Car Hire South Africa for Tourists: Complete Visitor’s Guide 2025

Published 1 May 2025 · By Car Rental Plus · 10 min read

South Africa is one of the world’s greatest self-drive destinations. Incredible national parks, world-class wine regions, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant cities are all accessible by road. For international tourists, hiring a car unlocks the real South Africa in a way that tours and transfers simply cannot match. This guide covers everything a visitor needs to know before booking their car hire in South Africa.

Why International Tourists Choose Self-Drive in South Africa

South Africa lacks the extensive public transport networks of Europe or North America outside of major cities. A rental car is not just convenient — it’s often the only practical way to reach South Africa’s most spectacular destinations:

• Kruger National Park self-drive safaris
• The Garden Route coastal towns (Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay)
• Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl)
• The Drakensberg mountains
• Wild Coast and KwaZulu-Natal beaches
• Namaqualand wildflower season

Documents Needed for International Car Hire

For full details, read our complete car rental requirements guide.

Where to Pick Up Your Car in South Africa

Car Rental Plus has pickup points at South Africa’s major international arrival points:

• OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg — Meet & greet service in arrivals
• Cape Town International Airport — Airport collection available
• Sandton, Johannesburg — Head office, convenient for hotel pickups
• Durban (King Shaka International Airport) — Available on request

Essential South African Driving Tips for International Visitors

1. Drive on the left: This is the single biggest adjustment for visitors from right-hand traffic countries. Take 15–20 minutes in a quiet area to get comfortable before hitting the highway.
2. Four-way stops: South Africa has many 4-way stop intersections. The rule is first-arrive, first-go. If two cars arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right goes first.
3. Minibus taxis: Minibus taxis are a major part of South African traffic but can be unpredictable — they stop suddenly and pull out without indicating. Give them wide berth.
4. Hijacking awareness: Keep doors locked, windows closed (or partially open), and valuables out of sight. At night, drive with windows up. If threatened, don’t resist — hand over the vehicle.
5. Petrol stations: Petrol is not self-service in South Africa — an attendant fills the tank for you. Tip R5–R10 for the service. Cash or card accepted.
6. Potholes & road conditions: National roads are generally excellent. Secondary roads vary. Slow down at night when hazards are harder to spot.
7. Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on freeways. Speed cameras are common.

Common Questions from International Tourists

Recommended Itineraries for Tourists

New to South Africa? These popular tourist circuits work perfectly with a hire car:

• 7 days: Johannesburg → Kruger National Park → Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route)
• 7 days: Cape Town → Cape Peninsula → Stellenbosch → Franschhoek → Hermanus
• 14 days: Johannesburg → Cape Town (one-way) via the Garden Route along the N2
• 21 days: Complete circuit — Johannesburg, Kruger, Swaziland, Durban, Garden Route, Cape Town