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Car Hire in South Africa.

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What our customers say

Excellent service in general! Venissa from Sixt was very helpful.

Rowan Eric - O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) Airport, 4 days ago

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Compare the best car hire deals in South Africa

By the time you have driven from one corner of the nation to the other, you’ll have seen vibrant cities, gorgeous coastlines, a wonderful desert, wonderful corals, ancient collections of rock art, and tracked unique wildlife on safari.

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Which car rental company should I book with in South Africa?

Search, compare and book you next car hire with Zest Car Rental for inclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else. At Zest, we understand the last thing you need after a long flight is to deal with problems collecting your car hire. Therefore, we only partner with trusted and monitored providers to ensure a hassle-free and smooth car rental experience.

Whether you decide to book with Europcar, Bluu or any of our other providers in South Africa, you will always be welcomed with exceptional customer service! Start your holiday the right way with Zest Car Rental!

BLUU CAR RENTAL EUROPCAR GREEN MOTION Alamo ENTERPRISE HERTZ SOUTH AFRICA CARWIZ SOUTH AFRICA DOLLAR SOUTH AFRICA THRIFTY SOUTH AFRICA U-SAVE SIXT

Book with Zest Car Rental in South Africa

We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to worry about.

We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.

Unlock the real South Africa

South Africa is famous for its majestic mountain ranges, legendary wildlife reserves, and dramatic coastlines, making it one of the world's premier destinations for an epic road trip.

A scenic drive along the southern coast introduces you to the world-famous Garden Route, connecting vibrant coastal hubs like Cape Town, Knysna, and Gqeberha along sweeping ocean highways.

Navigating these routes reveals dramatic clifftop viewpoints, hidden forest boardwalks, and pristine sandy bays that regular public transport networks cannot easily access.

Further north or inland, a rental vehicle gives you the complete freedom to explore the country's vast and diverse landscapes at your own comfortable pace.

You can journey through the rolling, historic vineyards of the Cape Winelands, navigate the dramatic panoramic viewpoints of the Drakensberg escarpment, or drive right up to the gates of premier game reserves like Kruger National Park.

Having complete control over your travel itinerary allows you to stop at rural roadside farm stalls, view spectacular canyon lookouts, and discover hidden countryside restaurants completely free from rigid group tour schedules.

Can I take my rental car across national borders?

Given South Africa's position at the southern tip of the continent, many travelers want to extend their road trip across borders into neighboring destinations like Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.

Please be aware that each provider enforces completely individual regulations regarding border crossings.

To check what options are available for your journey, we recommend generating a live quote on our website where eligible cars will be explicitly labeled with exact permissions or local fees.

Our Fleet in South Africa

At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in South Africa to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and nimble compact models are highly practical for navigating urban routes and finding parking in busy city centers like Cape Town or Johannesburg.

If you plan to tour the rugged interior routes, carry substantial holiday luggage, or explore the unpaved tracks within regional game reserves with family, choosing a spacious intermediate SUV or a robust 4x4 can provide additional power, ground clearance, and reliable comfort for the terrain.

One Way Rentals in South Africa

In South Africa, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-country travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Johannesburg Airport and returning it at Cape Town International Airport.

Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.

Driver Age Requirements in South Africa

Can I rent a car in South Africa if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Young driver fees vary by provider and may still apply depending on age and vehicle category.

Can I rent a car in South Africa if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers may have additional requirements or conditions for older drivers depending on policy, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.

What is the best time of year to explore South Africa by car?

The ideal time to explore South Africa on a driving holiday is during the months of May to September for premier wildlife viewing in the northern reserves, or from September to April for beautiful, sunny beach weather along the southern Cape coastal routes.

During these optimal periods, you can enjoy stable weather conditions, comfortable driving temperatures, and clear regional roads across the country's diverse landscapes.

Essential Tips for Driving in South Africa

Driving in South Africa is conducted on the left-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the right.

South Africa operates a network of toll roads on selected national routes, including sections of the N1, N2, N3, N4 and N17. Tolls are typically collected at toll plazas where drivers pay according to their vehicle class. Payment methods vary by operator and location but commonly include cash, payment cards and electronic toll solutions. Most urban roads and many regional routes remain toll-free.

Drink-driving is prohibited under South African law and punishments are strict. If you plan to drink, you should not drive.

When navigating major urban areas like Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban, remain alert for exceptionally fast-moving city highways, complex multi-lane interchanges, and a heavy presence of minibus taxis making sudden stops. Parking options in central commercial districts vary by location, and drivers should look out for official street marshals, pay-and-display meters, or secured public garages.

Outside the main cities, look out for sudden speed limit drops near rural villages, slow-moving agricultural vehicles, unpaved gravel roads with loose surfaces, and potential wildlife or livestock wandering onto the roads.

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Places to hire in South Africa

Average customer rating for car hire in South Africa

(4.71 out of 5.00) based on 271 responses to our customer survey.

Popular locations in South Africa

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Our top 5 tourist attractions in South Africa

  1. The Garden Route

    Along the south east coast lies this beautiful region of lagoons, vineyards, and mountains. Boasting extensive bird life, this is a great destination for ornithologists.

  2. Kruger National Park

    The largest game reserve in Africa and home to the Big 5. There are more species in Kruger than any other park on the continent.

  3. Robben Island

    The former prison island that was home to Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Tours are led by former prisoners who bring their experiences to life.

  4. Soweto

    The site of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, this township brings home the role apartheid played in South Africa’s past with a number of excellent museums.

  5. Shark Cage Dive

    Get up close and personal with a Great White in Shark Alley near Gansbaai. See these magnificent and endangered animals in their natural habitat and learn about shark conservation.

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