Car & Van Hire - Sandton

Lagos might be Africa's fashion capital, but Sandton is where all the true fashionistas shop. Gauteng's northern suburbs are hip, lively and expensive in all the best ways. That's why Nelson Mandela used to buy his shirts at Sandton City's Gray's. South Africa's well-to-do hub attracts A-listers from across the globe, but it's better known for its sparkling couture. All the hottest brands are there, and they bring out their wares every June during Fashion Week.

Sandton Square connects with the mall, offering a Tuscan-style dining space replete with a huge bronze sculpture of Mandela. This historic statue is surrounded by exceptional restaurants, so find a table and enjoy South Africa's famous sunshine. Nelson Mandela Square is as festive as it is delicious, particularly after the sun goes down.

Fourways is Sandton's understated alternative, but it has more than its fair share of attractions. The buzzing Montecasino never sleeps, offering a brightly-lit gaming hall and top-notch theatre shows. The building is styled like a cobbled Italian street with its own artificial skyline. It's always twilight there, and its walk-through bird garden is home to exotic reptiles, mammals and hundreds of feathered friends.

Family travellers can knock a few balls around at Fourways Mall's adventure golf course or head north to visit Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park. This top-rated attraction includes a zipline over the crocodile habitats if you're craving a burst of adrenaline.

Sandton is the perfect spot to experience authentic South African cuisine. If you would like to taste some local fare, try bobotie, which is a baked dish with minced meat, curry powder, herbs and spices. Another must-try is boerewors, a South African sausage. If you have a sweet tooth, some malva pudding, a dessert made with apricot jam, should hit the spot.

You haven't experienced Africa without the Big Five, and you can see SA's legendary lions at the Lion and Safari Park north of Lanseria. The resident creatures roam freely, and they're not particularly nervous about safari vehicles. That allows you to have a spectacularly-close encounter with the king of the jungle. The park also houses giraffes, zebra and wildebeest.

Sandton's Art Eye Gallery is perfect for artsy travellers who want to see authentic contemporary South African art. The hosts are friendly and unpretentious, so you can absorb their wares in a pleasant environment.

Sandton's roads can be an adventure. When you're not dodging potholes, you're braking for erratic minibus taxies. If you can stay off the main roads and taxi routes, however, your trip will be a lot easier. Make judicious use of backroads, particularly those off Rivonia Road. During peak hours, this bustling street will turn a five-minute drive into an hour's torture, but if you use the parallel Morningside streets, you can shave 40 minutes off your trip. The M1 and the M40 are equally prone to traffic jams. As a rule, peak hour falls between 16:00 and 18:30, but traffic often starts as early as 14:00 on Fridays.

Minibus taxis have a way of dominating South African streets. Don't interpret their hooting as road rage. They're merely alerting potential passengers of their presence. They tend to brake suddenly, so allow an extra stopping distance. The taxis might be tough to tolerate, but when you're lost or need a little extra patience on the road, their helpful drivers are a boon.

Most of Sandton's street parking is managed by informal attendants. They're known as car guards to the locals, but their primary role is to direct you out of parking spaces you could have managed on your own. Still, they can make your vehicle more secure, so keep cash on hand for tips. Car guards usually know the area and are happy to assist. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them.

Car thefts and smash-and-grabs are common in the north, but van hire in Sandton will be as safe as you make it. You'll evade the worst of the crime by parking in secure areas and avoiding hijacking hot spots. Keep your valuables in the boot, and don't drive with a phone in full view. Sedans are by far the most targeted vehicles in the area, so it's best to hire an SUV or station wagon.

Gauteng experiences power outages a few times each day. Traffic lights are often out. Treat these intersections as you would a four-way stop unless a law enforcement officer is directing the traffic.

South African drivers drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right. Sandton's well-developed areas are clearly marked, but some of its side streets are tougher to navigate. Google Maps functions well in the region, though, so you shouldn't need a GPS.