The Complete Guide to Car Rental in South Africa: Best Deals & Top Companies

TL;DR – Our version of “I’m not reading all that, *SparkNotes pls.”

• Choosing the right car may depend on your trip: compact cars are good for city driving, SUVs are good for long road trips, and 4x4s are good for off-road adventures.
• Daily car rental rates: Economy cars R500–R900/day (budget travellers, city driving), 4x4s/SUVs R1,200–R2,500/day (road trips, safaris), Luxury/exclusive cars: R2,000–R14,500/day (business, special occasions).
• Hidden fees to watch out for: deposits, young driver fees, one-way drop-off charges, fuel policies, and extra insurance upsells.
• Inspect your rental before driving: Check for damage, tyre condition, lights, fuel level, and dashboard warnings.
• Avoid rental scams: Be wary of hidden fuel charges, unfair damage claims, and unnecessary insurance add-ons.

South Africa, R.S.A., Mzansi—whatever you prefer to call it—is a land marked with eye-watering beauty. From rolling hills to towering mountains, winding streams, and everything in between, scenic drives continue to be a major tourism attraction, even for locals, Saffas.

The country’s stellar sights should be best explored on four wheels, but what happens when you don’t own a vehicle that allows you to make this trek possible?

Easy, rent one. 

Getting your hands on a rental car provides you with accessibility and convenience to enjoy SA’s awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant cities.

That said, this comprehensive guide will give you key insights into everything you need to know about the vehicle rental process. From cost comparisons, including hidden fees, and top rental car companies, Pineapple will help you find the best car rental deals and ensure a smooth process.

Before you hit the open road, hit up Pineapple for affordable, convenient, and comprehensive car cover (a.k.a. Get a quote).

How Much Does Renting a Car in South Africa Cost?

Car rental prices in South Africa typically depend on the type and class of vehicle, the duration of the rental period and the location. Let’s take a look at the estimated average cost based on daily rental rates:

Cost Breakdown by Vehicle Type

According to Kayak, Booking Holding’s metasearch engine for travel services, including airline flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages, the average car hire cost in South Africa is R538 per day.

Factors Affecting Car Rental Prices

Vehicle rental prices fluctuate depending on the seasonal demand, rental duration, location, and vehicle type. 

Seasonal Demand

Peak travel months, namely the December holiday season, Easter and school holidays, typically see a surge in demand, leading to higher rental prices. Popular holiday destinations like Cape Town, Durban and other coastal cities commonly experience the most increase.

Similarly, it may be more expensive to hire a car on weekends (especially long weekends) than it would on a weekday.

Rental Duration

Surprisingly, renting a vehicle for a short period of time may be more expensive than a longer rental term. This is because car rental companies often offer lower rates for a longer commitment period.

Location

Your location is another factor that can contribute to the affordability or costliness of your rental car. For example, rentals from major airports, like O.R. Tambo International Airport, tend to be pricier due to the convenience. Likewise, rentals in rural or remote areas can be higher than in the city due to the limited rental options and higher demand.

Vehicle Type

As the table above shows, a car’s type can majorly affect rental prices. Smaller, fuel–efficient vehicles are generally the most affordable, while larger models and luxury vehicles command a higher rental fee.

Additional Costs

A few other additional costs can hike up the price of a car rental quite significantly, namely:

• The deposit. Rental companies typically require a deposit as security against potential damages to the vehicle or traffic fines. Thankfully, the deposit may be refunded if you return the car in the same condition as when you rented it.
• Insurance fees. Basic insurance coverage, such as third-party liability insurance, is often included in the original rental price, but it can come with a significant car insurance excess fee. You can also opt for additional coverage, such as comprehensive insurance; however, this extra protection will come with a higher cost. 
• The driver’s age. The minimum age to rent a car in South Africa is 18; however, young drivers may still face higher rental fees. This is because their limited driving experience makes them a higher risk. 
• One-way drop-off charges. Picking the car up in one location but dropping it off in another would mean the rental company has to retrieve it. Unsurprisingly, this service comes with a charge of a one-way drop-off fee. Of course, the amount varies depending on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations.

