South Africa's Toll Roads Get Costlier From March – What Your Clients Need to Know
Agents selling self-drive holidays in South Africa should take note of a modest but important change coming into effect on 01 March 2026. The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has confirmed a 3.12 percent increase in toll tariffs across its national road network. The adjustment is linked to the Consumer Price Index and is actually lower than the 4.85 percent hike applied the previous year, which is welcome news for cost-conscious travellers.
South Africa continues to rank among the most popular self-drive destinations on the continent and, indeed, the world. Clients who rent vehicles at major airports like OR Tambo International in Johannesburg or Cape Town International often set out on long-distance road trips that pass through several toll plazas. Understanding and budgeting for these costs ahead of time can make the difference between a smooth holiday and an unpleasant surprise.
Three of the busiest tourist corridors are directly affected. The N4 highway from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, arguably the most iconic safari route in the country, passes through three main toll plazas, with estimated one-way costs for a light vehicle sitting between R280 and R300. Clients heading from Cape Town along the N2 towards Gqeberha — a route that hugs the spectacular Garden Route and Tsitsikamma — can expect to pay roughly R70 to R90 in tolls. Meanwhile, the well-travelled N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, the gateway to the KwaZulu-Natal coast, will cost approximately R200 to R220 one way, depending on vehicle class and exact entry and exit points.
These amounts remain relatively affordable, especially when set against the overall value of a South African road trip. Still, for agents packaging itineraries, it is wise to factor toll fees into the total quoted price. Clients appreciate transparency, and including a toll estimate alongside fuel, accommodation, and car rental costs positions you as a thorough and trustworthy advisor.
A few practical pointers are worth sharing with your clients before they hit the road. First, they should confirm with their rental car company whether the vehicle comes fitted with an e-tag for electronic toll payment or whether they will need to pay manually at each plaza. Second, keeping a supply of small South African Rand notes and coins is helpful at manual booths, where queues can sometimes build up. Third, encourage them to use a GPS navigation app or route planner that flags toll roads, so there are no unexpected detours or missed payments.
From a broader industry perspective, the revenue generated by these tolls plays a vital role in keeping South Africa's highway infrastructure in excellent condition. SANRAL channels these funds into road maintenance, upgrades, and expansion projects, as well as servicing debt from existing toll road developments. For the tourism sector, the payoff is clear: well-maintained highways mean shorter driving times, safer journeys, and reliable access to remote safari lodges, national parks, beach resorts, and adventure hubs across the country.
African travel professionals should view this annual adjustment as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure investment in driving tourism growth. Countries that maintain quality road networks make it easier for visitors to explore beyond the main cities, spreading economic benefits to rural communities and smaller towns. It is a model that other African destinations could learn from as they develop their own self-drive tourism products.
The bottom line for your business is straightforward. Self-drive holidays in South Africa remain competitively priced and hugely rewarding for international visitors. A small toll increase of just over three percent should not deter any traveller. But being upfront about these costs when quoting and advising clients will strengthen your reputation and keep bookings flowing as we head into the busy travel season ahead.
