Renting a Vehicle in South Africa
South Africa is an epic destination to explore in a rental vehicle. From game reserves packed with wildlife to sunkissed beaches, a rich culture, and world-class cuisine and wines, there’s so much to do and see.
With your own rental car in South Africa, you’re free to dive into all the attractions on offer at your own pace. When you rent a car with Drive South Africa, you can rest assured that you’ll always get the best customer service and the best deals on car rental.
With Drive South Africa, you’ll be able to easily compare car rental prices on thousands of sedans and compact cars, 4x4s, luxury cars, and camper vans.
The Best Time to Visit South Africa
Choosing the best time to visit South Africa all comes down to what kind of activities you’re after. If your dream is to spot the Big Five in the Kruger National Park, it’s best to visit during the dry winter months of May to September. Renting a 4×4 or car for the Kruger National Park gives you the freedom to take control of your own safari and make unforgettable and thrilling memories.
If you’re after a beach holiday, the best time to visit South Africa would be during the summer months, from December to February. With your own rented car, you’ll be able to explore the dozens of beautiful beaches all along South Africa’s unspoiled coastline.
If you’re looking for a road trip, you can’t go wrong with an epic Garden Route self-drive experience. Online car rental with Drive South Africa makes it simple and easy to book your rental car at the best price and explore the whole country on your own schedule without having to rely on public transport. Go where you want to go when you want to go with Drive South Africa.
Renting Around South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
From world-class beaches and hiking to rolling vineyards, top-notch restaurants, shopping, cultural sites, and museums, Cape Town has something for everyone. Car rental in Cape Town is the best way to explore all of these attractions, and with Drive South Africa, it’s easy to compare thousands of rental vehicles and get the best prices on car rental.
Rent a 4×4 in Cape Town to explore the many trails not far from the city. If you’re flying into Cape Town, Drive South Africa makes it easy to rent a car at Cape Town International Airport, and you’re guaranteed to get the best deal on car rental with thousands of options to compare and choose from.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is South Africa’s financial hub and the second-largest city in Africa. Situated as it is in the north of South Africa, it’s an excellent base from which to explore the country’s more remote wilderness areas. The city boasts the world’s largest man-made forest and is home to the eclectic township of Soweto. With Drive South Africa, it’s easy to rent a car in Johannesburg from thousands of available options and always get the best value for money.
Durban, South Africa
Durban enjoys warm weather all year round and is an excellent base if you’re keen on exploring the KwaZulu Natal region. Take a stroll along the Golden Mile, head out to a game reserve or grab your board and hit the waves. Not to be missed is uShaka Marine World, the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere. Drive South Africa makes it simple to compare thousands of cars, book your rental car in Durban. With our excellent customer service and knowledgeable staff, you’ll be on the road in no time at all.
Getting Around South Africa in a Rental Car
Public transport in South Africa can’t compare to renting a car and enjoying the freedom of the open road. Choose your destinations, set your schedule, and grab the wheel – adventure is waiting just around the corner. South Africa can’t be beaten for its sheer diversity of beautiful sights and interesting locations.
How long should you stay in South Africa?
We’d recommend at least two weeks to make the most of your trip to South Africa. This will give you ample time to explore the coastline and also head inland to the wildlife areas where you can spot the Big Five. Drive South Africa makes it quick and easy to compare thousands of rental vehicles online. Get a great deal when you book a rental car in South Africa and get the backup of excellent customer service at the same time. Take your pick from our extensive choice of sedans, compact cars, luxury vehicles, 4x4s, and camper vans, and hit the road to your next adventure.
What to Pack for South Africa
South African summers are hot, so pack light clothing, plenty of sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the scorching sun. Winters are cold and wet, so pack warm clothing and a raincoat or rainproof jacket, a beanie, and gloves.
Where to stay in South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Known locally as the Mother City, Cape Town is packed with activities no matter the weather. Spend your days on any of the gorgeous beaches, go hiking in the mountains, visit the museums, take a day trip out to the winelands, then tuck into excellent cuisine at a choice of world-class restaurants.
Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa’s economic hub, Johannesburg really is the place to be if you enjoy upmarket sophistication and local culture. Take your pick from the city’s incredible restaurants, browse art in its museums, or head out into the bush for some wildlife spotting – it’s only a few hours outside of the city.
Why rent a car in South Africa with Drive South Africa?
Drive South Africa is Africa’s leading car rental service, with 348 branches in 5 countries around Southern Africa. For over twenty years, we’ve been helping travelers compare and book rental cars online the easy and affordable way. When you rent a car with Drive South Africa, whether it’s short or long-term, you’re guaranteed excellent professional service and the widest range of rental cars at the best possible rates. Rent a car, 4×4, luxury vehicle, or camper van with us, and you’ll get to explore South Africa hassle-free and at a price that leaves you smiling.
South African Airports Car Rental
International Airports
- Cape Town International
- King Shaka Durban International
- OR Tambo Johannesburg International
Local Airports
- George Airport
- Port Elizabeth Airport
- Lanseria Airport
FAQs for Car Hire in South Africa
Europcar South Africa Domestic, Hertz South Africa Domestic, Thrifty Car Rental South Africa, First South Africa Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa (Domestic), Tempest Car Hire South Africa offer car hire in South Africa that adhere to strict COVID-19 health, cleaning and safety standards.
