Car Rental in South Africa

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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Cape Town Airport Car Rental
Mini
Hyundai i10 or similar
Hyundai i10
  • 4
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
GreenMotion
$11.36 per day
Ulundi Airport Car Rental
Economy SUV
Volkswagen T-Cross or similar
Volkswagen T-Cross
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$13.25 per day
Downtown Car Rental
Mini Elite
Hyundai Grand i10 or similar
Hyundai Grand i10
  • 4
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Thrifty
$21.00 per day
Downtown Car Rental
Compact
Nissan Almera or similar
Nissan Almera
  • 4
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
First Car Rental
$26.11 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Downtown Car Rental
Economy Elite
Volkswagen Polo or similar
Volkswagen Polo
  • 4
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Hertz
$34.67 / per day
Downtown Car Rental
Standard
Toyota Quest Aut. or similar
Toyota Quest Aut.
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$42.43 / per day
Richards Bay Airport Car Rental
Intermediate Van
Toyota Avanza or similar
Toyota Avanza
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Firefly
$45.61 / per day
Bloemfontein Airport Car Rental
Standard Elite SUV
Haval Jolion or similar
Haval Jolion
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
BLUU
$51.72 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 22:51 on 2023-05-29. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Language
IsiZulu,
Xhosa,
Afrikaans,
English
Currency
ZAR
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+27
Average car rental price
$30.77 / per day
Average car rental length
11 days
Speed limit within town
60 km/h
37 mph
Speed limit out of town
100 - 120 km/h
62 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.4
Average gasoline price
$1.16 per liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.32 per liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.01 per liter

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.
South Africa Car Rental

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 $40.68 per day
  • From South Africa to Lesotho - 10 offers from $24.40 per day
  • From South Africa to Botswana - 35 offers from $28.38 per day
  • From South Africa to Eswatini - 10 offers from $24.40 per day

Top ways to enter South Africa

  • Johannesburg Airport: The busiest not just in the country, but in all of Africa, Johannesburg Airport handled 28 million travelers in 2019. A hub for the South African carrier Airlink, it also has flights by more than 30 other airlines that connect the city with destinations all over the globe. Johannesburg is also served by Lanseria Airport which offers domestic flights. 
  • Cape Town Airport: Serving the city of Cape Town as well as the larger Western Cape Province, this airport handles about ten million travelers every year. In addition to many domestic connections, Cape Town Airport has direct flights to and from France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, and many other international destinations.
  • Durban King Shaka Airport: Serving South Africa’s third-largest city, King Shaka Airport offers plenty of domestic connections, as well as flights to and from such countries as Mauritius, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Top cities and places to visit

  • Cape Town: The capital of Western Cape Province, Cape Town is one of the most visited cities in Africa for a reason. Attractions like the Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter and Robben Island provide an important insight into South Africa’s history while nature lovers will no doubt appreciate the penguin colony at nearby Boulder Beach.
  • Johannesburg: The largest city in the country, ‘Jozi’ is better known for its economic prowess, but also has plenty for a curious traveler to explore. Attractions include some of South Africa’s best museums, centers of traditional culture, old gold mines, and nearby nature sites like the Suikerbosrand Reserve and Lion & Safari Park. 
  • Kruger National Park: There are many great national parks in South Africa, but Kruger in the Limpopo Province is one of the most notable ones. Located along the borders with Zimbabwe and Mozambique and the size of a small country, it has nine entry gates, two of which, Malelane and Phabeni, are about a five-hour drive from Johannesburg. All of the most notable and famous South African wildlife species can be found here. Visit the park’s website to learn more.

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car types in South Africa are mini, economy, and intermediate, while the most popular rental cars are the Nissan Micra, Hyundai i20, and Datsun Go.

Picking a smaller car is fine for getting around cities and traveling along major highways, but if you plan to explore some nature during your trip, getting a sturdier and more powerful vehicle might be necessary. 

 

Driver's license requirements

  • South Africa recognizes foreign driver’s licenses if they are valid, if the license is in English, and if you are visiting on a trip that’s shorter than one year. If you’re a foreign national permanently residing in South Africa, you need to acquire a local license.
  • If your driver’s license is not English, you need to provide an official translation or have an International Driving Permit (IDP). 
  • Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP.
  • Even if you have an IDP, you also need to carry the driver’s license from your country as you might be required to present both.
  • You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times. 
  • You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
  • Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
  • There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and category, so make sure to check rental conditions before booking.

Crossing Borders

South Africa has land borders with six countries — Lesotho (an enclave completely surrounded by South Africa), Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). 

