Zambesi Toll Gate Fees
If you’re planning a drive on the N1 north of Pretoria, you’ll likely pass through the Zambesi Toll Gate, one of Gauteng’s key toll collection points. Whether you’re heading toward Limpopo or just using the N1 to navigate through Pretoria North, it’s important to know the exact toll fees before you hit the road. This guide gives you current pricing, location details, and what payment methods are accepted so you’re not caught off guard at the booth. Save time by using our Toll Calculator before traveling.
Table of Contents
- Current Zambesi Toll Gate Fees
- Where the Zambesi Toll Gate Is Located
- Estimated Travel Costs
- Payment Options at Zambesi
- Tips for Drivers
Current Zambesi Toll Gate Fees
Below are the 2025 toll fees for various vehicle categories at the Zambesi Toll Gate on the N1:
| Vehicle Category | One-Way Fee |
|---|---|
| Light Motor Vehicles (Class 1) | R18.50 |
| Medium Heavy Vehicles (Class 2) | R46.00 |
| Heavy Vehicles – 3 or 4 Axles (Class 3) | R92.50 |
| Multi-Axle Trucks (Class 4) | R115.50 |
Where the Zambesi Toll Gate Is Located
The Zambesi Toll Plaza is located on the N1 highway, just north of Pretoria before the off-ramp to Sefako Makgatho Drive (formerly Zambesi Drive). It connects the Gauteng Road network to destinations such as Polokwane, Mokopane, and beyond. If you’re traveling north from Johannesburg or Pretoria, expect to encounter this toll shortly after passing the N4 interchange.
Estimated Travel Costs
Planning a trip from Pretoria to Polokwane? Here’s an estimate of tolls you’ll pass through when using the N1, starting from Zambesi:
| Route Section | Toll Gate | Estimated Cost (Class 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Pretoria to Nyl Plaza | Zambesi Toll Gate | R18.50 |
| Bela Bela to Nyl Toll | Carousel + Nyl | R67.00 |
| Total One-Way | R85.50 |
Always factor in the return journey and fuel costs when budgeting for road travel.
Payment Options at Zambesi
Drivers can pay toll fees using:
- Cash (ZAR)
- Debit and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard)
- e-tags (SANRAL-compatible)
e-tag users will benefit from faster access through dedicated lanes, reducing queue times.
Tips for Drivers
- Keep small cash denominations or a loaded card ready to avoid delays
- During long weekends or holidays, queues at Zambesi Toll Gate can become congested. Consider traveling outside peak hours
- Make sure your e-tag account is loaded and active if you’re using electronic lanes