Car Rental in South Africa
✓ No Hidden Costs ✓ 24/7 Support ✓ Free Cancellation
500+ Trusted Providers:
Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 07:33 on 2021-08-02. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
IsiZulu,
IsiXhosa,
Afrikaans
IsiXhosa,
Afrikaans
Currency
ZAR
Country code
27
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
100 km/h
62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
40 km/h
25 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in South Africa?
From famous cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg to nature areas and an extensive coastline, South Africa really seems to have everything. The large distances can sometimes feel overwhelming, but the road network is generally in good shape and even if you choose to stick to just one region of the country, you’ll most likely end up being surprised by the incredible diversity that you’ll find.
If you want to know more about renting a car in South Africa, don't miss our complete guide.
One-way Car Rentals in South Africa
Here are the most popular one-way rental options for pickup in South Africa and drop off in another country:
- From South Africa to Namibia - 92 offers from US$ 45.17 per day
- From South Africa to Lesotho - 10 offers from US$ 27.10 per day
- From South Africa to Botswana - 35 offers from US$ 31.51 per day
- From South Africa to Swaziland - 10 offers from US$ 27.10 per day
Top ways to enter South Africa
- Cape Town Airport: The fifth-busiest in Africa, this airport serves not only Cape Town, but also the wider Western Cape Region.
- Johannesburg Tambo Airport: South Africa’s busiest airport serves nearly 30 million passengers annually.
- Durban King Shaka Airport: Named after a leader of the Zulu nation, Durban serves not only domestic routes, but also flights to and from many other African countries like Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, and Ghana, as well as destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
- By land: If your rental car provider permits it and if you have the right visa and other documentation, it’s possible to rent a car in a neighboring country and then drive to South Africa. Some large international airports near South Africa are Gaborone Airport in Botswana, Maputo Airport in Mozambique, and Harare Airport in Zimbabwe.
Top cities and places to visit
- Cape Town: One of the most popular city destinations in Africa, Cape Town is home to the Cape of Good Home, Table Mountain, a large wine region, and an extensive sea coast.
- Johannesburg: Huge and hugely impressive, Johannesburg is home to interesting museums and great cuisine from all over Africa. Many great national parks are also nearby.
- Durban: The city on the Indian Ocean has many natural landmarks, opportunities for water sports, and the famous Crocodile Creek.
- Eastern Cape: This regions is best known for having one half of the beautiful Garden Route (that starts in Western Cape), as well as its surfing towns and villages, but the Addo Elephant National Park and the Tsitsikamma National Park shouldn’t be overlooked, either.
- Limpopo: Something of an unknown quantity up to this day, the South African region bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe is best known for the beautiful Kruger National Park.
Most popular rental car
The most popular rental car in South Africa are the VW Polo. The Toyota Corolla and the Chevrolet Spark are also popular choices.
Most popular types of rental car
The most popular rental car types in South Africa are economy, mini, and compact.
Top driving routes
- Cape Town - Port Elizabeth (282 km / 175 mi) It’s a long road between the capitals of Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, but many travelers still choose to do it because of the many nature reserves, coastal areas, and the beautiful Garden Route that are on the way.
- Johannesburg - Durban (568 km / 353 mi) The two great cities of Eastern South Africa are about six hours apart. Many travelers also choose to visit Lesotho that is on the way, but if you’d like to do the same, first make sure that your rental car provider permits it as you’d be entering another country.
- Johannesburg - Nelspruit (341 km / 212 mi) Cozy Mbombela, still often referred to by its former name, Nelspruit, is about four hours drive east of Johannesburg.
Car Rental Prices
- Station wagons - from $51 per day
- Large cars - from $44 per day
- Medium cars - from $24 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $74 per day
- Premium cars - from $66 per day
- Small cars - from $21 per day
- SUVs - from $61 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in South Africa:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting South Africa is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 29% cheaper than the yearly average and about 56% cheaper than renting a car in November.
Top 17 Most Popular Cities in South Africa
-
Car Rental in Johannesburg from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental in Cape Town from $28.98 per day
-
Car Rental in Durban from $18.14 per day
-
Car Rental in East London from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental in Pretoria from $13.35 per day
-
Car Rental in George from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental in Bloemfontein from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental in Pietermaritzburg from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental in Polokwane from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental in Richards Bay from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental in Upington from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental in Stellenbosch from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental in Kimberley from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental in Hermanus from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental in Paarl from $18.46 per day
Top 20 Most Popular Locations in South Africa
-
Car Rental at Cape Town Airport from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental at Tambo International Airport from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental at Johannesburg Lanseria Airport from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental at King Shaka International Airport from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental at East London Airport from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental at Port Elizabeth Airport from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental at Wonderboom Airport from $13.35 per day
-
Car Rental at George Airport from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental at Bloemfontein Airport from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental at Nelspruit Airport from $20.06 per day
-
Car Rental at Pietermaritzburg Airport from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental at Polokwane Airport from $10.52 per day
-
Car Rental at Richards Bay Airport from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental at Upington Airport from $14.32 per day
-
Car Rental in Cape Town Century City from $18.46 per day
-
Car Rental in Cape Town Milnerton from $28.98 per day
-
Car Rental at Pretoria Hatfield from $18.14 per day
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in South Africa?
The cost of renting a car in South Africa depends on the time of year. This graph compares price changes from month to month in order to find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in South Africa
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in South Africa is May — prices start from $29.85 for an Economy class vehicle. This is 32% cheaper than the yearly average and 59% cheaper than renting a car in the month of November (when prices start at $73.07 for a Compact class). This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. The exact price for your trip will depend on the length of your rental and the number of days until your rental period begins. Just enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see exact prices and offers.
