Car Rental in South Africa

TIP: It is generally cheaper to rent a car at least three months before any high season. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before collection is almost always possible, but is dependent on the chosen tariff.

Driving Tips

South Africa is a huge country so be sure to plan long distance trips carefully. Generally roads are in excellent condition but there are many tolls on the major routes. Roadside crime is quite common so avoid picking up hitchhikers (if you think someone is in need you should ask for help in the nearest town or in more serious cases call the emergency number). Keep your doors locked and try to avoid traveling in remote areas at night. It is also worth noting that thieves have employed various methods to stop cars including placing rocks in the road, if you encounter this do not stop but drive around it and continue your journey.

Here are some important rules for driving in South Africa:

• Speed limits are 120 km/h on major routes, 100 km/h on secondary roads and 60 km/h in built up areas unless otherwise indicated.
• Driving is on the left side of the road.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Do not use mobile phones when driving, a hands free kit is permitted.
• At quieter intersections the first to arrive often has priority, at roundabouts give way to your right.
• Drink driving laws are very strict, the allowable alcohol blood content is maximum 0.05%.

Places of Interest

Top 4 Architectural Sights

• Mandela House, Johannesburg
• Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town
• The Big Pineapple, Bathurst
• Union Buildings, Pretoria

One of the biggest tourist attractions in South Africa is the Mandela House, a small single-story red brick building. This house was Nelson Mandela's home from 1946 to his release from prison in the 90s and is now a museum preserving his legacy. The oldest operating office in South Africa is The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. Built in the late 1600s by the Dutch East India company the castle tells the story of a rich and difficult history. Great for kids, The Big Pineapple is just that, a giant 16.7m high fiberglass pineapple. Inside are stairs that climb up to an observation deck where you get great views of the surrounding landscape. Pretoria's Union Buildings are the official seat of the national government. The buildings themselves are not open to the public, however, you can walk around the surrounding gardens which offer spectacular views of this 285 meter long sandstone building.

Top 4 Natural Sights

• Table Mountain, Cape Town
• Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn
• Blyde River Canyon
• Addo Elephant National Park near Addo/Port Elizabeth

Table Mountain features impressive cliffs which form a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. To visit this popular tourist attraction you can hike to the top or take the cable-car, the views from this iconic landmark are incredible. For subterranean explorers the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn are well worth a visit. A guided tour of the caves takes you through a series of tunnels that connect vast underground chambers. The massive Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest on Earth. Be sure to see the Three Rondevals; a group of tabletop mountains covered in lush green foliage. The Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth is home to over 600 elephants. It is also an opportunity to see many other African animals in their natural habitat.

Top Filming Locations

"Avengers: The Age of Ultron" began its film production in Johannesburg, with the City and Gauteng featuring in many action sequences. The central business district was used for background plates in action sequences with the Hulk, the large scale production caused some inner city roads to be closed for 24 hours.

"District 9" was shot in South Africa with director Neill Blomkamp citing the segregationist history of South Africa as a key influence in the film's creation. Much of the filming took place in the impoverished suburb of Chiawelo in the township of Soweto. Government rehousing of the suburbs residents during filming created strange crossovers between film and reality.

Crossing Borders

You can cross into bordering countries with your rental vehicle, please check in advance as our border policy is regularly updated. You can find out on our bookings pages by clicking here: Rental Information.