Car rental in South Africa

South Africa is quite a large country, where attractions and interesting destinations are often located far apart. Public transportation exists but isn't sufficiently developed for tourists, while domestic flights are rather expensive. Renting a car in South Africa is the ideal solution for seeing all the most beautiful and remarkable sights in southern Africa. With a vehicle, you can visit national parks, wineries, cities, authentic villages, and the stunning coastline without unnecessary complications or extra costs.

Benefits of Renting a Car in South Africa via Localrent

Online booking through Localrent eliminates the tedious search for a vehicle on-site. Here's why it's more convenient:

1. You can easily select a vehicle by make, class, and engine power using convenient filters.
   
2. Various categories are available — from compact city models to crossovers and minivans for families.
   
3. You can collect your car at a convenient location — at the airport, in the city, or with delivery service, at your preferred pickup time.
   
4. Many offers include extended insurance covering damage, except for windows and tires.
   
5. Numerous vehicles are available for rental without a credit card requirement.
   

You see the complete cost upfront and can add necessary optional extras to your booking, saving time on coordinating details.

Requirements for Car Rental in South Africa

Required documents for vehicle collection:

• Valid driver's license
• Passport
• Confirmation voucher, which you'll receive via email after completing your booking

Rental conditions vary depending on the specific vehicle — carefully review them in the selected option's description. Most South African rental companies set a minimum driver age of 20 years and require at least 2 years of driving experience. When searching for a vehicle, use filters by specifying your age and driving experience — this will display only available options matching your parameters.

Driving and Traffic Regulations in South Africa

The first thing every driver encounters in South Africa is left-hand traffic. The initial kilometers require complete concentration, but tourists typically adapt fairly quickly.

Speed limits:

• In urban areas: 60 km/h
• On rural highways: 100 km/h
• On motorways: 120 km/h

All passengers must wear seatbelts, and using a mobile phone without a hands-free device is prohibited.

Main highways in South Africa are in excellent condition, but many are toll roads. Payment can be made with cash or card at designated toll points.

Beyond city limits, the real adventure begins. Be prepared for narrow roads, potholes, and most importantly, wild animals that may unexpectedly cross the roadway. On such roads, don't exceed 80 km/h.

South African drivers are known for their decisive and sometimes aggressive driving style. In the city, you won't receive much patience if you hesitate. Road communication has its peculiarities. If someone flashes their hazard lights briefly, it means "thank you" — for instance, if you yielded right of way. Headlight flashing can signal either a warning of danger ahead or an invitation to proceed first.

Peak traffic hours in major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town occur in the morning from 7:00 to 9:00 am and in the evening from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The road between Johannesburg and Pretoria is considered one of the busiest in the country.

On many roads, you'll encounter animal-drawn transport, most commonly donkey carts. Their drivers typically wear reflective vests, and the carts themselves have registration numbers. Overtake them with extreme caution and without honking, to avoid startling the animals.

Parking in South Africa

Paid parking predominates in South African cities. You can easily identify them — parking attendants in bright vests monitor the vehicles. They not only maintain order but also assist drivers with parking, for which it's customary to leave tips of 2-3 rand.

The payment system is usually automated. You park, pay for time at the nearest machine, and place the receipt under your windshield so inspectors can see it. At some parking areas, particularly near large shopping centers, security guards are on duty.

Free parking spaces exist, but finding an available spot is a stroke of luck, as they're primarily used by locals. The main rule for tourists in South Africa — never leave your vehicle on the street overnight. South Africans always use private secured parking at hotels or shopping centers. Valuables must not be left in the cabin, and doors should always be locked.

Fuel Stations in South Africa

At any fuel station in South Africa, whether it's a major chain like BP, Shell, or Engen, as soon as you stop at the pump, an attendant will immediately approach you. You specify the fuel type and amount — simply tell the employee, for example, "full tank of 95" or indicate a specific amount in rand.

After the tank is filled, the employee will bring a card payment terminal to your car, and you'll pay without leaving your vehicle. It's customary to tip the attendant 2-5 rand, especially if they helped you check tire pressure or clean windows.

All fuel stations on main highways and near major shopping centers are considered safe. If a station looks modern and has many local customers — you can feel secure.

How to Book a Vehicle for Travel in South Africa

Begin your booking by specifying your planned rental dates on the Localrent website homepage. For more precise searching, use the "Specify location" field — this is particularly useful when you need a specific pickup type, such as hotel or airport delivery.