South Africa and each of its six neighbors have their own unique visa policy, so, depending on your citizenship, you may or may not need a visa to visit them. If you plan to visit any of South Africa’s neighbors during your trip, make sure to consult your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to find out about entry requirements for citizens of your country.

One-way rentals between South Africa and its neighboring countries are rarely permitted. You might find some suppliers that allow trips between South Africa and Lesotho, Eswatini, or Botswana, very few allowing trips to Mozambique and Namibia and likely none to Zimbabwe. You can find car rental companies that permit one-way rentals by entering your car pick-up and drop-off locations when searching. Another option is to drop off your car in South Africa, travel by public transportation, and pick up a new car when arriving at your destination.

Due to their proximity to popular South African destinations, some travelers might want to do a short car trip to Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, or Mozambique and later return to South Africa. However, if you plan to do this, make sure to not only check if you need a visa to visit the other country, but also to ask your rental car supplier in advance if they permit it. Most rental car companies do not permit crossing the border in a rental car (you might find some who permit entering Lesotho or Eswatini, but very few for Botswana and Mozambique).

Top driving routes

  • Garden Route. Both a very scenic drive and a tourist attraction, the Garden Route is a 300km-long  (180-mile) coastal stretch on the Western Cape. Home to the most beautiful beaches in South Africa (and, according to some, the world), it is known for the stunning views, surfing, Tsitsikamma National Park, and much more.
  • Durban. Located on South Africa’s eastern coast, the country’s third-largest city is another rising travel destination. Notably influenced by its large Indian diaspora, it offers an interesting cultural heritage, as well as attractions like the coastal stretch of Golden Mile, skydiving, and many nearby nature areas.
  • Northern Cape. Quite literally off the beaten track, the Northern Cape Province remains an uncharted territory for most foreign visitors. Traveling there takes some serious planning — there’s not much tourist infrastructure and even finding a gas station can be a challenge at times — but those who are serious enough about it will be rewarded with national parks with very few other visitors and hauntingly beautiful landscapes unlike anywhere else. Kimberly is the main city of the region, the location of an airport, and a good hub from which to explore the rest of the province.

Car Rental Prices

  • Large cars - from $31 per day
  • Medium cars - from $17 per day
  • Vans - from $33 per day
  • Premium cars - from $49 per day
  • Small cars - from $11 per day
  • SUVs - from $13 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.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Top 20 Most Popular Cities in South Africa

  1. Car Rental in Cape Town from $11.36 per day
  2. Car Rental in Johannesburg from $16.48 per day
  3. Car Rental in Durban from $17.46 per day
  4. Car Rental in Port Elizabeth from $16.48 per day
  5. Car Rental in George from $20.04 per day
  6. Car Rental in East London from $16.48 per day
  7. Car Rental in Nelspruit from $20.04 per day
  8. Car Rental in Stellenbosch from $20.04 per day
  9. Car Rental in Pretoria from $20.04 per day
  10. Car Rental in Bloemfontein from $20.04 per day
  11. Car Rental in Pietermaritzburg from $20.04 per day
  12. Car Rental in Centurion from $20.04 per day
  13. Car Rental in Mthatha from $19.23 per day
  14. Car Rental in Hermanus from $24.86 per day
  15. Car Rental in Kimberley from $20.04 per day
  16. Car Rental in Richards Bay from $20.04 per day
  17. Car Rental in Margate from $25.71 per day
  18. Car Rental in Polokwane from $20.04 per day
  19. Car Rental in Sishen
  20. Car Rental in Strand

Top 19 Most Popular Locations in South Africa

  1. Car Rental at Cape Town Airport from $11.36 per day
  2. Car Rental at Tambo International Airport from $16.48 per day
  3. Car Rental in Cape Town (Downtown) from $20.04 per day
  4. Car Rental at King Shaka International Airport from $17.46 per day
  5. Car Rental at Port Elizabeth Airport from $16.48 per day
  6. Car Rental at George Airport from $20.04 per day
  7. Car Rental at East London Airport from $16.48 per day
  8. Car Rental at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from $20.04 per day
  9. Car Rental at Johannesburg Lanseria Airport from $20.04 per day
  10. Car Rental at Pretoria Hatfield from $22.37 per day
  11. Car Rental at Bloemfontein Airport from $20.04 per day
  12. Car Rental in Durban (Downtown) from $20.04 per day
  13. Car Rental at Kimberley Airport from $20.04 per day
  14. Car Rental at Richards Bay Airport from $20.04 per day
  15. Car Rental at Johannesburg Airport from $27.51 per day
  16. Car Rental at Wonderboom Airport from $23.90 per day
  17. Car Rental at Sishen Airport
  18. Car Rental in Cape Town Franschhoek
  19. Car Rental at Port Elizabeth Rhodes University - Grahamstown from $26.11 per day

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in South Africa?

