South Africa Car hire Guide

Compare car hire in South Africa with CarRentals.co.uk. We search and compare quotes from over forty leading car hire providers so you'll definitely find cheap car hire in South Africa here. There are many cars to choose from and to help you along the way we offer a selection of optional extras such as car insurance and child booster seats.

Rent a car in South Africa to explore the beautiful wine lands in Cape Town, take a slow drive along the Garden Route or marvel at the wildlife in a game reserve. The public transportation system in South Africa is limited so the best way to get around is by using a reliable car rental company. You can get instant quotes right here so that you can compare car hire prices effectively. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, our fleet of car hire companies in South Africa has something for everyone.

Car hire driving tips in South Africa

There is an extensive road network which connects the large cities, and the majority of these roads are in good condition. In rural areas, however, many of the roads are unpaved, but they are still accessible with a regular vehicle. Traffic is minimal once you are out of the city centres, but drivers should be vigilant for animals crossing the road in rural regions. The N1 stretches from Cape Town to Johannesburg, while the N2 joins Cape Town and Durban. If you are travelling from Durban to Johannesburg, you can use the N3. Toll roads charge a fee and usually have at least two lanes in each direction.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: of most countries are accepted in South Africa provided that they are in English and include a photograph. If your licence is in another language or has no photograph, you need to carry a translation or passport in order to provide authentic identification to police officers. It is recommended to have an International Driving Licence.

Which side does South Africa drive on: traffic travels on the left side of the road.

Speed limits:

Highways: 120kph

National or provincial roads: 100kph

Urban roads: 60kph

Speed restrictions are marked clearly and police strictly enforce speed limits using portable cameras or laser equipment. In areas where there is road construction in progress, the speed limit is decreased and drivers should be cautious.

Alcohol limits: drinking and driving regulations are strictly enforced and a driver’s blood alcohol levels are not permitted to be higher than 0.05 per cent. The consequences for breaking this law include a fine, licence suspension or prison time.

Driving age: 18 years (21 years to hire a car).

Seatbelts: it is compulsory for everyone in the car to wear a seatbelt.

Mobile phones and GPS: drivers are not permitted to use mobile phones without a hands-free kit while driving. The use of GPS is permitted and this device can be useful in rural areas which are not as clearly signposted as the cities. Purchase car rental in South Africa with us and you will be eligible to our optional extras, including car insurance, child booster seats and GPS.

Cost of fuel in South Africa: fuel prices are similar to prices in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: customers can pay for their car rental in South Africa using a credit card from an internationally recognised company. This method of payment along with cash is acceptable at fuel stations.

Insurance: it is advisable to get car insurance and options range from third-party insurance to Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is an optional extra if you purchase cheap car rental in South Africa with us.

Traffic and parking: parking is generally available at shopping centres, which typically have parking areas that have a barrier entry point and security guards. A nominal fee is charged to use these parking spaces. Most street parking follows a pay and display system where drivers pay a fee at a nearby parking meter and then display their ticket inside the car. Street parking spaces are watched by guards who may ask for a tip. If you park on the street, make sure that you are facing the same way as the traffic or else you will be liable for a fine. City centres can become congested, especially during peak hours, which are in the morning from 07:00 until 08:00 and in the evening from 16:00 until 17:00.

Our travel editors recommended drives

Cape Town to the Tsitsikamma forest – this route is known as the Garden Route and it follows the N2 for nearly 600kms. This beautiful journey takes drivers along the coast, with magnificent views and other attractions along the way including mountains, wild flowers and indigenous forests. Take a break to enjoy activities such as hiking, boating or fishing. Guesthouses offer stopover points where you can relax and soak up the sun on golden sand beaches which stretch for miles. Towns that you will pass include Knysna, Oudshoorn, George and Wilderness. On a cheap budget you can rent a car in South Africa to get around all of these magical places.

Circular Peninsular route – start in Cape Town on the N2 and drive along the eastern coast, passing through towns such as Kalk Bay. Highlights of this trip include Table Mountain and Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Chapman’s Peak Drive – this route begins in Hout Bay, extending to Chapman’s Point and then passing through Noordhoek. Along the way, you can see beautiful views as well as encounter hiking trails and picnic spots.

South Africa travel tips

Tourists are drawn to South Africa because of the country’s varying landscape, beautiful beaches, exciting wildlife and cultural diversity. This holiday destination offers everything from fun beach holidays to historical monuments. Safaris are popular and other outdoor activities include hiking, bungee jumping, dolphin watching and golf.

South Africa weather and tourist season

The climate in South Africa varies according to the region. In the northwestern parts, there are semi-desert conditions with high temperatures, while along the eastern coast visitors can enjoy a pleasant sub-tropical climate. Rainfall levels are higher during the summer (mid-October to mid-February), when temperatures can reach highs of 25°C.

South Africa contact numbers (+27)

The National Tourism and Safety Line - 083 123 2345

Police - 1011

Fire - 1011

Ambulance - 10117

Netcare - 911 082 911

National Tourism Office – 27 1189 53000

American Embassy – 27 12 431 4000

British Embassy – 27 12 421 7500

Australian Embassy – 27 12 432 6000

Irish Embassy – 27 12 342 5062

Holidays and festivals

National holidays include Human Rights Day (21 March), Easter (April), Youth Day (16 June), Reconciliation Day (16 December) and Christmas Day. School holidays are from December until January and June to July. It is advisable to pre-book accommodation and car hire in SA during these popular holiday periods.

Money matters

The rand is used in South Africa, with one rand consisting of 100 cents. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks. ATMs are easily accessible and most of them accept international cards. Tipping in restaurants is expected, as service charges are not added to the bill. It is expected that you will tip 10 per cent of the total cost. Other people who you should tip include car guards, porters, tour guides and bar tenders.

Health and safety

If you need medical care, it is best to avoid government hospitals. Instead, use private hospitals which meet international standards. In most regions of the country, it is safe to drink the tap water, but it is advisable to ask locals about the safety of the water in their region. Tourists should protect themselves against the harsh sun by using sun cream or wearing a hat. South Africa has a high HIV infection rate and malaria is a concern in the northeastern regions. Your doctor can advise on medication to take if you are visiting a malaria-prone area. Other useful tips include using mosquito repellent, sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing clothes which protect your skin.

Fitting in…

South Africans are generally polite and hospitable, welcoming tourists to the country. Customs are similar to those in Europe and people follow British traditions of eating with a knife and fork. Greetings are made by hand shakes or hugs, the latter if you are greeting a close friend. South Africans are generally proud of their country and tourists should avoid criticising South Africa or entering into political discussions.

Visas for South Africa

British, US and Canadian nationals as well as residents of numerous European countries do not need a visa for a visit that is less than 90 days. Nationals of other countries may require a visa, which should be obtained before entering the country as visas are not issued at border points.

Electricity

The electricity in South Africa is 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, and plugs consist of three-pronged, round pin plugs.

Business hours

Banking hours are from 09:00 until 15:30, with a closing time of noon on Saturdays and public holidays. Retail outlets and office hours are from 09:00 until 15:00.

Helpful phrases

There are 11 languages that have officially been recognised, including Zulu, Afrikaans and Xhosa.

Sawubona - Hello

Unjani? - How are you?

Uphumaphi? - Where are you from?

Ngubani igama lakho? - What is your name?

Angizwa - I don’t understand

Ukhuluma isiNgisi na? - Do you speak Zulu?

Kubiza malini? - How much is this?

Resources online

www.wikitravel.org/en/South_Africa#b

www.southafrica.info/