South Africa toll fees to rise from 01 March 2026: What self-drive travellers should know

If you’re planning a self-drive adventure in South Africa in 2026, it’s important to know that the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will implement a toll tariff adjustment from 01 March 2026.

This affects rental cars, road trips, and long-distance travel, particularly along major corridors connecting airports, cities, safari lodges, and coastal destinations.

Toll fee increase at a glance

• Effective date: 01 March 2026
• Increase: 3.12% (CPI-linked)
• Lower than last year’s adjustment of 4.85%

SANRAL explains that toll revenue is critical for maintaining, upgrading, and expanding national highways in South Africa, as well as servicing debt incurred from toll road projects. These funds ensure that travellers enjoy safe, reliable, and high-quality roads throughout the country.

Why toll roads matter for international travellers

South Africa is one of the world’s premier self-drive destinations. Major tourist routes often include toll roads, such as:

• Johannesburg > Kruger National Park (N4 corridor)
• Cape Town > Gqeberha (N2 via Tsitsikamma)
• Johannesburg > Durban (N3 highway)

Well-maintained toll highways help travellers save time, enjoy smoother journeys, and access remote safari lodges, beaches, and national parks. 

Example toll costs for key routes

Here’s a practical guide for international visitors planning road trips in South Africa:

Route	Estimated Toll Cost (One Way, Light Vehicle)	Notes
Johannesburg → Kruger National Park	~R280–R300	Three main toll plazas; ideal for safari access
Cape Town → Gqeberha	~R70–R90	Mainly Tsitsikamma toll plaza on N2
Johannesburg → Durban	~R200–R220	Multiple tolls along the N3 corridor; common for KwaZulu-Natal coast trips

Please note: Toll costs are approximate and may vary slightly depending on your vehicle class and exact entry/exit points.

Tips for self-drive international travellers

1. Check toll payment with your rental company – e-tags or manual payment may apply.
2. Carry small Rand denominations for manual tolls if required.
3. Include tolls in your budget for long-distance itineraries like Cape Town > Gqeberha or Johannesburg > Kruger National Park.
4. Plan routes ahead – use GPS or route planners that highlight toll roads.

Why this matters for your trip

SANRAL toll revenue keeps national highways in top condition, ensuring:

• Smooth drives for tourists exploring the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and KwaZulu-Natal coast
• Safe access to lodges, national parks, and adventure activities
• Reliable infrastructure for connecting flights, buses, and local transport

For overseas visitors, this means better road quality, shorter travel times, and safer journeys, enhancing your South African self-drive experience.

Bottom Line

From 01 March 2026, toll tariffs on SANRAL-operated roads will increase by 3.12%. While modest, this adjustment ensures that South Africa's roads remain safe, efficient, and ready for international travellers.

Budgeting for tolls on long-distance routes is smart, but overall, self-drive trips remain an affordable and rewarding way to explore South Africa's iconic destinations.

Toll costs are approximate and may vary slightly depending on your vehicle class and exact entry/exit points.

 

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Mpumalanga road conditions: SANRAL issues flood damage update!

last update 26 January 2026 

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has released an updated status report on national roads affected by recent heavy rainfall and flooding in Mpumalanga, warning road users to exercise extreme caution while recovery and assessments continue.

According to SANRAL Mpumalanga Provincial Head Mabuyi Mhlanga, the agency is actively monitoring flood-affected routes and conducting on-site assessments wherever conditions allow.

“These assessments form part of SANRAL’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of all road users. In areas where it remains unsafe to operate, inspections will resume once floodwaters have fully subsided. Our Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams remain on standby,” said Mhlanga.

SANRAL has urged motorists to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, and avoid driving through flooded sections, as water depth and underlying road damage may not be visible. 