The cost of renting a car in South Africa varies by season. This graph compares prices from month to month in order to help you find the best time of year.
Average rental costs per day in South Africa
$39.05
January
$45.83
February
$41.63
March
$41.97
April
$35.44
May
$44.62
June
$49.29
July
$49.02
August
$44.89
September
$41.95
October
$40.41
November
$47.41
December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in South Africa is May — when rental costs average $35.44 per day. This is 18% cheaper than the yearly average and 28% cheaper than renting a car in July (when prices average $49.29 per day).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the average rental length in South Africa?

How long renters typically keep their vehicle sometimes varies depending on the time of year. Travelers tend to keep their rental cars longer in January — an average of 15 days. They tend to keep them for a shorter time in May — an average of 8 days.
Average rental length in South Africa
15
January
11
February
11
March
9
April
8
May
11
June
13
July
10
August
9
September
10
October
11
November
11
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in South Africa?

Based on how many customers search for a car in South Africa, the most popular month is December, while the least popular is June.
Monthly searches in South Africa by pick-up date relative to the average
130%
January
116%
February
101%
March
95%
April
58%
May
57%
June
68%
July
89%
August
67%
September
92%
October
104%
November
224%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 114
Airport locations 24
Popular suppliers First Car Rental, BLUU, Thrifty, Keddy, GreenMotion
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Vans
Lowest price $11 per day
Cheapest supplier GreenMotion

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
First Car Rental Suzuki Celerio 5 1 Small cars
First Car Rental Nissan Almera 5 2 Medium cars
Thrifty Hyundai Grand i10 5 1 Small cars
First Car Rental Honda Amaze 5 1 Small cars
Firefly Toyota Agya 5 1 Small cars
Keddy Kia Picanto 5 1 Small cars
First Car Rental Suzuki Swift 5 1 Small cars
First Car Rental Toyota Quest 4 2 Large cars
First Car Rental Volkswagen Polo 5 1 Medium cars
Keddy Volkswagen Polo 5 2 Small cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