Top Car Rental Companies in South Africa 

Car hire companies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Tempest Car Hire, and SANI SIXT are considered South Africa’s best car rental service providers. The criteria? These companies have a large network of locations across South Africa, making them easily accessible and readily available. 

Here is a table with a list of SA’s popular car hire company picks:

Overall, the above companies have a strong reputation, making them well-established and well-known in the car rental market. 

Lastly, by offering online booking services, customers can easily rent a car without a long and tedious application process.  

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Your Needs

The best car hire option will depend on the nature of your trip. 

A compact or economy car like a Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, or Chevrolet Spark may be better suited for city driving due to its fuel efficiency and easy parking capabilities. 

Larger cars, like a larger sedan or compact SUV like the Audi A4 or Hyundai Creta, are perfect for long road trips, like from Johannesburg to the Eastern Cape, given their spacious and comfortable interiors. 

If you’re keen on a bit of an off-road adventure to the Kruger or Drakensburg, or you’re travelling from Limpopo to Joburg, you may need a 4X4 to go the distance. Cars like a Ford Everest, Suzuki Jimny or Toyota Hilux are great at handling some of South Africa’s tougher terrain.

Luxury and exclusive rental cars like the Mercedes Benz S-Class, Audi RSQ8, or Bentley GT Continental are ideal for business trips or special occasions, like a matric farewell for the teen driver in your life.

So, are you a city dweller looking for a smooth ride, an adventure seeker who’s not afraid to get a little dirty, or a high roller wanting to make a statement? There’s an option for you, no matter the occasion. 

Checklist: What to Inspect Before Accepting a Rental Car

Getting up close and personal with the vehicle allows you to examine defects or pre-existing damage. Therefore, a thorough inspection and checklist can help you avoid being held responsible for any issues that may arise. 

Here’s how to complete a thorough inspection of a rental car:

External Inspection

1. Bodywork: Check for scratches, dents, or a peeling or patchy paint job (which could indicate previous repairs). Pay special attention to the bumper, doors, and the car’s roof. 
2. Windows and mirrors: Look for chips, cracks or scratches on the car’s windows, windscreen and side and rearview mirrors. Be sure to check that all windows and mirrors are intact and properly adjusted.
3. Lights: Take the time to test that every light in the car is in working condition, namely the headlights (high and low beams), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and interior lights.
4. Tyres: Ensure that all four tyres are properly inflated and have the sufficient tread depth that is legally required in South Africa. You can check this by inserting a R1 coin* into the tyre’s groove (with the Springbok’s head facing down). If the Springbok’s head is fully visible, your tread depth is likely below the legal limit. Also, keep an eye out for any damage to the rims, such as scratches and dents.

*This method is a rough estimate.

Internal Inspection

1. Dashboard and controls: Note if any dashboard warning lights are on, as this may signify an issue that needs immediate attention. Next, test the controls (the air conditioning, heating, radio, and navigation system) to ensure they’re effortlessly operational. 
2. Carpets and upholstery: Note any burns, tears, or stains on the car’s carpets, seats, roof, and centre console. Ideally, these defects should be absent.
3. Boot: Ensure the boot is clean and contains emergency accessories like a spare tyre, a warning triangle, and a jack (if applicable, depending on the rental service provider).

Mechanical Inspection (the basics) 

1. Engine: Listen closely for any unusual noises coming from the rental vehicle’s engine when starting the car. This means turning the tunes down for a quick second.
2. Brakes: Test out the car’s brakes to ensure they work and are fully responsive. You don’t want to find out the hard way that they aren’t in working condition.
3. Steering: Take note of any unusual stiffness in the steering wheel. Granted, it might be a matter of getting used to the specific car model’s handling. Or, there may be deeper and more dangerous issues at play.

When completing a vehicle inspection, it’s important not to rush the process simply because you can’t wait to hit the open road. Taking the time to thoroughly assess the car’s condition can save you money and help you avoid preventable accidents.