Next:

1. Apply filters by transmission type, vehicle class, engine capacity, and other parameters.
   
2. Review cards of suitable models showing mileage, specifications, and payment conditions.
   
3. Add necessary options such as child seats, additional insurance, or an additional driver service.

After selecting a vehicle, proceed to complete the booking. Specify exact pickup/return locations and times, fill in personal details and contact information. Pay the deposit with a bank card — after which the voucher will arrive via email. This document must be presented when collecting the vehicle.

When meeting the rental company representative, pay careful attention to the vehicle inspection. Jointly document all existing body and interior damage in the handover report. Before signing the contract, ensure you've been provided with the complete documentation package: insurance policy and emergency contact details.

What to See in South Africa by Car

South Africa is a large country, and route selection largely depends on the city where you begin your journey. From Johannesburg, it's logical to head to Kruger for safari, from Cape Town — to explore the Cape of Good Hope, and from Durban — to discover the coastline. However, there are iconic destinations worth visiting whenever possible, combining them into one grand route:

1. Kruger National Park — one of Africa's oldest and most renowned reserves, where you can see the famous "Big Five": lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros. The park territory is covered by an extensive network of paved roads with observation points, allowing comfortable exploration by private vehicle. The park also preserves rich cultural heritage — you can see Bushmen rock paintings and visit archaeological excavation sites. On the road to the park from Johannesburg, you can visit the picturesque Blyde River Canyon region. Waterfalls and viewpoints await you there, offering views of one of the planet's deepest canyons.
2. Cape Town, situated at the foot of Table Mountain, is rightfully considered one of the world's most beautiful cities. You can ascend the mountain by cable car to see panoramic views of the city and ocean from a bird's-eye perspective. Don't miss Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and see penguins on the beaches of False Bay.
3. In the Drakensberg mountain range, meaning "Dragon Mountains," you'll find some of the country's highest peaks. This region is famous for its jagged basalt cliffs, deep valleys, and ancient rock art by the San people. Royal Natal National Park features the magnificent natural Amphitheatre — a kilometer-long wall of cliffs. Giant's Castle Game Reserve protects vast herds of eland antelope and is known for its rich forests. Roads in the mountain region feature long ascents and switchbacks. For such a journey, choose a vehicle with an engine capacity of at least 1.4 liters. Here you can either embark on trekking adventures or drive along paved roads.
4. Stellenbosch — the heart of South Africa's wine region, a charming town that has preserved the architecture of the Dutch East India Company era. The town is a true labyrinth of old oaks, whitewashed buildings, and farms, many of which are open for tastings. It's home to one of the country's finest botanical gardens at the university, as well as the Village Museum, consisting of restored historic houses. Active recreation enthusiasts can head to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, located 10 km from town, for hiking and cycling.
5. Durban — a bustling port city on the Indian Ocean coast, known for its golden beaches, warm waters, and unique cultural blend — African, Indian, and colonial. Take a stroll along the "Golden Mile" promenade — a lively pedestrian zone stretching along the beaches. Near the city lies the picturesque Valley of a Thousand Hills, offering panoramic views of traditional Zulu villages.

If nature and wildlife appeal to you more, supplement your trip with a visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with its red dunes and black-maned lions. Those wishing to delve deeper into local culture should visit Soweto — an iconic Johannesburg suburb where you can learn about the country's turbulent history and the struggle against apartheid.

Where to Rent a Car in South Africa

On Localrent, you can book a vehicle in various South African cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Somerset West, Strand, and Gordon's Bay. Each city offers different pickup locations — rental company offices, delivery to a specified location, or airport collection.

Tips for First-Time Car Renters in South Africa

The main rule unanimously supported by all experienced travelers and local rental companies — avoid driving after dark. With nightfall, risks increase sharply: pedestrians appear on roads, and in rural areas — wild animals, often with poor lighting or none at all. While driving, always keep doors locked and windows closed.

Before departure, download offline maps to your smartphone. Mobile network coverage is unstable outside major cities and on remote highway sections.

If your route involves travel outside South Africa, for example to Lesotho or Eswatini, inform the rental company in advance. Remember to add the cross-border travel service to your booking. Without this documentation, you won't be permitted to cross the border in a rental vehicle.

Questions and Answers About Car Rental in South Africa