United States of America (USA)
Toyota Hilux
April 15, 2023
We travelled all over South Africa, some rough dirt roads in the game reserves and areas off the beaten track in Zululand and the Western Cape. The Toyota Hilux 4x4 we rented was up the task. We experienced some amazing scenery both in the interior of the country and on the coast. We were careful to park the vehicle in safe areas in the cities and where that was not possible one of us would stay with the car while the other shopped. Beware of cattle, horses, goats, donkeys and people on all the roads and freeways! For that reason we avoided traveling at night.
United Kingdom
Suzuki Celerio
March 22, 2023
That car was pretty basic and had very little power but it served our purpose well.
Zambia
Hyundai Grand i10
March 16, 2023
All family trip..
South Africa
Hyundai i10
March 10, 2023
Restaurants were very good, traffic in the Cape Town area a nightmare and the weather was not great. Overall we enjoyed the sights and had a good time.
Australia
Volkswagen Polo Sedan
March 9, 2023
Pringle Bay fantastic spot.
Canada
VW Kombi
February 12, 2023
Drove all over SA AND LOVED THE SCENERY,people, food. Culture ect.
Australia
Volkswagen Polo
February 11, 2023
It was just a trip visiting family.
New Zealand
Suzuki Celerio
February 6, 2023
2 cruises, visiting family and enjoying the sites around Cape Town.
Ireland
Toyota Agya
January 8, 2023
Families events and restaurants
Ireland
Hyundai Venue
December 19, 2022
We had an extended stay in SA. We were plesantly surprised by how well the average South African got on with people of other races - we did not detect any animosity and everybody was ready with a helping hand and a huge smile. This was in sharp contrast to the news we read and the politiciance responce to small incedents
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla
December 1, 2022
I can post later
United States of America (USA)
Suzuki Celerio
November 21, 2022
The car I rented was a Perfect run around car for my needs …
Belgium
Toyota Quantum
November 14, 2022
The Cape Town area is great. Beautiful landscapes, nature, wine farms, wine + food, wildlife, the sea and above all very lovely people. Positive, helpful and very warm! I miss them.
South Africa
Hyundai i10 Grand
November 8, 2022
Loved the trip to Langebaan and Paternoster, the car was very light on Petrol too.
South Africa
Toyota Agya
October 31, 2022
We lived in Wilderness Dunes. Impeccable!! Visited : Mossel Bay; Sedgefield; Herold Wines; Knysna Heads; Blue Olive Restaurant, Ilalia Restaurant; Beach Walks; George!!
South Africa
Hyundai i10 Grand
October 20, 2022
Visit to West Coast was great.
South Africa
Nissan Almera
October 17, 2022
I went to a funeral and I had a Great sendoff for my late aunt
South Africa
Hyundai i10 Grand
October 7, 2022
Beautiful scenery, amazing food. Whale watching in Hermanus. Friendly people of cape Town
South Africa
Hyundai i10 Grand
September 13, 2022
was attending the principal's symposium, so did not really explore.
South Africa
Hyundai i10 Grand
August 22, 2022
Value for money
South Africa
Toyota Agya
August 15, 2022
It was a business trip. The car performed very well and was well worth it.
Australia
Nissan Almera
July 2, 2022
Namibia Cape Town wineries
South Africa
Kia Picanto
June 14, 2022
yes deffenetly
Netherlands
Nissan X-Trail
May 10, 2022
I had a 4x4 and travelled Kruger form South to North; severl other parks, drove on dirt roads and the car handled perfect
South Africa
Toyota Agya
March 28, 2022
No comment
South Africa
Toyota Agya
November 26, 2021
Keep to the speed limits - lots of traffic cops
Spain
Audi A3
April 12, 2021
I am South African so l practically went home
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.
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.
South Africa
VW Polo Vivo
January 8, 2021
Great place
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.
South Africa
Nissan Almera
October 5, 2020
The service is great
South Africa
Kia Picanto
September 27, 2020
I visited my family only
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.
South Africa
Toyota Corolla
March 28, 2020
Durban weather is great!! Generally Durban people are friendly and loving ❤️
South Africa
Hyundai i10
March 19, 2020
We stayed out of town at Chintsa it was a lovely getaway for the week end.
Israel
Ford Fiesta
March 19, 2020
We did an amazing road trip into the western cape
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.
South Africa
Toyota Rav4
February 10, 2020
Easy to find, friendly representative, car clean and in excellent condition.
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.
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!
South Africa
VW Polo
December 30, 2019
Excelent service
South Africa
Kia Picanto
October 31, 2019
Great place
India
Toyota RAV 4
October 27, 2019
Long drive to Kruger Park and need money for tolls.
South Africa
Toyota Corolla
September 29, 2019
Booked online and everything was ready and waiting at the arranged time
South Africa
Toyota Fortuner
August 29, 2019
Easy access
Netherlands
Toyota Quantum
July 28, 2019
Nothing to complain
Australia
Nissan Almera
July 18, 2019
Easy driving within Cape Town and along the Garden Route
United States of America (USA)
VW Polo
March 1, 2019
As an American I had to get used to driving on a different side of the road.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
February 12, 2019
Obviously table mountain and the waterfront are big ones, however Chapman drive to all the smaller towns is also amazing.
Austria
Toyota Corolla
January 7, 2019
also easy to go by taxi
United Kingdom
Chevrolet Aveo 5d
January 3, 2019
Great destination. Easy to drive around.
Show more

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
BLUU
9.1 / 10
Lowest rated company
GreenMotion
8.3 / 10
Total number of reviews
203
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$30.77
Lowest daily price
$7.64
Total cars available
3336

Top 12 Suppliers in South Africa in 2023

BLUU
BLUU
Exceptional 9.1 / 457 reviews
36 locations
$26 - $86
Hertz
Hertz
Exceptional 9 / 690 reviews
33 locations
Budget
Budget
Exceptional 9 / 91 reviews
52 locations
$26 - $194
Keddy
Keddy
Exceptional 9 / 144 reviews
38 locations
$24 - $197
First Car Rental
First Car Rental
Exceptional 9 / 683 reviews
35 locations
$20 - $179
Europcar
Europcar
Excellent 8.9 / 156 reviews
41 locations
Firefly
Firefly
Excellent 8.8 / 354 reviews
26 locations
Thrifty
Thrifty
Excellent 8.8 / 500 reviews
18 locations
$21 - $136
SIXT
SIXT
Excellent 8.7 / 93 reviews
32 locations
$21 - $119
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.6 / 21 reviews
62 locations
$13 - $198
Bidvest
Bidvest
Excellent 8.5 / 24 reviews
27 locations
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Excellent 8.3 / 187 reviews
23 locations
$11 - $191

Highly recommended by our customers

Trustpilot

South Africa

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