Renting A Car In South Africa: Everything You Need To Know

South Africa is a beautiful country that’s full of color and wild, diverse landscapes. From lush mountains and pristine beaches to big, buzzing cities and desolate landscapes, it’s safe to stay that there’s a lot to discover. Exploring South Africa can easily be done by booking an organized trip, but when you want to make your own stops and create your own route, renting a car in South Africa gives you the freedom to do so. Here’s all you need to know about renting a car in South Africa.

View on Lion's Head - on the road to Cape Town

How To Rent A Car In South Africa

If you’re planning on visiting South Africa, renting a car will be the most convenient and flexible way to get around. The country is large and very diverse. Even if you’re staying in a big city like Cape Town renting a car can be very rewarding. There are a lot of places just outside the city that are worth exploring. Having a rental car to yourself gives you the freedom to see this incredible country at your own pace. From seeing the big 5 in Kruger National Park or Addo Elephant Park to exploring the amazing Garden Route, a road trip through South Africa will be a wonderful experience. While it may seem intimidating at first, driving through South Africa by yourself is much easier than it looks. In this guide, you’ll find exactly how to rent and drive a car in South Africa. Read all about traveling to South Africa here

What Do You Need To Rent A Car In South Africa

Your passport
Your driver’s license from your home country
An International Driving Permit (IDR) – If you also want to visit eSwatini and Lesotho you might need another type of IDR, check this beforehand.
Credit Card

The driving licence requirements in South Africa state that you must have a full driving licence that is valid in your country of residence. An international driver’s licence is required if your driving licence is not in English. You can rent a car in South Africa when you are 18 years or older and have your licence for at least 1 year (this may differ between rental companies). Some rental companies require an age of 21 and older and will charge those between 18 and 25 an additional insurance fee.

Rental Car Insurance In South Africa

Even though most rental companies do include or offer car insurance, you are not obliged to insure your rental vehicle in South Africa. This is different to the European standards where car insurance is required by European policies. I strongly advise you to inform yourself well and in advance about the different insurance policies and options. I recommend to rent a car in South Africa through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and all insurance included. Book your rental car here.

A foggy morning on Chapman's Peak drive from our rental car in South Africa. Chapman's peak is known for it scenic drives

Is It Easy To Drive through South Africa?

Almost all roads in South Africa are paved and they are generally well-maintained. Most roads in South Africa are straight, long and won’t give you any problems. Many of the major roads are toll roads. Tolls range from a few South African Rands to over R50. At most toll booths you have to pay by cash, but some will also take credit cards. The toll roads are clearly signposted, which will give you plenty of time to get your money ready. If you want to avoid paying toll you can take an alternative route, which will be signposted as a non-toll road, but in general these routes take longer. Nowadays, many rental car companies fit their vehicles with an automatic toll reader, which can be very convenient in South Africa. The toll you owe is billed back to you at the end of the rental period.

Fueling Up In South Africa

Most travelers to South Africa go on an extensive road trip, and some (like me) even cross the border to Namibia and Botswana. Many travelers also visit eSwatini and Lesotho, which are small kingdoms that lay within the borders of South Africa. Distances between places can be huge, but there are usually a lot of service stations along a route. Most gas stations take credit cards, but I would recommend taking some cash with you. In South Africa gas stations have attendants that fill up your tank, clean your windscreen, check your fluids and take your payment. Tipping these attendants is up to you, but generally, people leave R2 to R5 for their friendly and helpful services.

Roads In South Africa

Roads in South Africa are generally well maintained, so they won’t give you any problems. In South Africa, driving is done on the left side of the road, so it might take some time getting used to it if you usually drive on the right side of the road. Always be alert when you come to an intersection with a four-way stop, which is very common in South Africa. The first car to arrive has the right of way, so pay attention and wait your turn to avoid a possible collision.

Driving your rental car in South Africa is easy because of the well maintained roads

Is Driving in South Africa Safe?

Renting a car and driving in South Africa is generally safe. Most roads are well-maintained and if you follow the traffic rules and the tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be well on your way. Robberies, carjackings and thefts do occur, so a bit of caution is advised, especially around the bigger airports and cities. Read more about staying safe in South Africa here

The Best Tips For Renting A Car And Driving In South Africa

1. Book With A Reliable Rental Company

There are a lot of reliable rental companies in South Africa, but there is the occasional rotten apple among them. Check beforehand with friends and family that traveled to South Africa and read reviews of several rental companies before you make a decision. When you find a company you like make sure to check which conditions apply on your contract.

2. Inspect Your Vehicle

When you pick up the car, inspect the car thoroughly before setting off. Walk around your rental car and photograph or film all existing damages on the car. Many rental cars in South Africa are not in mint condition and have at least a couple of scratches on them. To make sure that you don’t get charged for damages when returning your rental car, you can use the images or video as proof. You can do the same with the inside of the rental car. Also make sure to check whether you’ve got a full tank of fuel before you leave.

3. Make Sure Your Car And Behavior Is Criminal-Proof

South Africa is an amazing country, but there is also a lot of criminal activity going on. Though you may feel safe inside a vehicle, there are still some dangers to be aware of, like car-jackings, robberies and thefts. Always keep your doors and windows locked while driving, and don’t stop for anything while you’re on your way. Even if you see someone with a broken-down car it’s advised to call the police or drive to the next town to send help.

4. Don’t Drive At Night In South Africa

Driving at night South Africa is not recommended, regardless of how experienced a driver you are. Outside of the cities there are limited street lights and you can encounter different kinds of obstacles on the road. Don’t be surprised to find wandering wildlife and pedestrians on the road at night. If you can, avoid driving your rental car at night in South Africa. Not only because of wandering wildlife, but also because some areas are unsafe at night.

5. Use Navigation While Driving Through South Africa

You can find a lot of road signs in South Africa, but their placement can be erratic and confusing. That’s why downloading a map beforehand or using online navigation works best when you’re driving through the country. In some rural areas cell reception is bad, which is why I recommend downloading a map of the country beforehand so you can access it at all times.

Road signs can be confusing, so good navigation is key when you drive your rental car in South Africa

Do I Need A 4WD Car In South Africa?

You do not need a 4×4 car to drive in South Africa. Most of the main roads are well-maintained and do not require a 4WD. There are very few roads in South Africa where you would need a 4WD. Even in the self-drive National Parks and safari areas such as Kruger or Hluhluwe, the roads are good and a 2WD can adequately cope with the odd bit of unevenness. The only reason why you would have to rent a 4×4 is because they have more space and they also tend to have more ground clearance. This will give you a better view over the tall grass inside the national parks and might give you a better chance at spotting animals.

How Much Does A Rental Car In South Africa Cost?

Rental cars in South Africa are quite affordable, especially if you’re traveling with others and split the price. A regular 2WD car will set you back between €30 and €50 a day, which makes this the most affordable option. The price will depend on the company you decide to rent from and the model of the car. If you want to cross the border to Namibia a 4WD is advised, this will cost between €80 and €120 a day. If you decide to rent a car with a rooftop tent, which is a great option in Southern Africa, be prepared to pay a bit more, between €120 and €150 a day.

Where Do I Rent A Car In South Africa?

The easiest way to rent a car in South Africa is by booking it beforehand. You can do this online or through an agency. Because almost all travelers to South Africa go around by rental car, they can quickly sell out, especially during busier times. That’s why arranging a rental car ahead of time is recommended. This way you can make sure that there’s a rental car that will suit your needs waiting for you when you arrive. I recommend to rent a car in South Africa through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and all insurance included. Book your rental car here.

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