You can hire a car in South Africa from ZAR 270 per day for a Hyundai i10 from Tempest Car Hire.
The cheapest car to hire in South Africa is the Hyundai i10 from Tempest Car Hire. You can rent the Hyundai i10 from ZAR 270 per day.
The cheapest car hire agency in South Africa right now is Tempest Car Hire. Book directly with them via Drive South Africa.
Search Drive South Africa's website to find car hire near you in South Africa
You can hire a car at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport from Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty Car Rental, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Lanseria International Airport from Hertz, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Cape Town International Airport from Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty Car Rental, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa, Tempest Car Hire
You can hire a car at George Airport from Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty Car Rental, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at East London Airport from Hertz, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) from Hertz, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Mthatha Airport from Hertz, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Durban Airport from Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty Car Rental, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) from Hertz, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Richards Bay Airport (RCB) from Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty Car Rental, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Bloemfontein Airport from Hertz, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Hoedspruit (EastGate) Airport from Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Kruger Mpumalanga Airport from Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty Car Rental, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Kimberley Airport from Europcar, Hertz, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Upington Airport (UTN) from Hertz, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa
You can hire a car at Mafikeng Airport from Bluu Car Rental South Africa
SUV / 4x4s car hire in South Africa costs anything from ZAR 614 per day to ZAR 3035 per day.
People Movers car hire in South Africa costs anything from ZAR 1080 per day to ZAR 2555 per day.
Luxury Cars car hire in South Africa costs anything from ZAR 760 per day to ZAR 1825 per day.
Standard Cars car hire in South Africa costs anything from ZAR 350 per day to ZAR 1210 per day.
MPVs car hire in South Africa costs anything from ZAR 530 per day to ZAR 1025 per day.
Commercial / Bakkie car hire in South Africa costs anything from ZAR 520 per day to ZAR 935 per day.
Compact Cars car hire in South Africa costs anything from ZAR 270 per day to ZAR 695 per day.
It costs ZAR 1890 to hire a car for a week in South Africa. The cheapest weekly car rental rate is for the Hyundai i10 by Tempest Car Hire.
It costs ZAR 8100 per month to hire a car long term in South Africa. The cheapest monthly car rental rate is for the Hyundai i10 by Tempest Car Hire. You can pay up to ZAR 8100 per month to hire a Hyundai i10 long term in South Africa.
The most popular car hire locations in South Africa are Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport, Boksburg, Lanseria International Airport, Randburg, Roodepoort, Sandton, Kempton Park, Midrand, Sandton Branch Radisson Blue Hotel, Sandton Eye Branch, Park Station, Strijdompark, Pretoria City Centre, Menlyn, Centurion, Hatfield, Vereeniging Town Centre, Mogale City (Krugersdorp), Cape Town International Airport, Bellville, Cape Town City Centre, Rondebosch, Cape Town Foreshore, Khayelitsha, Century City, Goodwood, George Airport, Stellenbosch Town Centre, Hermanus Town Centre, East London Airport, East London, Grahamstown City Centre, Jeffreys Bay City Centre, Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), Port Elizabeth City Centre, Mthatha, Mthatha Airport, King Williams Town Centre, Queenstown, Durban Airport, Durban City Centre, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB), Pietermaritzburg City Centre, Richards Bay Airport (RCB), Vryheid Town Centre, Newcastle City Centre, Estcourt City Centre, Umhlanga Town Centre, Southbroom, Port Shepstone, Harrismith City Centre, Bloemfontein Airport, Bloemfontein City Centre, Bethlehem City Centre, Welkom City Centre, Hoedspruit City Centre, Hoedspruit (EastGate) Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, Nelspruit City Centre, Ermelo City Centre, Witbank City Centre, Kimberley Airport, Springbok Town Centre, Upington Airport (UTN), Upington City Centre, Mafikeng City Centre, Mafikeng Airport, Rustenburg City Centre, Potchefstroom Town Centre, Sun City Resort, Klerksdorp City Centre.
The most popular car hire companies in South Africa are Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty Car Rental, First Car Rental Domestic, Bluu Car Rental South Africa, Tempest Car Hire.
Petrol costs from ZAR 22.81 per litre up to ZAR 23.46 per liter in South Africa. Diesel costs from ZAR 23.26 per litre up to ZAR 24.22 per liter in South Africa. Last updated at 2022-12-14 11:33:31
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Why Drive South Africa?
Quick, easy and efficient – compare & save from Southern Africa's top rental brands.
Other types of vehicles available in South Africa
Standard cars, luxury cars, 4x4s and campers. Find just about any vehicle to hire in South Africa.
Why rent from Drive South Africa?
Because we work with the best rental companies in Southern Africa, you have a pick of the lot. With 1000s of vehicles to choose from, unlimited mileage, easily comparable prices, cars sanitised on every rental, flexible cancellation and dedicated customer service, you know that Drive South Africa is your best bet.