Why should I not drive through Transkei South Africa?

Question

In one of my previous questions I asked about the safest drive from Cape to Durban someone said DO NOT drive through Transkei. Why would this be anyone know?

Answer 1

You should not drive through the Transkei if you can help it. The roads are very bad, there are almost no fences so there are a lot of animals running over the road. We drove a few times through the Transkei to Durban, last time 2000 and it was BAD, but we are not tourists, so we know what to expect and what to look out for and where not to stop. The Transkei is one of the most dangerous places in South Africa it is a former homeland. Just Google Transkei crime, attacks on tourist and you will see what I mean. Here are just a few articles. Please do research on attacks on foreigners in the Transkei

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&...

http://www.divethedream.com/TheAdventure...

http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/south...

http://www.antbear.co.za/information/cri...

The other problem is the new extremely vicious and medicine resistant strain of TB is rife in the Transkei. And further if you are involved in an accident, good luck to you, have you ever seen the hospitals in Umtata? But the choice is up to you, I would how ever not allow my parents to drive through there nor any of my family. Why dont you drive to PE and then fly from PE to Durban? Much safer, but I would not drive through there.

Answer 2

Forget about the potholes, stray animals and lack of fences. What you really need to worry about are the transkei drivers! No respect for any road regulations. Speeding, overloading, unroadworthy vehicles, overtaking on blind rises and corners, jumping trafficlights and stop signs, the list is endless.

Answer 3

You can drive through the Transkei if you want. It's absolutely beautiful landscape.

The negative part is: The roads are not in a very good condition; cattle walk where they want to - you have to literally drive around them, they don't care; the towns you drive through are very busy with people everywhere and also walking in the roads and where they want; there are taxi's on the roads and last, but not least, it's dangerous. If you really want to do it, do it in the daytime.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Lisa K, your information is incorrect.

I have recently done the drive. The roads are in pretty good condition most of the way. The last stretch is a little worse but still fine for any vehicle.

Yes there is unfenced land on either side of the road and the possibility of animals on the road, keep your eyes open and you'll be fine.