Want to know one of the best ways to experience South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic wildlife destinations? Exploring it by car. Whether you’re planning a coastal road trip along the Garden Route or heading inland for a safari adventure, cheap car rentals make travel easier and more flexible. With our platform at Economy Bookings, you can compare prices from trusted providers and secure affordable car hire deals for business or leisure travel—all in one place.
Tips when renting a car in South Africa
- Book early, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and school holidays.
- Choose the right vehicle for your plans. Compact cars work well in cities, while SUVs offer comfort for long drives and for driving on gravel roads.
- Check insurance coverage, including the excess (deductible), and whether gravel-road driving is included.
- Bring the right documents, including your valid driver’s licence and, if required, an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is required if your foreign driver’s license isn’t printed in English and doesn’t have a photograph and a signature.
- Confirm fuel policy and return instructions, especially at large airports with multiple drop-off areas.
Driving tips in South Africa
- Drive on the left-hand side of the road at all times.
- Use the right lane only for overtaking on multi-lane roads.
- Avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas where lighting is limited and animals may wander onto the road.
- Watch out for minibus taxis, which may stop suddenly or change lanes without warning.
- Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight, particularly in cities.
- Carry a GPS or use offline maps, but double-check routes in remote areas where gravel roads may not suit your vehicle.
Speed limits
As a general guide, the maximum speed is usually 60 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Always follow the posted signs, as limits can change near schools, construction zones, and residential areas. Speed cameras are common, and fines can be issued quickly for even small infractions.
Road signs
Most regulatory signs, such as stop signs and speed limits, use familiar shapes and symbols, making them intuitive even if you’re new to the country. Directional signs on highways are usually green or blue, while warning signs appear as red triangles. Temporary roadwork signs often use yellow backgrounds.
Tolls and restricted zones
Many major highways in South Africa are toll roads, especially routes connecting large cities and tourist regions. You’ll encounter toll plazas where you can usually pay by credit card, debit card, or cash. Some rental cars come equipped with electronic toll tags, and charges may be billed to you after your rental ends.
Certain scenic routes, such as Chapman’s Peak Drive near Cape Town, also charge tolls to support maintenance and conservation efforts.
Discover South Africa by car
From coastal drives with ocean views to mountain passes and wildlife-rich national parks, the landscape is diverse and unmatched. You can sip wine in Stellenbosch one day, explore dramatic cliffs along the Indian Ocean the next, and finish your journey spotting elephants in a game reserve in a single trip.
When to visit
South Africa is a year-round destination, but May to September is ideal for wildlife viewing, as dry conditions make animals easier to spot near water sources. From November to March, coastal areas enjoy warm weather, perfect for beach holidays and road trips along the Garden Route.
Languages & communication
South Africa is one of the world’s most linguistically diverse countries, with multiple official languages spoken nationwide. English is widely used in business, tourism, and government, making communication easy for visitors. You’ll also hear Afrikaans and indigenous languages such as isiZulu and isiXhosa, depending on the region.
Currency & payments
The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants, and fuel stations, and contactless payments are common. However, it’s wise to carry some cash for tips, parking attendants, small shops, and rural areas.
Top driving routes in South Africa
Some of the most popular routes include:
- Garden Route: A stunning coastal journey with forests, lagoons, and beaches
- Panorama Route: Known for dramatic viewpoints like God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon
- Chapman’s Peak Drive: A short but spectacular coastal road near Cape Town with sweeping ocean views
- Route 62: A relaxed alternative to the highway, winding through wine farms
- Cape Peninsula Loop: A scenic drive around Cape Town, including penguin colonies
