Safari Holidays to South Africa and Namibia for independent travellers.

It is worth noting that none of the petrol stations in South Africa are self-service, nor do they take credit cards. 

When you pull into a petrol station, you will generally be waved to a free petrol pump by an enthusiastic attendant, who are all dressed in smart uniforms and generally welcome you with a big smile. 

As a matter of course, while the car is being filled up, they will clean your windscreen for you - and take great care in making sure even the smallest dirt mark is wiped away.  If you are really lucky, they may clean all the other windows as well!

Tipping

It is customary to tip around R3 - R5 to the petrol attendants who fill your car and wash the windscreen for you. 

Funnily enough, you will often find that the total amount of petrol they put in the car means you will get enough loose change back for a tip!

You may wish to tip more if they check the oil, water and tyres or if your car is exceptionally dirty!  For this additional service, R5 - R8 is an acceptable level of tip. 

Paying for your Petrol

The majority of the larger petrol stations have ATMs on site, but in the more remote places, this facility may not be present.

You should always ensure that you have sufficient cash whenever you pull in to fill up with petrol - or just in case the ATM on site is not working!

Petrol Stations and Motorway Service Stations

Shell, Engen, Caltex, Total and BP are the most common petrol stations, and again, the larger stations have shops where you can buy drinks, snack food and magazines. 

For longer journeys, there are the equivalent of motorway service stations - Ultra City, 1-Stop and Star Stop are all familiar sights.  

As is typical of motorway service stations all around the world, don't expect a 3 course gourmet meal  in a luxurious setting - rather, they are clean, have adequate facilities, and will offer some form of food to stave off hunger until you arrive at your final destination.