Best value car hire from top brands
South Africa car hire tips
Where to pick up your car
There are over 70 car hire locations in South Africa, and the most popular city is Cape Town.
Top car rental brands
The most popular car rental brands in South Africa are Budget, Bidvest, Avis, Thrifty and Europcar.
Best time to hire a car
The cheapest month to pick up your car hire in South Africa is August.
Local currency
Rand (ZAR)
Side of road
Left
Hire a car in South Africa
South Africa is one of the world’s ultimate self-drive countries.
From wild safaris and striking landscapes to historic monuments and dramatic skylines, the rainbow nation is far more than what most visitors expect.
The country is a diverse blend of Western modernism and traditionally rooted cultures, which opens up endless tourism opportunities. Larger than it may appear on a map, driving distances within South Africa can be long, but there is always a scenic route worth taking. easyCar compares car hire brands across South Africa, so you can coast along the country’s panoramic roads for the best price.
Get to know South Africa
Car hire fast facts
| Frequently asked question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Most popular place to hire a car in South Africa | 1. Cape Town Airport 2. Johannesburg Airport 3. Durban Airport |
| Most popular rental length | Five to seven days |
| Most popular month to rent a car | December, where a hire car costs on average £21.30 per day |
| Type of car | Average cost per day of car hire in South Africa |
| Mini | £10.80 |
| Economy | £13.50 |
| Compact | £17.30 |
When you imagine South Africa, you may instantly picture safaris and driving a hefty 4×4 around. However, 4WDs aren’t necessary and will simply cost you more money. It’s easier to drive through the cities in a small car and even if you plan on a self-drive safari, most parks (such as Kruger) have well-paved roads you can follow.
South Africa driving tips
Safety
When leaving your car unattended or parked, do not leave items on show within the vehicle. Lock your car, store valuables in the boot and take anything important with you. It is also advised that you do not pick up hitchhikers or drive at night.
Lingo
If you ask for directions, you may be told to turn at the next robot. No, that doesn’t mean you will find a bionic traffic officer directing traffic. In South Africa, a robot is a traffic light.
Parking
You will often find parking attendants at car parks and popular street parking locations. They will insist on directing you where to park and watch over your car while you’re gone. In popular car parks, these attendants are typically official security guards. However, be cautious of hawkers pretending to be security.
Petrol
As with car parks, station attendants will fill your car for you. So there’s no need to get out of your vehicle. It is typical to provide a small tip of around 20 Rand.
Cape Town
A city of wonder
| Car hire pick up point | Prices from… | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town Airport | £5.30 per day | £19.70 per day |
| Cape Town Downtown | £7.10 per day | £21.50 per day |
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Cape Town |
|---|---|
| September | £13.10 |
| December | £24.40 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Best road trip:You’ve likely heard of the Garden Route, but did you know about the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast? Less touristy and more rugged than the Garden Route, the Wild Coast passes through untamed African beauty.
Top attractions:
Table Mountain – The heart of Cape Town, whether you take the cable car or climb up to the head of this flat topped mountain, you will be rewarded with spectacular views.
Robben Island – South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned on this historic island for 18 of his 27 years behind bars. Tours of the island last about three and a half hours, including the ferry ride.
Wine tasting – With over 2000 vineyards in the Western Cape, you may want to do some planning on which wine estates to visit. But given that the region produces some of the best wines in the world, it’s unlikely you can go wrong no matter where you end up.
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Points of interest in South Africa
Drakensberg
A mountainous area of sweeping landscapes and green peaks, Drankensberg offers awe-inspiring climbs and drives.
Kruger National Park
Self-drive through South Africa’s most famous safari park, keeping an eye out for the Big Five.
Oudtshoorn
Home to ostrich farms and the 20 million year old network of limestone chambers known as the Cango Caves.
Waterfall Bluff
This natural wonder drops directly into the Indian Ocean.
Saint Lucia
A popular wetland park which supports the country’s largest population of hippos and crocodiles.
Popular South African cities
Durban
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Durban* |
|---|---|
| June | £11.10 |
| January | £26.60 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Local tips:
- Durban can get unbearably hot and humid during the summer months (from January till March). For pleasant weather, travel between June and August.
- One of the best ways to acquaint yourself with the city it to tuck into a bowl of Bunny Chow. The popular South African dish, consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, originated in Durban and is a must-try when visiting the city.
- Durban has a number of trendy markets. Zulu Muthi Market is a showcase of Zulu culture while Victoria Street Market has a diverse range of stalls.
Port Elizabath
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Port Elizabeth* |
|---|---|
| September | £10.40 |
| February | £31.00 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Local tips:
- With steady all-year round weather, Port Elizabeth is a great destination no matter the season.
- The city is the start point of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, which runs along the coast to Cape Town.
- Port Elizabeth is close to several National Parks and wildlife reserves, including Addo Elephant Park, which is great for those wanting to do a safari but are sticking around the southern coast.
Johannesburg
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Johannesburg* |
|---|---|
| February | £16.80 |
| May | £29.60 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Local tips
- Best road trip:From Johannesburg – affectionately called Jozi – head out to the Panorama Route. As its name suggests, you’ll find a bounty of magnificent boundless views. Be sure to make a pitstop at Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window.
- Gold Reef City – A theme park located on one of the city’s old gold mines. It’s a great place to bring the kids and to learn about the history of South Africa’s gold rush.
- Cradle of Humankind – Some of the most important fossils and anthropological finds were discovered at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Tour the Sterkfontein Caves, where Mrs. Ples – a 2.3 million year old ape-like skeleton – was found.