Affected National Roads in Mpumalanga

• Nkomazi Local Municipality
• R582 (Section 1) – Coopersdal Road from the N4 to the R571 intersection
  The Komati River Bridge was overtopped, resulting in road damage.
  One-way traffic flow is currently in place.
• Thaba Chweu Local Municipality
• R37 (Section 4) – Sabie/Nelspruit intersection to Mbombela border
  Damage recorded between Km 24 (Brondaal old pump station) and Km 28, including three slip failures.
  Two-way traffic flow is being maintained.
• R36 (Section 3) – Between Lydenburg and Bambi
  Severe pavement deterioration reported along this section.
• Mbombela and Bushbuckridge Local Municipalities
• R40 (Section 1) – At the Bulembu Border
  Drainage and structural failures identified.
  One-way traffic flow in operation.
• R40 (Section 4) – Between White River and Hazyview
• Km 19.4: Slip failure and culvert collapse
• Km 27: Slip failure and culvert collapse
• Contractors are currently on site at both locations.
• R40 (Section 5)
• Km 30.4 (Bushbuckridge to Dwarsloop): 24-hour stop-and-go traffic control in place
• Km 45 (Acornhoek to Dullstroom): Slip failure and culvert damage; two-way traffic maintained
• Km 50.4 (Dwarsloop to Acornhoek): 24-hour stop-and-go traffic control in effect

Travel advisory for Mpumalanga
SANRAL continues to monitor conditions across the province and will issue further updates as assessments progress and repairs are undertaken. Travellers to and within Mpumalanga - particularly those heading to Kruger National Park, Hazyview, White River, and surrounding tourism areas - are advised to plan routes carefully and allow extra travel time.

Motorists should stay informed via official SANRAL communication channels and avoid non-essential travel through flood-affected areas where possible.

 

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Travel Alert: Flooding causes temporary closure of National Roads in Limpopo!

last updated 16 January 2026:

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has released an update regarding the status of national roads in Limpopo  following continued heavy rainfall and flooding experienced across the province.

National Roads currently closed to traffic:

• National Road R527 in the Hoedspruit area within the Maruleng Local Municipality. (Alternative road is the R40 from Acornhoek through Hoedspruit towards Phalaborwa.
• The R40 next to Maseke Game reserve is closed.
• 25km before Phalaborwa, R71 is closed.
• R578 section 2 Road washed away and closed
• R71-3 (Namakgale to Phalaborwa) near the Lulekani turn-off – flooded bridge
• R40-7 (Mica to Phalaborwa) near Grietjie – flooding across the road
• R36-5 (The Oaks to Ofcolaco) near Ofcolaco – pooling water over the road
• R527 – Zandspruit bridge is flooded
• R578 (Selwana road) near Makhuva – pooling of water over the road
• R578 at about km5.4 section 2, bridge washed away and road is closed.
• R578 at about km 20 section 2 is closed
• Greater Letaba bridge from R529 to Eiland road. Water level close to flooding the bridge

Roads still open but affected by heavy rainfall

• National Road R81 in the Giyani town
• R33 between Groblersdal and Stofberg
• R526 section 2, km 12.4 from Gravellotte heading towards Hoedspruit

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has issued an advisory on 14 January 2026, announcing the temporary closure of several national roads in Limpopo following severe flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall across the province.

Ongoing adverse weather conditions have resulted in rapidly rising water levels, compromising road surfaces and creating dangerous driving conditions in multiple areas. In the interest of public safety, SANRAL has implemented precautionary closures on affected routes until further notice.

National Roads currently closed to traffic
Motorists and travellers are advised that the following routes are closed to all traffic:

• R527 (Hoedspruit area)
• Located within the Maruleng Local Municipality, this route has been heavily impacted by flooding.
• Alternative route: Use the R40 from Acornhoek through Hoedspruit towards Phalaborwa.
• R578 (South of Phalaborwa towards Giyani)
• Flood-related damage has rendered this road unsafe.
• Alternative route: Travel via the R71 towards Tzaneen, then continue on the R36 and R81 to Giyani.

Roads still open but affected by heavy rainfall
The following roads remain open; however, motorists should proceed with extreme caution due to ongoing heavy rains and potential deterioration:

• R81 in and around Giyani
• R36 between Groblersdal and Stofberg
• R555 between Stofberg and Rosenekal

Travellers, especially those heading to Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa, or Limpopo's bush and safari regions, are urged to monitor conditions closely and plan routes carefully.

SANRAL safety advisory
SANRAL Limpopo Provincial Head, Madoda Mthembu, emphasized the importance of road user safety:

“We strongly advise road users to avoid the affected roads and make use of alternative routes where possible. Further communication will be issued once detailed assessments have been completed and the affected national roads are safe to be re-opened to traffic.”

What travellers should do

• Avoid closed routes and strictly follow SANRAL signage and instructions
• Allow additional travel time when using alternative routes
• Stay updated through official SANRAL and provincial traffic channels
• Exercise heightened caution, especially during early mornings and evenings when visibility may be reduced

Further updates will be communicated as conditions improve and once safety assessments have been concluded.

