Among the various means of travelling within South Africa, renting a car is most convenient and relatively economical. Major rental agencies offering car hire services in the country are Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Tempest, Thrifty and Dollar.
First, Kennings, Rumadani and KEA Camper are some of the domestic brands providing car rental services. Most car rental agencies have branches around the country, including airports, smaller towns, game reserves and national parks.
Tourists can choose from the wide choice of available cars, comprising budget or compact cars (3-seater), economy or medium size cars (4-seater) and luxury cars. For larger groups and families, vehicles like mini vans and motor homes are also available on rent.
Remote and out-of-the-way places can be best explored in 4X4 or campers, which are also offered by most car rental agencies. Major car brands available in South Africa are Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Depending on the car group, location and availability, renting a car in South Africa can cost anywhere from $15 to $200 per day. The rental rates usually include VAT, unlimited kilometres, SCDW, STLW, PAI and zero liability excess.
Rates are also inclusive of airport and location surcharges, tourism levy, maps and travel info and free mobile phone rental (no outgoing calls). Fuel deposit, contract fee, delivery and collection fees, drop-off fees and administration fees are excluded from the rental rates.
For renting a car in South Africa, the driver should be at least 23 years of age and hold a valid driver's licence. Those between the ages of 21 and 23 can also hire a car on paying a surcharge, which varies from $11.49 to $15.79 per day.
Drivers are also available with cars on paying a one-time flat fee of around $14.36 per driver per rental. Rental companies, which do not include the rates of CDW, SCDW, TLW, STLW and PAI also charge an additional fee for the insurance cover.
Car Rentals