Should you encounter any disturbing problems with the car, carefully document these with photos and the rental waiver form (typically provided by the rental company to document the car’s condition at the time of the rental).

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask the rental company’s staff questions should you have any concerns about the vehicle. 

These steps can help protect you from being expected to pay for damages you did not cause.

Understanding Car Rental Insurance in South Africa

Most car rental agreements include a basic insurance policy called Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which covers damages to the vehicle itself. This insurance reduces your potential liability in the event that the rented car is damaged. And since the cost of insurance is often included in the rental price, you’re able to enjoy greater convenience.

However, CDW insurance may have a steep excess and often excludes protection against the car’s windshield, loss of keys, or single-vehicle accidents. 

Be sure to confirm the coverage and its limits when taking the rental vehicle into your possession.

If it doesn’t, the question becomes, “Does personal car insurance cover rental vehicles?” 

This depends entirely on your insurance policy. 

Usually, a private insurance policy will not cover a vehicle that you don’t have an insurable interest in. In car insurance, insurable interest is when the policyholder has a stake in the insured item (in this case, the rental vehicle).

Simply put, any damage to the car would cause you to suffer a loss (financial or otherwise) or face some kind of setback.

Furthermore, car insurance policies offer different cover types depending on how the vehicle is used; an everyday car can be insured under ‘personal use’, whereas a rental vehicle will fall under ‘commercial/business use’. 

So, should you buy additional cover when renting a car? For additional peace of mind, and if your budget allows, sure. 

Super CDW cover can eliminate you’ll pay damages should you suffer an accident during your trip. 

Hidden Fees & Rental Car Scams to Avoid

Going on holiday fills us all with a bit of a devil-may-care attitude, and that’s where the danger is. When renting a car, beware of potential pitfalls which may land you in a hole of debt. 

For starters, car rental service providers may charge fuel refill fees; if you’re not prepared, this cost may creep up on your budget and inflate the vehicle’s rental bill. 

To avoid this, ask if the rental company offers a “full-to-full” policy, which means you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full.

Another pitfall to watch out for is an unfair damages charge, which is why the initial inspection is so crucial. Carefully inspect the car before accepting it, and document any existing damage with photos or videos. 

Any damages should be noted on the rental agreement.

And it doesn’t end there; when you return the vehicle, ensure the rental staff conducts a final inspection and provides you with a signed confirmation of the car’s condition. 

Lastly, some car hire companies may try to catch you out by upselling unnecessary insurance add-ons.

Don’t allow pushy or aggressive sales tactics to convince you to accept conditions you may not fully understand. If the terms and conditions are truly for your benefit, the agent assisting you should have no problem taking their time to ensure you fully understand the ‘Who?’, ‘What?’, ‘Why?’ and ‘How?’ of the policy.

Read more about ‘How to Avoid Online Scams When Buying A Car’ now. 

Best Alternatives to Renting a Car in South Africa

Borrow From A Loved One

An alternative to renting a car from a car hire service provider would be borrowing one from a family member or friend. However, despite having a personal and intimate relationship with the driver, you should still handle the car with care and avoid reckless driving. 

You’ll likely spend less money by avoiding rental fees, plus that good-ol’ insurable interest may mean you’re covered under the driver’s insurance policy. 

But, first, check—not all insurance providers offer Pineapple’s “open driver” policy.

An “open driver” insurance policy allows anyone with a valid South African driver’s license who’s of age (18 years old) to drive your car without needing to be specifically named on the policy. This means having someone else driving your car won’t violate your policy’s terms.

E-hailing Services

Ridesharing services like Uber or Bolt have increasingly become popular in South Africa’s major cities for a reason. The convenience and luxury of being driven around can make you feel like a VIP jet setter. 

E-hailing services limit the hassle of parking, potentially getting lost in unfamiliar territory, and dealing with fuel costs. 

Ubers and Bolts are also great for airport transfers, evenings out (aka don’t drink and drive!), and exploring densely populated cities that are a parking nightmare.

That said, longer trips or journeys in remote areas might mean you’ll pay more in travel costs or struggle with availability options.

