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Our great prices include

  • Free cancellation and amendments
  • Third party liability insurance
  • Collision damage waiver
  • Vehicle licensing fee

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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

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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 4x4 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