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Car Rental in South Africa
From the vineyards of Stellenbosch to the savannahs of Kruger National Park, South Africa is made for road trips. Compare hundreds of rental offers and choose the right car for your journey. Pick up your vehicle at Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban airports with transparent pricing in South African rand and no hidden fees.
Cities
Cities: South Africa
All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.
Terms
Rental terms in South Africa
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21 years.
- Driving experience — from 2 years.
- Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Cross-border travel to BW, LS, MZ, NA, SZ and ZW — by prior arrangement at booking.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- No-deposit rentals are often available.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — if your licence is not in Latin script.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road
Driving rules in South Africa
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | ZAR |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 60 city · 100 rural · 100 expressway · 120 motorway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.5 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
Traffic rules: South Africa
- Drive on the left. Vehicles have right-hand drive, so drivers used to right-hand traffic should allow extra time to adapt, especially at intersections and roundabouts.
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on national highways (N-routes).
- Low beam headlights are required during the day on all roads outside built-up areas.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%; for professional drivers it is 0.02%. Police checkpoints with breath tests are common.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
- Children under 3 must travel in an approved child seat. Older children must wear seat belts.
- There is no vignette system. Toll plazas operate on major highways such as the N1, N2, N3, and N4. Many rental cars are equipped with e-toll transponders, and toll charges are billed when the vehicle is returned.
- Night driving is not recommended due to poor lighting outside cities, wildlife, and pedestrians on the road.
- Traffic fines may be issued on the spot. Offering a bribe to a police officer is illegal.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about car rental in South Africa
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in South Africa?
If your driving licence is issued in English and includes a photograph, your national licence is usually sufficient. If it is issued in Cyrillic or another non-Latin script, you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
What is the minimum age for renting a car?
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with a minimum of two years of driving experience. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge. The minimum age may be higher for SUVs and premium vehicles.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. A security deposit is blocked on the driver’s credit card. Most rental companies do not accept debit cards. The amount depends on the vehicle category and rental company.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
The main rental locations are OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport (Durban). Hotel delivery and one-way rentals to another city may also be available for an additional fee.
Can I drive to neighbouring countries?
Yes, but only with prior written approval from the rental company. Cross-border travel must be arranged in advance and is not available for every vehicle.
Which side of the road do people drive on in South Africa?
South Africa has left-hand traffic, similar to the United Kingdom and Australia. Drivers from continental Europe and other right-hand traffic countries usually need some time to adapt.
Which insurance should I choose?
Basic CDW insurance is included, but it often excludes tyres, glass, and the underbody. Full coverage with zero excess is recommended, especially for driving on gravel roads and in national parks.
When should I book?
During the South African summer (December–January) and the peak safari season (June–October), rental cars—especially SUVs—sell out quickly. Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
Nearby
Similar destinations
Neighboring and kindred countries of the Balkans and the Caucasus with built-in car search.
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