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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in South Africa
South Africa
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
South Africa
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
South Africa
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
South Africa
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in South Africa?
South Africa, a land of diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and vibrant cities, offers an unforgettable travel experience. While organised tours and public transport are available, renting a car unlocks the true potential of exploring this vast and beautiful country. Here’s why a rental car is essential for your South African adventure.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Public transportation in South Africa can be limited, especially in rural areas. A rental car allows you to create your own itinerary, visit attractions at your own pace, and discover hidden gems that tour buses often miss.
Access to Remote and Scenic Locations. South Africa boasts stunning landscapes, from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Garden Route. Many of these breathtaking locations are only accessible by car, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's natural beauty.
Comfort and Convenience. South Africa is a large country, and travelling long distances by bus or train can be tiring. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you're travelling with family or luggage.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple plane, train, or bus tickets. You can also split the cost of fuel, making road trips even more affordable.
Driving in South Africa: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
60 km/h or 37 mph
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu, etc.
Average petrol price
£1.03 per litre or £4.68 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
120 km/h or 75 mph
Currency
South African Rand
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
8.5/10
Dialling Code
+27
Driving in South Africa can be a rewarding experience, but it’s crucial to be aware of the local driving rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
1. General Driving Rules Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.
- Always carry your driver's license.
- Keep your vehicle documents readily available.
2. Speed Limits Speed limits are generally 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on open roads, and 120 km/h (75 mph) on freeways. Speed limits are strictly enforced, so pay attention to signage.
- Speed cameras are common.
- Fines can be issued on the spot.
3. Road Conditions Road conditions vary throughout the country. Major highways are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be narrow and poorly maintained.
- Be cautious of potholes.
- Drive defensively.
4. Safety Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Keep your doors locked and windows up, especially in urban areas. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Do not leave valuables visible in your car.
- Park in well-lit areas.
5. Toll Roads South Africa has several toll roads, particularly on major highways. Be prepared to pay tolls in cash or with an electronic toll pass.
- Keep some cash on hand for toll payments.
- Consider purchasing an e-toll pass if you plan to use toll roads frequently.
Top drives in the South Africa:
Many tourists and travellers say that cars in South Africa is a necessity, not a luxury. And they are absolutely right. All South Africans, without exception, use cars.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in South Africa, and you can hire any vehicle on the island, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since the Republic’s land area is big, one or two weeks of vacation with a car can be enough to explore it all.
Car Rental Prices in South Africa – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €34
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €69
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40
SUV:
from £45 / $56 / €52
Hire Price
Average price for hiring a car per day in the South Africa
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €58 per day*. This is due to the summer holidays and increased tourist activity.
Low season (May to September): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day. This is winter in South Africa and there are fewer tourists.
Shoulder season (March to April & October to November): Prices range from £35 / $44 / €40 per day. Weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in South Africa
Renting a car in South Africa offers unparalleled freedom to explore its diverse landscapes. However, costs can quickly add up. Here are practical tips to save money on your car rental without compromising your experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental prices tend to increase closer to your travel dates. Booking well in advance, ideally several weeks or months ahead, can secure significantly lower rates and ensure availability, especially during peak season.
2. Compare Prices from Multiple Rental Companies.: Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Use online comparison websites to check prices from various rental companies. This will help you identify the most competitive rates and any special offers or discounts.
3. Choose a Smaller Car.: Opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle if your travel needs allow. Compact or economy cars typically have lower rental rates and consume less fuel, saving you money on both rental fees and petrol costs.
4. Decline Optional Insurance.: Carefully review your existing insurance policies (e.g., travel insurance, credit card insurance) to determine if they provide adequate coverage for rental cars. Avoid purchasing redundant insurance from the rental company, as it can significantly increase the overall cost.
5. Refuel Before Returning the Car.: Rental companies often charge exorbitant rates for refuelling if you return the car with less fuel than when you picked it up. Take the time to fill up the tank at a local petrol station before returning the vehicle to avoid these hefty fees.
6. Avoid Airport Pick-up and Drop-off.: Rental companies located at airports often charge higher rates due to convenience fees and airport taxes. Consider picking up and dropping off your rental car at an off-airport location to save money.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in South Africa?
Renting a car in South Africa is generally straightforward, but it's essential to ensure you meet the necessary requirements before you arrive. Here's a comprehensive list of what you'll need.
Valid Driver's License. You'll need a valid driver's license from your country of residence. If your license is not in English, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Minimum Age. Most car rental companies in South Africa require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have a higher minimum age (e.g., 23 or 25) for certain vehicle types. Drivers under 25 may also be subject to a young driver surcharge.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the main driver's name is typically required to secure the rental and cover the security deposit. Some rental companies may accept debit cards, but this is less common and may come with additional restrictions.
Passport or Identification. You'll need to present a valid passport (for international visitors) or another form of government-issued identification (for South African residents) when picking up the rental car.
Proof of Address. Some rental companies may require proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, particularly for South African residents.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as South Africa as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
South Africa was incredible! Having a car made exploring the stunning landscapes so easy. From Table Mountain to Kruger, it was an unforgettable trip.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 21.10.2024
Magical weekend in South Africa! Getting around was a breeze, thanks to our rental car. Saw breathtaking scenery and had amazing experiences.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 18.08.2024
South Africa exceeded all expectations! The freedom of having a car let us discover hidden gems and breathtaking views. Unforgettable trip!
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 27.01.2025
After years away, South Africa felt like coming home. Having a car was a lifesaver, making it simple to revisit old favorites and discover new ones. The scenery was breathtaking!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Efficient trip, South Africa's beauty accessible by car.
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 03.09.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Liam Garcia
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
So glad I finally made it to South Africa! Having a car was key to seeing everything we wanted. The food was generally amazing, though one restaurant was a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Thompson
Reviewed: 05.06.2025
South Africa's beauty blew me away! Catching up with friends and exploring the country by car was perfect.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 15.12.2024
Stunning scenery, great friends, perfect trip!
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 09.07.2025
Pretty good, overall.
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Such a whirlwind weekend! Exploring South Africa by car was unbelievably convenient and fun.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Okay, but kinda pricey.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 19.02.2025