Travelling in South Africa - Car Hire

We have many years of experience and with consultants who have lived in the country for over a decade, we guarantee that we will be able to assist you with any queries you may have for your holiday there.

Car Hire

When you couple showstopping landscapes, pristine coastlines, charming small towns, and wildlife with a well-maintained road network you have an epic road trip destination.

Renting a car is an excellent way to experience South Africa’s spectacular scenery, allowing for flexibility and freedom. With almost all roads in good conditions, signs in English, plenty of petrol stations and low costs – a small car currently costs around £15 per day – what’s not to like?!

All the big car-hire names are present, including Budget, Avis, Hertz and, despite its name, Europcar and located where you’d expect: at airports and train stations. You’ll also find them dotted around major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Leave it to the experts and Best of South Africa Travel will arrange all your car hire needs in advance, including making sure that your vehicle is equipped with maps and GPS.

Important information

In South Africa, the minimum age for hiring a car is 18, so long as you have held a full driving licence for at least one year. Some firms require drivers to have held a licence for longer than 12 months, sometimes up to three years, meaning you may need to be at least 21 to rent a vehicle.

To hire a car in South Africa, you will need a full driving licence, a current credit card in your name, your passport, and an International Driving Permit. Generally, debit cards are not accepted by many car hire companies in South Africa. Most firms will require a credit card, both for payment of the rental and for the holding deposit.

Like the UK, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road (meaning vehicles are right-hand drive).

Please note that the use of mobile phones while driving is banned.

Most fuel stations accept credit cards. If requested, an attendant will fill your car, check tyres, oil, and water - and clean your windows. It’s customary to give a small tip of around R5.

Do carry a small amount of cash when driving in South Africa, as many of the national roads are tolled. When parking in towns, an attendant in a luminous bib might offer to keep an eye on your car. Once again, a small tip is the norm.

Testimonials

Jock Safari Lodge

Definitely going back for more!

"We were referred to Ash by a mutual friend and were specifically looking for a unique experience for our family which involved a game park.  After a brief discussion around what we would like to see and do, Ash then came back with a package that met us at Jo'burg airport, flew us into the Kruger where our three day …

Tim Groenestein

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