Car rental in South Africa
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Why drive in South Africa
South Africa is made for road trips, from Cape Towns Chapman s Peak Drive to the Garden Route through Knysna and Tsitsikamma. With a hire car you can adjust your schedule for viewpoints, farm stalls and small coastal towns.
Inland, driving yourself along the Panorama Route or through the Winelands gives access to remote lodges and lesser known reserves. You are not tied to tour timetables, so sunrise game drives or late dinners are easier to fit in.
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
Speed limits
Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
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Practical Information for Drivers
Traffic Laws
Traffic regulations in South Africa are taken seriously, so you should adhere to the established rules:
- Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road;
- Overtaking is permitted only on the right-hand side of the vehicle;
- The principle of "priority from the left" applies, i.e. priority is given to vehicles approaching from the left;
- Do not exceed the speed limit or the legal alcohol limit;
- At an intersection controlled by stop signs, all vehicles must stop, and the first to proceed is the one that arrived at the intersection first.
Allowable alcohol
In South Africa, there are strict restrictions on driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. If you get behind the wheel after drinking, you should be aware that the maximum permitted alcohol level in the driver's body is 0.5 per thousand. This is one of the most common limits worldwide, although in many countries any alcohol is prohibited while driving, and in some there are no specific limits at all.
The cost of fuel - information for car renters in South Africa
In South Africa, two types of fuel are used for vehicles: diesel and petrol. The price of fuel in the country is average compared with other states. Gas as a motor fuel is not generally used in South Africa.
The average cost of fuel in South Africa:
- 1 litre of petrol - $ 1.12;
- 1 litre of diesel fuel - 95 cents.
Toll roads
Throughout the country there are roads on which travel is subject to tolls. These include some of the national roads and motorways. The tolls on them vary significantly. The amount payable for road use ranges from 50 cents to $ 7. To pay for travel, drivers can use cash or a credit card.
What drivers say about South Africa
"We had a fun road trip and the car felt safe and reliable, paperwork was quick too. Only downside was a long wait at pickup, with too few staff on duty for the afternoon rush."
"I was impressed with how smooth everything went. Booking was straightforward, car was nearly new and very fuel-efficient. Staff at the airport branch were friendly, explained tolls clearly and did a quick, fair inspection on return. I’d happily rent here again."
"I travelled with a friend along the Garden Route and the car was perfect for long drives and small town roads. Pickup was quick, staff helped us choose a route and warned us about night driving and fuel stops. Drop-off in Cape Town was simple and hassle-free, very professional."
Renting in South Africa — FAQ
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