Johannesburg airport, recently renamed OR Tambo, is South Africa’s largest international airport and the busiest in Africa with the capacity to handle up to 28 million passengers annually. It has a history that is as interesting as it is long. Originally known as Jan Smuts it was renamed after the end of Apartheid to the neutral Johannesburg International Airport and then more recently to OR Tambo after the struggle hero. The airport is serviced by the new Gautrain as well as three city bus lines so there is adequate public transport, there are however also several opportunities for car hire in Johannesburg airport. Although the public transport from the airport into the city is efficient and on par with major international destinations all over the world, it is still advised that one makes use of the Johannesburg airport car hire facilities available. Johannesburg is a large city with a complex organic growth structure in the outer suburbs, the road network however is second to none and it is well worth exploring the city and outlying areas by car.
The city itself has a rich and interesting history and there are several areas of interest as well as popular tourist attraction, the real gems though lie on the outskirts of the city and in neighboring provinces and for these it is recommended that you make use of hire car. Not only does a hire car offer you the freedom to travel and stay at your own pace it provides you the opportunity to become intimately acquainted with the people and the culture you are visiting. The neighboring province of Limpopo is home to one of South Africa’s greatest tourist attractions, the Kruger National Park. The closest international airport is in Johannesburg and using a hire car is highly recommended, although it is possible to fly there from OR Tambo the drive is both fascinating and pleasant. Many tourists feel that the drive takes you through the countryside that resembles what they imagine Africa to be like. The drive is safe and can be undertaken in a regular family sedan, a 4×4 however is recommended for comfort sake and for improved game viewing when you reach the park. The elevation provided by a 4×4 can increase your chances of seeing game. (more…)