Renting a Car in South Africa

Driving info

Hiring your own car is a good option, as it allows you to discover South Africa at your own pace. With your own rented car, you’ll be able to explore, go on a self-drive tour at your own pace.

In South Africa drive on the left side of the road. The infrastructure is good and roads are generally of a high standard. However, the drivers are notorious for being fast - and quite reckless - so keep that in mind when travelling.
An international driver's licence, passport or airticket must be presented at the car rental counter.

Road Safety in Africa :

Park in well-lit, populated areas and keep your vehicle locked at all times, even when driving. Don't leave valuables where they can be seen, you'll be surprised at what desperate people might try to steal.

Review maps and other information in a secure area, always be aware of your surroundings and know how to reach your destination before departure. Avoid stopping on highways. You're more important than your belongings - in the rare event that you're approached by a stranger demanding your valuables, don't resist and do as they say.

Animals Crossing - Be aware that the roads in many rural areas are not fenced. Dogs, chickens, sheep and even horses and cows may be on the road, so stay alert. Large antelope crossing the road can also be a hazard in certain areas - watch out for the road signs depicting a leaping antelope, and take it slowly, especially towards evening. The best advice for security when you travel - simply stay aware of what's going on around you. Roadside assistance number in South Africa - 0800 11 5767.

Travel Distances in Africa :

Remember that distances in Africa are vast and if you're unused to driving long distances it's always best to keep your driving times short, and to schedule regular stops. All maps, road signs and speed limits in Southern Africa use kilometres to confer distance.
The speed limit on national highways in both South Africa and Namibia is generally 120km/h (75mph), and secondary roads are usually 100km/h (60mph).
In built-up areas the speed limit is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated. Gravel roads and game reserves require extra caution - don't exceed 80km/h on even the best gravel roads and keep well under 50km/h in game reserves.

Filling Up in Africa :

A variety of petrol (gas) stations are situated on both main and national roads. Most of them are open 24 hours a day, although some keep shorter hours. Fill up your tank before it starts giving warning signals - distances between towns (and therefore petrol stations) are considerable in some parts of the country.
Different petrol types are available - unleaded, lead replacement fuel and diesel.
If you're hiring a car it's likely to require unleaded petrol. Check with the rental company before you drive off.
Petrol stations are not self-service - an attendant will fill the car, check the oil, water and tyre pressure and, if necessary, clean the windscreen - for which he or she will expect a tip of two or three rand.
When it comes to paying for fuel, you may also have to pay cash. Filling stations can now take credit card payments – regulations allowing them to do so came into effect in July 2009. However, many filling stations (or garages, locally called ) may take a while to adjust, or may choose not to. Look out for the "cash only" notices. Many locals have special fuel credit cards, known as garage or petrol cards, for use only at filling stations. These will still be accepted. Road tolls, on the major routes between cities, can be paid using MasterCard or Visa South African law prohibits the purchase of petrol with a credit card and many Namibian petrol stations will only accept cash.

Booking your car with Creative Holiday Co. Ltd assures you of some of the best car rental deals to be found in South Africa.