 

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Addo Elephant National Park: SANRAL reopens Nqweba–Addo route for two-way traffic during festive season!

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has confirmed that the key route between Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood) and Addo will be open to two-way traffic from 12 December 2025 to 06 January 2026, offering welcome relief to holidaymakers travelling through the Sundays River Valley during the peak festive season.

The temporary reopening will support increased traffic volumes to and from Addo Elephant National Park and surrounding Eastern Cape tourism destinations. However, SANRAL has cautioned that the road remains an active construction zone, and motorists should travel with care.

Areas requiring extra caution
Road users are advised to take special care at the following points    

• Sunday’s River Bridge and Bezuidenhout’s River Bridge
• Traffic has been shifted to the right-hand side of the bridges, with vehicles travelling on a combination of old and newly constructed road surfaces.
• A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h applies over both bridges.
• No centreline markings
• This section of road currently has no permanent centreline. SANRAL has indicated that pre-marking will be applied, along with the installation of temporary road studs to improve visibility and guidance.

Speed limits and traffic rules

• As the route remains under construction:
• A maximum speed limit of 60 km/h applies throughout the affected section
• No overtaking is permitted
• Motorists must adhere strictly to temporary signage and traffic controls

SANRAL Eastern Cape Provincial Head Mbulelo Peterson urged motorists to plan their journeys carefully, consider alternative routes where possible, and remain cautious while using the road.

This update is particularly relevant for travellers heading to Addo Elephant National Park, self-drive tourists exploring the Eastern Cape, and locals commuting between Nqweba and surrounding areas during the busy holiday period.

 

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South Africa: Major road upgrades underway in Mpumalanga's Kruger Lowveld region!

Several key roads in Mpumalanga’s Kruger Lowveld region are currently undergoing significant upgrades, following a strategic takeover by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL). The agency has assumed responsibility for crucial provincial routes previously managed by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.

These improvements aim to enhance road safety and accessibility across one of South Africa’s most popular tourism destinations, home to world-famous attractions such as the Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, and scenic towns like Hazyview and Graskop.

Roads scheduled for upgrades in the Kruger Lowveld region include:

• R540: From Dullstroom to Lydenburg/Mashishing – a key route for travelers en route to the Panorama Route.
• R538: Connecting White River and Hazyview – essential for Kruger National Park access.
• R538 to R40 Intersection at Hazyview: Critical for easing traffic flow in this high-traffic tourism hub.
• R533: Linking Graskop and Bushbuckridge – a scenic drive along the Panorama Route.
• Mbombela Area Roads: Upgrades around Crossing Shopping Centre to support urban traffic.
• R571: From Komatipoort to the Marloth Park intersection – a major southern Kruger entry point.
• R40: From White River to Mbombela – vital for regional connectivity.
• Plaston Road: Including the Karino section leading to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).
• Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail: From the Bulembu Border to Barberton – part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Low’s Creek to Kaapmuiden: Supporting eco-tourism and regional logistics.

Roads in other tourist towns such as White River, Hazyview, and Mashishing (Lydenburg) are also receiving much-needed attention. Importantly, work on the R540 between Dullstroom and Mashishing (Lydenburg) already commenced some weeks ago. While still under re-construction with some “Stop-Go’s” in place, tourists now take comfort in safe passage to the northern parts of the Kruger Lowveld region.

These roadworks are set to make travel through the Kruger Lowveld region smoother and safer, reinforcing Mpumalanga's reputation as a top-tier destination for both local and international tourists.

Kruger Lowveld covers the Ehlanzeni District of Mpumalanga, including the following four local municipalities:  City of Mbombela, Thaba Chweu, Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge, as well as the Southern part of Kruger National Park and the surrounding Private Nature Reserves.
The following major towns are in the Kruger Lowveld:  Mbombela (Nelspruit), Hazyview, White River, Sabie, Graskop, Malalane, Barberton, Mashishing (Lydenburg) and Bushbuckridge.
Other villages / towns are:  Pilgrim’s Rest, Klaserie, Acornhoek, Thulamahashe, Lilydale, Mkhuhlu, Komatipoort, Kanyamazane, Kabokweni, Low’s Creek, Kaapsehoop and Marloth Park.

South Africa: Toll road tariff to increase from 01 March 2025!

