How to find a cheap car rental deal in South Africa
Searching for a cheap rental car in South Africa? With prices starting from $7 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're looking for a zippy economy ride, a spacious SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the best offers to land you a bargain.
Longer adventures come with better value, starting from $48 for a weekly rental.
Browse the range of car rentals in South Africa. This is where you'll find the cheapest wheels in South Africa.
Johannesburg is the most popular city to rent a car.
If you're not sure which company to go with, check out Sixt. It ranks first for booking in South Africa.
There's no need to go far after landing to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, Cape Town Airport and Durban King Shaka International Airport.
You can easily rent a set of wheels in cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and George.
Think about choosing a one-way rental. Providers occasionally lower prices on selected routes to shift vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in South Africa, select 'Return car to a different location' to find those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It might be cheaper to book a full month, so try different date combinations to find out what works best.
Skip the extra costs by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You drive away with a full tank and return it full, paying only for the fuel you use.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey instead of watching the odometer tick over. Check for this feature under the 'Policies' filter and cover more ground without added fees.
Best time to book a car rental in South Africa
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Three weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a car rental in South Africa.
September is the most affordable month to rent a car. Expect average daily rates of $21 then.
April tends to be the most expensive.
Compare car rental types in South Africa
Economy: Living up to its name, this option puts savings first. It combines some of the cheapest rates around with excellent fuel efficiency to help keep the total spend down. If stretching your budget is the goal, this is the clear winner.
Small: Mini and economy cars sit within this category. Their compact dimensions and maneuverability make getting around busy streets far less stressful. And with engines designed to use less fuel, they're a practical choice when you need a cheap rental car in South Africa.
Medium: If you need something more spacious without going too big, this is the answer. Medium rentals offer more room for passengers and bags, as well as a nice balance of efficiency and performance. You'll find compact and intermediate models here.
Large: More people, more bags, more possibilities. Large cars bring generous passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them a perfect match for families and longer drives. Choose one of these full-size rides when comfort is non-negotiable.
SUV: Road trips through South Africa are a dream in one of these. The elevated seating position offers a wider view of what's ahead and helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Designed for versatility, they can take you from main highways to more demanding terrain without missing a beat.
Van: When you've got plenty to carry, a van gets the job done. This type of car for rent in South Africa fits everyone and everything comfortably. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a dependable pick for group travel, moving or business transport.
Luxury: Travel in total style. Bringing together head-turning design, advanced technology, and performance built for precision and power, these vehicles redefine the rental experience.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your rental car lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so check how each one stacks up.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in South Africa by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Driving in South Africa: What you need to know
Age requirements vary by company (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some providers in South Africa may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
If you're traveling with kids, find out if you need to add a car seat to your car rental reservation in South Africa. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's license (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in South Africa.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay by card when it's possible, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't possible.
Zulu is the language you'll hear most often across South Africa.
Where to road trip in South Africa?
South Africa is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, plus airport pickup points like Cape Town International Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport. If you're planning a car rental in South Africa, these routes show how different pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types can shape your journey.
Wildlife and Safari: The Lowveld and Kruger Region, Mpumalanga
Pick up your car in Johannesburg and drive east into the Lowveld, where the landscape opens toward one of Africa's most celebrated game-viewing regions. This route suits wildlife-focused travelers who want big-animal sightings without committing to a heavily guided tour every day.
Recommended car: Mid-size SUV or 4x4.
Suggested pickup point: O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Good for: Wildlife enthusiasts, couples and first-time safari travelers.
Road conditions: Paved highways, gravel game-drive tracks, rural bush roads.
Best time to go: May to September for dry conditions and clearer wildlife sightings.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: Hazyview, Hoedspruit.
Coastal Drive: The Garden Route, Western and Eastern Cape
Pick up your car in Cape Town and head east along the southern Cape coast, where a string of beach towns, lagoons and forest reserves unfolds over several days of relaxed driving. It's an easy route for first-time visitors who want varied scenery without long or demanding stretches behind the wheel.
Recommended car: Compact car or hatchback.
Suggested pickup point: Cape Town International Airport.
Good for: Couples, families and first-time visitors.
Road conditions: Well-maintained coastal highway, short gravel detours, mountain passes.
Best time to go: October to April for warm, dry weather.
Trip length: Seven to ten days.
Key stops: Knysna, Tsitsikamma.
Wine and Food: The Winelands and Overberg, Western Cape
Pick up your car in Cape Town and drive into the surrounding valleys and mountain-fringed wine regions that begin less than an hour from the city. The compact distances make this a good fit for travelers who want to move slowly, eat well and cover ground without long days on the road.
Recommended car: Compact car or saloon.
Suggested pickup point: Cape Town International Airport or Cape Town city center.
Good for: Food lovers, wine enthusiasts and couples.
Road conditions: Paved valley roads, well-maintained rural routes, gentle mountain passes.
Best time to go: February to April for harvest season.
Trip length: Three to five days.
Key stops: Stellenbosch, Hermanus.
Weather and driving conditions in South Africa
Weather
Most of South Africa has warm, wet summers from October through April and dry, mild winters from May to September. The Western Cape follows the opposite pattern, with most of its rain falling between June and August.
Driving in South Africa means preparing for afternoon thunderstorms that roll in fast across the interior, especially around Gauteng — slow down and keep a solid gap ahead of you. Mountain passes in the Western Cape and the Drakensberg can close in with thick fog, so drop your speed and use low-beam headlights. Snow falls occasionally on high-altitude routes through the Drakensberg and the Karoo highlands in winter, so check road conditions before heading into the mountains. Intense heat in the Northern Cape and Limpopo can affect tire pressure and driver focus, so take regular breaks on long stretches.
Driving conditions
The main highways connecting major cities are in good condition, making a road trip in South Africa straightforward on well-traveled routes. Head into rural areas, especially in the Eastern Cape or Limpopo, and you'll find unpaved gravel roads that call for a slower, more careful pace.
Cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town have well-signed road networks, but peak-hour congestion is heavy and parking in central neighborhoods is best handled through attended lots rather than street parking. {NS} Outside the cities, roads can stretch long distances between towns, and gas stations are spread far apart in more remote areas. Signage is generally clear, though rural lanes narrow considerably in farming regions.
Outside game reserves and along unfenced rural roads, you'll share the route with baboons, warthogs, and free-roaming livestock, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
No matter where your drive leads, the right stay makes a big difference at the end of a long drive. Once you've booked your car rental in South Africa, browse the range of hotels in Johannesburg if this major stop is on your route. You can also compare Cape Town accommodation options or browse places to stay in Durban as you put together your full route.
