How to Rent a Car in South Africa
Road-tripping in South Africa is one of the best ways to see the country, from the scenic Garden Route to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park. With well-maintained roads, a variety of car rental options, and competitive pricing, hiring a vehicle offers convenience and flexibility. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car in South Africa.
1. Choose the Right Rental Company
South Africa has several well-known international car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar, as well as local providers like Tempest and First Car Rental. Deciding on the right company to book with can be a daunting task. That’s where Drive South Africa comes in.
Drive South Africa is a popular online car rental platform that makes renting a vehicle in Southern Africa quick and easy. In addition to South Africa, it offers rentals in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and, Eswatini. The platform provides access to a wide selection of rental cars from trusted providers, catering to various budgets and travel needs, whether you’re looking for a compact city car, a rugged 4×4 for an off-road adventure, or a campervan for an extended road trip.
Booking in advance online often ensures better rates and availability, especially during peak seasons like December and Easter.
2. Requirements for Renting a Car
To rent a car in South Africa, you generally need:
A valid driver’s licenceIf your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
A passport (for international travellers)
A credit card for the security deposit
Minimum age of 18–23 years (varies by company), with at least one year of driving experience
3. Choosing the Right Vehicle
The type of vehicle you choose depends on your travel plans:
Compact Cars: Suitable for city driving in places like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
SUVs/4x4s: Ideal for safaris and off-road adventures, especially in national parks and rural areas.
Campervans: Great for road trips where camping or self-catering accommodation is preferred.
Arniston
4. Understanding Costs and Insurance
Car rental prices vary depending on the season, car type, and rental duration. Look out for:
Daily Rental Rates: Often lower for longer rentals.
Fuel Policy: Some rentals come with a full-to-full policy, meaning you return the car with a full tank.
Insurance Coverage: Standard insurance is included, but you may want to add extra coverage for theft, accidents, or tyre and windscreen damage. We usually take super cover insurance.
Deposit and Excess Fees: A refundable deposit is held on your credit card, and some rentals have a high excess in case of damage.
5. Driving in South Africa: Important Tips
Drive on the left: South Africa follows left-hand driving.
Road conditions: Highways and city roads are in good condition, but rural roads can be rough and potholed or bumpy, gravel roads.
Tolls: Some major roads, like the N1 and N3, have toll gates, so keep cash or a card ready.
Safety precautions: Avoid driving at night in remote areas, keep doors locked, and don’t leave valuables visible in the car.
6. Returning the Rental Car
Fuel Up: Some rental companies require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
Check for Damages: Inspect the car with a rental agent and ensure any existing damage is noted.
Return on Time: Late returns may incur additional fees.
7. Crossing Borders
If you plan to rent a car in South Africa and cross into neighbouring countries, there are several additional requirements and considerations to keep in mind:
Documentation
Letter of Authorization: You must obtain a letter from the car rental company giving permission to take the vehicle out of South Africa. This letter should include:
Vehicle details (make, model, license plate number)
Countries you’re authorized to visit
Travel dates
Vehicle Registration Papers: Carry the original vehicle registration papers and certified copies.
Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months after re-entry into South Africa.
Our experience
Although we live in South Africa and own a car, we often need to rent a vehicle, especially when flying to other provinces. On our recent trip to Cape Town, we booked with Drive South Africa. It was easy to compare prices across different car rental companies on their website and make an informed decision.
Our booking was made through Europcar. Once we arrived in Cape Town, we went to their airport office to collect the car keys for our Kia Sonet. The vehicle was in great condition. It took us from Cape Town to Kleinmond, Gansbaai, Arniston and back to Cape Town. Returning the car was just as simple and we had no issues whatsoever.
Visit Drive South Africa to book your vehicle.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