What’s the average rental length in South Africa?
The average length differs from month to month. The longest rental periods are in January — an average of 13 days. The shortest are in June — an average of 7 days.
Average Rental Length in South Africa
What’s the most popular time for renting a car in South Africa?
Discover Cars users search for cars in a lot of locations daily. We gathered this information in order to analyze car rental popularity in South Africa. The most popular month is October, while the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in South Africa by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly | Toyota Starlet | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Firefly | Toyota Agya | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Bidvest | Kia Picanto | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Firefly | Toyota Corolla Quest | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Firefly | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Budget | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Bidvest | Hyundai i20 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Bidvest | Hyundai i10 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Hertz | Toyota Starlet | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Hertz | Toyota Corolla Quest | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
Our Customers Reviews
TC
Spain
Audi A3
April 12, 2021
I am South African so l practically went home
KR
United Kingdom
Hyundai i20
March 6, 2021
My car hire was in South Africa, Capetown, for me this is thee most wonderful place, there is so much to do, see and experience in this beautiful country. Hiking, sampling the most exquisite vineyards, gourmet meals alongside the everyday meal, both are to an exceptionally high standard, water adventures along with all of the other sights that the Cape has to offer. I could wax lyrical however that would be too boring for the reader, I’d strongly suggest just come to this country and experience it for yourself.
CA
United Kingdom
Toyota Starlet
February 21, 2021
But not for you!
JH
South Africa
Kia Picanto
February 17, 2021
I was around in Ekurhuleni visiting my relatives. Relax and enjoy your trips, park the car in a safe place during the day and at night and remember to drive according to the road speed limit.
GB
South Africa
Nissan Qasqhai
February 17, 2021
I will rent provided that i don't get a Haval. If the only car available is a Haval then i will definitely look somewhere else, mind you there was nothing wrong with car per say. I just found it annoying that i couldn't even connect my cellphone through Bluetooth.
NZ
United Kingdom
Hyundai i20
January 20, 2021
I visited Sun City in North West and Sudwala caves in Mpumalanga provinces,Mount Amanzi and many other little resorts around Jo,burg
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay knowing my car would take me anywhere without hassles
RY
South Africa
VW Polo Vivo
January 8, 2021
Great place
MM
South Africa
Nissan Micra
December 19, 2020
Do not go to Kimberley, there are more potholes than road. There's an amazing Karoo accommodation called Sweetfontein Boutique Farm Lodge near Bristown, this place is exceptional if you want peace, quiet and space and Karoo landscape. The area around Bethlehem and Clarens and Ficksburg is very very beautiful and peaceful. Durban accommodation is affordable and the sea is warm in winter.
MN
South Africa
Nissan Almera
October 5, 2020
The service is great
EE
South Africa
Kia Picanto
September 27, 2020
I visited my family only
TL
South Africa
Datsun Go
July 14, 2020
I have only ever rented through Firefly and Hertz and they have just been the best. I can highly recommend them.
MM
South Africa
Toyota Corolla
March 28, 2020
Durban weather is great!! Generally Durban people are friendly and loving ❤️
JB
South Africa
Hyundai i10
March 19, 2020
We stayed out of town at Chintsa it was a lovely getaway for the week end.
DB
Israel
Ford Fiesta
March 19, 2020
We did an amazing road trip into the western cape
LH
South Africa
Kia Picanto
February 26, 2020
The Cape Coast is very beautiful. A definite must is Paternoster. But please don't buy the Crayfish, they are on our red list and in short supply.
SR
South Africa
Renault Clio
February 25, 2020
Stick on highway to airport for as long as possible. Don't go through the suburb's
HG
South Africa
Toyota Rav4
February 10, 2020
Easy to find, friendly representative, car clean and in excellent condition.
IO
United Kingdom
Honda BR-V
January 12, 2020
I felt safer than expected given the publicity. Would recommend the apartheid museum, Rhino and Lion park and going up to the Pilanesberg.
CR
Canada
Toyota Corolla
January 6, 2020
Since they were a few shops down we didn't locate them immediately , but once we did it was pretty slick--no hassles--on our way in no time!
RL
South Africa
VW Polo
December 30, 2019
Excelent service
Top 9 Suppliers in South Africa in 2021
Hertz
+270218873145 / +27838156608
Cape Town, Stellenbosch - 75 Dorp Street
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-12:00
SIXT
+27218828349
55 Dorp Street
Keddy
+27218838140
1 black horse centre
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-13:00
Sun:08:00-13:00
Europcar
+27218838140
1 black horse centre
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-13:00
Sun:08:00-13:00
Bidvest
+27218876935 / +27218876937
Cnr Bird & Merriman Street, Merriman Place, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, 7600
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-12:00
Budget
27227722807
Mykonos Road Opp Languna Mall
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-13:00
Avis
+27543324746
Diedericks Street, Upington, 8801, South Africa
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:30
Tue:08:00-17:30
Wed:08:00-17:30
Thu:08:00-17:30
Fri:08:00-17:30
Sat:10:00-13:00
Sun:11:00-13:00; 16:00-18:00
Thrifty ZA
+270219362121 / +270796878773
Unit BG6 Car Rental Building, Central Boulevard, Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, 7525
Working hours
Mon:07:00-20:00
Tue:07:00-20:00
Wed:07:00-20:00
Thu:07:00-20:00
Fri:07:00-20:00
Sat:07:00-20:00
Sun:07:00-20:00
GreenMotion
+27215559561
341 Koeberg, Brooklyn, Cape Town, 7441
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59