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the adjustment to the toll tariffs effective from 01 March 2025. The tariffs are adjusted annually in South Africa in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as obtained from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The annual toll tariffs will increase by 4.84%, as published in the Government Gazette of 07 February 2025. This rate is less than last year’s 6.25% adjustment.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest toll fees for major routes in South Africa:

N1 “Platinum Toll” Route

Plaza	Type	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3	Class 4
Carousel	Main	R73.00	R196.00	R216.00	R249.00
Pumulani	Main	R16.00	R40.00	R46.00	R55.00
Hammanskraal	Ramp	R34.00	R116.00	R126.00	R145.00

 

N3 Johannesburg to Durban Route

Plaza	Type	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3	Class 4
Mooi	Main	R67.00	R165.00	R231.00	R313.00
Tugela	Main	R96.00	R159.00	R251.00	R347.00
Wilge	Main	R90.00	R155.00	R207.00	R294.00

 

N4 Gauteng/Mpumalanga Route

Plaza	Type	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3	Class 4
Diamond Hill	Main	R49.00	R68.00	R128.00	R213.00
Middelburg	Main	R81.00	R176.00	R286.00	R352.00
Nkomazi	Main	R92.00	R187.00	R271.00	R391.00

Toll fees in South Africa vary depending on the type of vehicle:

• Class 1: Light vehicles (motorcycles, motor tricycles, motor cars, and cars with trailers).
• Class 2: Medium-heavy vehicles (two axles).
• Class 3: Large heavy vehicles (three or four axles).
• Class 4: Extra-large heavy vehicles (five or more axles). 

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Western Cape: Section of the R43 in the Overberg fully closed until September 2024!

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has announced that a three kilometres section of the R43 from the Kleinmond interchange on the N2 (Exit 90 to Kleinmond and Hermanus) will be closed for at least six month (September 2024). This is due to  road safety improvement which involves a full upgrade and reconstruction of layerworks, as well as widening the road to 3.7m wide lanes, with 2.4m wide shoulders in both directions. All traffic will be rerouted via the Botrivier interchange on the N2 (Exit 92) that is approximately two kilometres from the road closure.

KwaZulu-Natal: Resumption of toll fee collections at N2 oThongati and uMvoti toll plazas postponed!

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), a South African parastatal responsible for the management, maintenance and development of South Africa's proclaimed National Road network which includes many (not all!) National ("N") and some Provincial and Regional ("R") route segments, has announced that the resumption of toll fee collections at N2 oThongathi Mainline and uMvoti toll plazas has been postponed until further notice. Both toll plazas are located in KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast. Toll fees were suspended after the floods in April 2022 as the alternative route was damaged.
SANRAL and the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal agreed that further consultations will take place shortly. We'll keep you posted!

South Africa: New toll road tariffs from March 2022!

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), a South African parastatal responsible for the management, maintenance and development of South Africa's proclaimed National Road network which includes many (not all!) National ("N") and some Provincial and Regional ("R") route segments, has announced toll increases for the country's major highways effective from 01 March 2022. The tariffs are adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as obtained from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). Toll monies are applied to maintain, operate and improve toll roads in South Africa, as well as to service debt incurred to implement a toll road project.

Download: SANRAL toll tariffs 2022 (pdf)

South Africa: New toll tariffs on national roads to take effect from 01 March 2021!

South Africa's Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula has approved the 2021 toll tariffs as recommended by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). The adjustments were gazetted on 11 February 2021 (Government Gazette, volume 668, number 44146). The toll tariffs on South Africa's national roads will be adjusted on 01 March 2021. The toll tariffs are adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as obtained from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The CPI percentage that was applied to determine the 01 March 2021 tariff adjustment is 5%. Only 13% of the 22 253km network in South Africa constitutes toll roads. Discounts offered at specific toll plazas for frequent users as well as qualifying local users were still applicable.

For details on the applicable tariffs, please click here!

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South Africa: New national toll road tariffs for 2020 announced!

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has announced the new toll road tariffs for 2020 in South Africa, which will come into effect on 01 March 2020. According to SANRAL, South Africa's Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, has approved the toll tariffs as part of the annual tariff adjustments. The adjustments are made on an annual basis in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as obtained from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The CPI percentage that was applied to determine the March 2020 tariff adjustment is 4,31%.

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South Africa's total road network is about 747 000km, the longest network of roads of any African country. Around 19% of the national roads are toll roads, most of which are maintained by Sanral, while the rest have been concessioned to private companies to develop, operate and maintain.