According to a global study commissioned by the UK's largest car marketplace, AutoTrader, South African drivers spend an average of more than ten days a year driving just for commuting, placing the country first in the world ranking for driving time.
On average, South African drivers spend about 10 days, 4 hours, and 48 minutes annually traveling. This figure significantly exceeds the global average of eight days, 5 hours, and 53 minutes.
South Africa has surpassed India, where drivers spend an average of 10 days, 1 hour, and 55 minutes per year, as well as Ireland, which records nine days, 14 hours, and 10 minutes.
The study also noted Australia, whose drivers have the longest average daily commute globally—1 hour and 49 minutes.
The study revealed a sharp contrast between South Africa and countries like the Netherlands and the UK, where drivers spend less time behind the wheel, partly due to the presence of developed public transport systems.
On average, Dutch drivers spend about eight days and 19 hours a year driving. Meanwhile, German and French drivers report increased driving time during holidays, suggesting that while their daily trips may be shorter, long-distance car journeys contribute significantly to the total annual mileage.
Tom Roberts, a car leasing expert at AutoTrader, noted that the study results highlight how differently people around the world use their vehicles. He added that the research demonstrated the importance of understanding how much time drivers spend behind the wheel when choosing a vehicle that suits their lifestyle.
In South Africa, the results also point to the challenges faced by passengers in conditions of urban sprawl, limited public transport alternatives, and rising fuel prices. For many drivers, the time spent on the road represents not only a serious burden of daily travel but also constant financial costs.
The dream of living away from the hustle and bustle of the city in the mountains is achievable, but it is important to understand the financial costs involved. A couple living in the village of Gadjan near Manali in Himachal Pradesh has shared a detailed breakdown of their monthly expenses, which went viral on social media.
In a video posted on Instagram titled 'Living in the Mountains, Episode 1,' content creator Divya and her partner Saurav explained what their budget entails while living in the mountains. They currently occupy a four-bedroom house (4BHK) as they run a joint guest business (homestay). However, if someone only needs to rent accommodation, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment (1BHK) is around 15,000 rupees, and a two-bedroom (2BHK) is approximately 25,000 rupees per month.
Food expenses amount to about 15,000 rupees. Since the couple primarily cooks at home, their monthly grocery bill reaches approximately 10,000 rupees. Additional expenses for eating out occur occasionally and total about 5,000 rupees.
Despite living in the mountains, fuel costs are low. Divya noted that they often walk, but they still spend about 3,000 rupees per month on petrol and miscellaneous items.
Utilities also remain affordable. No extra charges are required for water. The electricity bill, according to Divya, is quite low, amounting to about 1,000 rupees monthly. Furthermore, living amidst nature allows them to save on entertainment, although the couple allocates about 3,000 rupees per month for small mountain adventures.
Summarizing all these expenses, Divya stated that the total monthly cost for a comfortable life in the mountains is approximately 50,000 rupees. They emphasized that while living in such a picturesque and peaceful place near Manali might seem expensive, a comfortable lifestyle is entirely possible for around 50 thousand rupees with proper financial management and cooking meals at home.
The landscapes of Africa are often associated with savannas, mountains, islands, and vast coastlines; however, the continent's peninsulas offer a completely different kind of adventure. These locations combine diverse landscapes and experiences—from freshwater shores and coral reefs to rocky cliffs, ancient ruins, and Mediterranean beaches. Some are well-known but rarely explored beyond the main attraction, while others remain little-known. Below are four African peninsulas that deserve closer attention.
The Cape Peninsula may be one of the most visited places on this list, but its immense diversity makes it impossible to overlook. Located south of Cape Town towards Cape Point, it combines dramatic mountain scenery, two coasts, beaches, fynbos, wildlife, and historic coastal settlements. The Cape Point Nature Reserve alone features hiking trails, beaches, viewpoints, and a lighthouse dating back to 1857.
To truly experience the atmosphere of the peninsula, one should look beyond the classic photography of Cape Point and view the entire peninsula as a single destination. One of the best ways to explore it is by car. A route through Hout Bay and along Chapman's Peak offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic before heading towards Noordhoek and the southern peninsula.
On the False Bay side, it is worth stopping in Kalk Bay and Simon's Town to enjoy a more tranquil seaside retreat. These villages and coastal suburbs offer cafes, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings near the ocean. At Boulder's Beach, near Simon's Town, you can walk through the protected habitat of the colony of African penguins. Although this is one of the peninsula's most famous attractions, time should be spent exploring the surroundings rather than just making a quick photo stop.
In the southern part of the Cape Peninsula, there are continuous cliffs, fynbos, ocean, and wide panoramas. The reserve is home to species such as the Cape mountain zebra and the bontebok, and its trails allow visitors to see the landscape away from the busiest viewpoints. One can walk to the old lighthouse or take the 'Flying Dutchman' funicular for an easier ascent. There are also beaches and longer routes for active enthusiasts.
The peninsula rewards travelers who slow down. It is worth staying in Kalk Bay to eat fish and chips, exploring the harbour in Hout Bay, walking along Noordhoek beach, or watching marine life along the coast. It is easy to spend several days exploring the peninsula instead of trying to cram Cape Point, Boulder's, and everything in between into one rushed trip.
The rainy season brings relief from the heat, but it is also accompanied by problems such as dampness, high humidity, unpleasant odors, and the growth of green moss throughout the house. Moss that appears on balconies, stairs, roofs, and railings not only spoils the appearance but also creates a slipping hazard. Furthermore, poor ventilation in rooms and closets leads to the spread of a characteristic musty smell.
If you are concerned about slippery moss and odors during the monsoon period, you can use natural ingredients available in the kitchen to freshen and clean every corner of the house, avoiding expensive chemical cleaners. Below are simple and effective methods.
To remove moss from affected areas (such as balconies, stairs, or floors), first sprinkle a small amount of dry baking soda. Then, spray white vinegar over it. When the vinegar contacts the soda, foam is formed. This mixture should be left for 15–20 minutes, after which it should be thoroughly scrubbed with a stiff brush and rinsed with water. This will completely remove the moss.
To deal with stubborn moss on yards or roofs, prepare a solution: mix 2–3 tablespoons of bleach or coarse salt in a bucket of boiling water. Apply this solution to the affected areas and leave it for 10 minutes. Afterward, clean the surface with a broom or brush to prevent the moss from reappearing.
To combat dampness and odors in closets, shoe racks, or closed rooms, it is recommended to hang sachets filled with lavender and cloves. Potpourri absorbs moisture and spreads a pleasant aroma in the air.
You can also use a spray based on lemon and baking soda. In a spray bottle, mix one cup of water, one teaspoon of baking soda, and the juice of one lemon. Spray this solution in areas where a musty odor is felt, such as on carpets or in corners; this will help immediately eliminate the unpleasant smell.
