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South Africa car hire

Cover from just £2.45*

*Based on an individual aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions taking single trip cover for 3 days to France. Cover starts on August 10th, 2024 and ends on August 13th, 2024. Price correct as of August 15th, 2024.

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Save up to £387 on Cape Town Intl Apt car hire today by comparing multiple deals at once!

Savings represent the greatest difference between the cheapest and second cheapest prices for the same search criteria, car type and location. Based on the range of prices seen recently.

We compare a huge range of one-way and return car hire deals from over 1,300 leading rental companies
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Cape Town Airport Car Hire Deals

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Best car hire deals – All prices have been selected from deals found since 02 Nov 2024. Prices are subject to the partners Ts & Cs.

East London Airport Car Hire Deals

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Best car hire deals – All prices have been selected from deals found since 02 Nov 2024. Prices are subject to the partners Ts & Cs.

Oliver Reginald Tambo Airport Car Hire Deals

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Best car hire deals – All prices have been selected from deals found since 02 Nov 2024. Prices are subject to the partners Ts & Cs.

Compare the best South Africa car hire

Road trips are a dream in South Africa, and car hire is key if you want to enjoy the gorgeous views under your own steam. Fortunately the country drives on the left, so you'll feel at home right away!

Travel Information

Language: English | Currency: Rand (R) | Avg. Flight time: 12 hrs

Airport rentals

Whether you’ve flown into Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, it’s easiest to hire a car straight from the airport.

Well-known car hire companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Budget provide rentals from all these airports, with local companies also available. Booking in advance using TravelSupermarket can yield the cheapest prices.

Sightseeing with a rental car

South Africa is an amazing country to drive through. From sprawling vineyards, enormous valleys, imposing mountains to stunning coast roads, it’s a diverse destination filled with exciting things to see and do.

The Garden Route – one of South Africa’s most popular road trip options – is a 300km expanse of remarkable natural beauty that stretches between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and the mouth of Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Glorious spots along the way include picture-perfect Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay, one of the best places in the country for bird watching.

For wine connoisseurs visiting Cape Town, it’s essential to make a trip to the nearby Cape Winelands. Stellenbosch is a historic town and home to Boschendal, a 300-year old winery which is noted for its award-winning white wines – if you’re the designated driver, however, you can skip the wine and enjoy local olives, cheese and chocolate instead.

Another spot near Cape Town which is well worth visiting is the Aquila Private Game Reserve. Here you can go on traditional game drives or experience safaris on horseback, before checking into the spa for an African wood massage.

Fifty kilometres north-west of Johannesburg you’ll find ‘The Cradle of Humankind’, a paleoanthropological site where ‘Mrs Ples’ – an australopithecus africanus skull said to be two million years old – was unearthed. The nearby Sterkfontein cave system is another highlight, and guided tours are available for both attractions.

If your destination is the vast Kruger National Park, the best time to visit is between May and September when wildlife is easier to spot.

Car hire tips

1. You might hear South Africans speaking about robots – it's what they call traffic lights.

2. A distinctly South African phenomenon is the ‘car guard’, a self-employed person who will offer to watch your car for a small fee. You should carry small change for this, but bear in mind that the system is completely unregulated, so use your discretion.

3. Be very wary of picking up strangers or stopping to help motorists who might look distressed, as they could be hijackers. You should also look out for obstacles placed in the road, as these could have been placed there by thieves who aim to rob you when leave your car to move the item. Your car hire company will tell you what to do in the event of a breakdown.

Important information

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.

Find answers to your questions

FAQs

What age do I need to be to hire a vehicle in South Africa?

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.

What do I need to hire a vehicle in South Africa?

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. Check with your provider to see if any other documentation is required (such as flight details).

Do I need car hire excess insurance in South Africa?

You’re not legally required to have car high excess insurance (this is usually an optional add-on), meaning you’re covered to drive without it. That said, it’s recommended you take out car hire excess insurance whenever you rent a vehicle so that if you have to make a claim, the excess owed will be covered or reduced. Avoid on the day walk-up rates and book a policy from a standalone provider in advance.

Can I rent a car with a debit card in South Africa?

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.

Which rental companies are available at O.R. Tambo International Airport?

You’ll find the following car hire companies at O.R. Tambo International Airport: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, First Car Rental, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Tempest Car Hire, Thrifty.

Which rental companies are available at Cape Town International Airport?

You can pick up a hire car at Cape Town International Airport from the following rental companies: Avis, Bidvest Car Rental, Dollar, Europcar, First Car Rental, Hertz, Tempest Car Hire, Sixt, Thrifty and Woodford.

Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or off site in South Africa?

Generally, it’s cheaper to hire a car off-site than at the airport, but you can still get a good deal at the airport if you shop around online beforehand. Booking in advance is recommended if you’re on a budget.

Can you rent a car in one South African city and drop it off in another?

Yes, if you need to drop your hire car off in a different location from the one you picked it up in, there are firms in South Africa that offer one way rentals. Expect a fee for this service.

Can you rent a car the same day in South Africa?

Yes, you certainly can find same-day rentals in South Africa. A couple of things to note. One, it’ll cost you more than it would if you booked in advance and online, and two, you might find your vehicle options to be limited.

Can I hire a vehicle at 21 years of age in South Africa?

You can indeed hire a car from the age of 21 in South Africa. To qualify, you need to have held your driving licence for at least one year, if not more (some firms require at least three years). As you’re under 25, expect a ‘young driver surcharge’.