call for one. Try Roses Taxi (tel. 011/403-9625) and Maxi Taxi (tel. 011/648-1212). In Tshwane, call Rixi Mini Cabs at tel. 012/325-8072 or SA Taxi at tel. 012/320-2075. Charges are around R8 ($1.15/60p) per km.
