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Often, we take time off to disconnect from the world. These days, however, if you want to have the best road trip possible, it’s best to take full advantage of all the incredible smartphone apps available. After all, nobody wants to get lost on a gravel road in the middle of nowhere – even if “nowhere” is one of South Africa’s incredible wilderness areas.
So before you head off in your shiny rental vehicle, take some time to go through our list of the top 10 must-have apps for your South African road trip. Read on to learn more and to get the most out of your device on the long road.
Photo: Getty
Navigation apps are the obvious choice for road trips, whether you’re city-slicking around Cape Town or travelling cross-country. Here are our best picks in South Africa.
In all realness, Google Maps was probably one of the first apps you downloaded onto your smartphone – if it wasn’t already installed. Over a billion people use this GPS juggernaut each month around the world, and it’s not difficult to see why. With real-time traffic updates, satellite imagery, Street View, and route planning, it’s an excellent all-round option for road trippers.
Google Maps also provides up-to-date information on nearby restaurants, accommodations, petrol stations, and attractions. Its offline maps feature is especially handy in areas with poor connectivity, making it a reliable companion in rural areas, too.
Waze is a community-driven navigation app that offers real-time traffic updates, road hazard alerts, and the quickest routes based on current traffic conditions. It’s also popular with motorists for another reason: users can mark the locations of police and speed traps.
Thanks to its user-generated database, you’re guaranteed accuracy and up-to-date information, even here in South Africa. You can also choose from a number of unique voices for your directions, ranging from playful dogs to famous celebrities.
Tracks4Africa provides detailed maps of southern African regions, including remote areas, without needing an internet connection. Because it’s developed and distributed right here in South Africa, some motorists feel that it’s the number one resource for off-road routes available on any app store.
In fact, the company promises that you can use the app to navigate “from Cape to Cairo” – depending on the product you buy. That’s the other catch – Tracks4Africa does have a free option, but you need to pay to get access to its best features.
If you enjoy camping or exploring off the beaten path, iOverlander provides a comprehensive database of campsites, points of interest, and useful amenities like water sources and restrooms. It’s an invaluable resource for finding hidden gems and planning your stops along the way.
Unlike Tracks4Africa, it isn’t limited to the African continent. With iOverlander, you can explore trails as far afield as Russia and Argentina. You can also add any new information you might come across during your travels.
Drive South Africa’s web-based app, Road Trip Explorer, is the best way to discover user-tested road trip routes across southern and East Africa. There are currently over 130 routes on the platform, ranging from self-drive safaris through Kruger National Park to the Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary for Kenya.
Even if you already have your route planned out, you’ll have plenty of fun sharing your trip with other Road Trip Explorer users. Here’s what you need to submit:
If you’re visiting the Kruger National Park, the KrugerExplorer app is a must-have. It features up-to-date maps and routes, wildlife sighting locations, and detailed information on the animals and their habitats. The offline functionality is particularly useful in the park’s remote areas.
The app includes over 700 detailed descriptions of mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates found in the park, thousands of stunning photographs, and over 70 guided routes. In fact, it’s the number one local travel app in South Africa!
Photo: Getty
No road trip is complete without the perfect soundtrack. Spotify allows you to create playlists, discover new music, and download your favourite songs for offline listening. Whether you’re in the mood for classic rock, pop hits, or relaxing tunes, Spotify has you covered.
If your rental vehicle is equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can simply plug in your smartphone and use Spotify directly on the car’s infotainment system. Alternatively, if you’re an Apple aficionado, you could use Apple Music, instead.
For those long stretches of road, Audible offers a vast library of audiobooks across various genres. Whether you prefer thrillers, fantasy, or educational non-fiction, Audible keeps you entertained and makes the hours fly by.
There’s one particularly good use for Audible: keeping the kids entertained. If your little ones refuse to catch some sleep, play them their favourite books using the app.
If your road trip takes you across borders, XE Currency Converter is a handy app for converting currencies. It provides up-to-date exchange rates and allows you to calculate prices quickly and easily, ensuring you manage your budget effectively.
It’s absolutely essential to use a currency converter in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, where the local currencies tend to fluctuate significantly and frequently. Alternatively, if you don’t want to download another app, simply use Google to do your conversions.
WhatsApp is essential for communication, offering voice and video calls, voice notes, and text messages. Many tour operators, Airbnb hosts, and guesthouses in South Africa use WhatsApp as their primary mode of communication, making it a crucial app for staying connected.
You don’t even need a local SIM card to use WhatsApp. If you’re an international traveller, you can simply use your existing account here in South Africa. Plus, Meta’s new AI feature means you can use WhatsApp to find all sorts of useful information.
Photo: Getty
Having these apps on your phone can greatly enhance your road trip experience in South Africa. Why risk getting stuck in the bush when you can make the most of your smartphone and the internet?
Alternatively, when you hire a vehicle with Drive South Africa, you can request a GPS unit for an added fee. Either way, make sure you stay safe and connected on your next South African road trip.