Getting around

Researched by the VarsityStart team from official university sources. Last checked 10 October 2026. How we check

We could not confirm a campus shuttle. Makhanda is a small town and most students walk.

Taxis: a 2020 report describes metered taxis as expensive and minibus taxis as running only at certain times and in certain areas.
Private transport: Rhodes lists privately run transport providers (for example Go Travel at Peppergrove Mall) and says it is not involved in those arrangements. Intercity buses go through the Makana Tourism Bureau on High Street. Oppidan students use the Oppi bus.
Airports: the nearest are Port Elizabeth (about 130 km) and East London (about 160 km), with shuttle companies serving both.
University transport: an SRC article says Rhodes could not run its own student transport because of insurance and licensing rules, and proposed a contracted bus. We found no sign it runs now. Ask the SRC or Dean of Students.
Ride-hailing: Uber offers a trip PIN, RideCheck, trusted contacts and an emergency button. Bolt offers a pick-up code, in-app audio recording and an SOS button linked to armed response. We found no student discounts for either.