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Car hire in South Africa

Car hire in South Africa

Car rental options in South Africa

The car categories used in South Africa are similar to those in Namibia. Included with all of our self-drive trips is a Group B/C or similar (manual). Unfortunately we’re not able to guarantee specific models of vehicle; we can only request a particular group of vehicle. The usual* choices of car categories group are:
  • Group A
  • Hyundai i10 VW Chico or similar. With radio/CD and p/steering. Comfortable for 3-4 people and included in our prices.
  • Group B
  • Ford Fiesta/VW Vivo or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & power-steering.
  • Group C
  • Toyota Corolla/VW Polo Classic or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & power-steering.
  • Group D
  • Honda Jazz or similar. With radio/CD, air con, p/steering and automatic transmission.
  • Group K
  • Nissan Qashqai/Mitsubishi ASX or similar. With radio/ CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering.
  • Group L
  • Nissan X-Trail 2WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, airbags, p/steering & automatic transmission.
An example of a group A car
An example of a group B car
An example of a group C car
An example of a group D car
An example of a group K car
An example of a group 1M car
An example of a group 7M
An example of a group N car

An example of a group A car

An example of a group B car

An example of a group C car

An example of a group D car

An example of a group K car

An example of a group 1M car

An example of a group 7M

An example of a group N car

  • Group 1M
  • Toyota double-cab 4WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags, p/steering & canopy (optional). Please note: these vehicles have a solid canopy without windows, this is better for security but restricts your rear view.
  • Group 7M
  • Toyota double-cab 4WD or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering. Fully equipped for camping including 1 tent, available on special request subject to availability.
  • Group N
  • VW Combi T5 or similar. With radio/CD, air-con, ABS, air bags & p/steering. Seats eight people.

    Insurance for car hire in South Africa

    We hire the best vehicles that we can and these include unlimited mileage and all local taxes. The car insurance that comes with our trip ideas includes full cover for theft of the vehicle, accident damage (even single-vehicle accidents), tyre damage, windscreen cover and roadside assistance. We believe that we offer the highest level of cover available in the industry today.

    Note that it excludes a 'claim administration fee' (typically about £50/U$75) and towing fees (if the problem is not mechanical). It may also exclude water, sand and undercarriage damage - although it is very rare for our travellers to incur such damage.
    Note that car drivers aged 18-20, and those aged over 75, must draw our attention to their age in writing before booking, and we may need to discuss the insurance with you. Cover may be restricted or supplements payable.

    If you'd like a more precise outline of what your car-hire insurance covers, then please ask as to send you a copy. Note also that 4WD vehicles, and microbuses/people carriers may require different insurance provisions.

    Driving in South Africa is easy, it's a great way to see the country and meet the people.

    One-Way car rentals in South Africa (and to Namibia)

    It is very easy for us to arrange one-way car hire within South Africa, and also between South Africa and Namibia. So you can easily start a fly-drive trip in Port Elizabeth, and end in Cape Town or even Windhoek. (There are usually one-way drop off fees).

    It's good to have currency before you leave Cape Town, as fuel stations often only accept cash in South African Rand; some won’t accept take credit cards.

    *There are a few additional categories of car available that are not listed here, if you would like to know more please contact us and we would be happy to help.

    Our top picks for holidays to South Africa

    We'll always tailor-make your Town for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.


    Itinerary image

    Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

    20 days • 8 locations
    CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

    Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

    US$2,860 - US$3,760 per person

    Itinerary image

    Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

    20 days • 8 locations
    CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

    Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.

    US$3,760 - US$6,240 per person

    Itinerary image

    Bontebok Self-drive Safari

    12 days • 5 locations
    CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

    This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.

    US$1,360 - US$1,670 per person

    Itinerary image

    Waterbuck self-drive

    12 days • 6 locations
    CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

    A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.

    US$2,340 - US$2,910 per person

    Itinerary image

    Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

    12 days • 4 locations
    CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

    Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.

    US$3,540 - US$6,570 per person

    Itinerary image

    Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

    19 days • 10 locations
    CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

    Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

    US$3,180 - US$3,660 per person

    Itinerary image

    The Highlights of Africa

    17 days • 7 locations
    CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

    An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

    US$14,340 - US$18,200 per person

    Itinerary image

    Leopard Safari

    13 days • 4 locations
    VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

    Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.

    US$9,240 - US$13,060 per person

    Itinerary image

    Kwandwe Self-drive Safari

    3 days • 1 locations
    PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

    An elegantly stylish lodge that is well suited to families, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" during exploration of the Eastern Cape.

    US$2,430 - US$4,000 per person

    Inspire me

    Need inspiration?

    Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

    Inspire me

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