How to Rent a Car in South Africa : A Complete Guide
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.
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 4x4 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.
To rent a car in South Africa, you generally need:
The type of vehicle you choose depends on your travel plans:
Arniston
Car rental prices vary depending on the season, car type, and rental duration. Look out for:
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:
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.