Public Transport

While not the most glamorous way to travel, public transport is often reliable and affordable. Bus services like Greyhound and Intercape or train services like the Gautrain or Metrorail serve urban areas and connect major cities, making getting around that much easier.

And for a truly South African experience, you can even hitch a ride on a local minibus taxi!

However, public transportation can sometimes be unreliable, especially during peak hours. Given the high accident rate, safety concerns may also exist.

Private Driver

If you’re travelling in a big group or simply enjoy being chauffeured in style, a private driver may be more up your alley. These services offer pre-booked services, which typically specialise in catering to unique itineraries, e.g., day trips, wine tours (again, don’t drink and drive), or exploring scenic routes. 

Although private driving services are more costly than other transport options, sharing the cost amongst a group can make the fee more manageable.

Driving in South Africa: Tips for a Safe Trip

Due to some hectic road conditions, driving in South Africa requires a balance of skill and alertness. Thankfully, a bit of preparation should make the journey easy enough.

Here’s how to navigate South Africa’s roads like a pro:

• Adhere to the speed limit (60 km/h on a public road within an urban area, 100 km/h on a public road outside an urban area that is not a freeway, and 120 km/h on every freeway).
• Keep cash handy for any toll gates that you may come across.
• Pay attention to the road signs, particularly those indicating wildlife in rural areas.
• Driving conditions differ depending on location: cities often have heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, while rural areas may have unpaved roads and a lack of street lights.
• Keep our doors locked, windows up and avoid displaying valuable items in visible areas like your dashboard or seats. You don’t want to be the centre of attention of unwanted attention or make yourself a target of nefarious activities. 

All-in-all, safety is paramount when travelling by car. So, plan your route to avoid getting lost, and be aware of hijacking hotspots and other popular crime areas. 

Additionally, regular pitstops can help you from falling asleep behind the wheel, especially on long drives. 

Finally, South Africa’s climate is as diverse as its citizens; depending on the season, you may encounter Mother Nature’s extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, hail, fog, and strong winds.

Car Rental in South Africa FAQs

1. What documents do I need to hire a car?
   To rent a car, most rental companies require the main driver to bring their ID (international visitors can use their passport) and a debit or credit card for a deposit.
2. How much is car rental per day in South Africa?
   It costs between R400 and R2000 to rent a car per day in South Africa. This depends on the location and the type of vehicle you’re renting. Economy cars can be R500–R900/day (budget travellers, city driving); 4x4s/SUVs: R1,200–R2,500/day (road trips, safaris); luxury/exclusive cars: R2,000–R14,500/day (business, special occasions).

   Hidden fees to watch out for: deposits, young driver fees, one-way drop-off charges, fuel policies, and extra insurance upsells.

3. What is the best car rental in South Africa?
   Avis, Europcar, Sani, and Hertz are among the most popular car rental companies among South Africans. They offer a wide range of car options and have extensive networks nationwide. Other budget-friendly car hire options include Blu, Budget Car Rental, and First Car Rental.
4. Which car is good for long-distance travel?
   The vehicles best suited for long-distance travel include the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-5, and the Toyota Fortuner. These cars are known for their fuel efficiency, comfort, reliability, and cargo space, making them perfect for long-distance travel.
5. Should you take out extra insurance when renting a car?
   Most car rental companies offer you the option to insure the vehicle for as long as you choose to use it. These can include various vehicle damage, theft and third-party waivers to reduce your damage costs. Alternatively, your own car insurance policy may cover international travel. Be sure to confirm this by checking your policy document.

Conclusion

Renting a car is one of the best ways to take in Mzansi’s natural wonders, experience cultural enrichment, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. 

Best of all, you’d be doing it all at your own pace!

By doing your part in understanding the associated car rental costs, rental insurance policies and hidden fees, you can avoid unnecessary charges and can save money.

Learn more about Car Insurance in South Africa with Pineapple’s helpful articles:

• Investing In Protection: Why Comprehensive Car Insurance Is A Smart Choice
• Stay Covered on Every Road: Your Guide to Over-Border Car Insurance for Southern Africa

Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.

Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply.