Travel Guides

South Africa

South Africa car rentals

Americans visiting South Africa will find that like their homeland, South Africa is an immensely diverse country in every sense of the word, both in terms of its people as well as the vast array of natural wonders. This land boasts iconic wildlife, towering mountain peaks, astounding coastline and dozens of infectious cultures, both native and rooted in places as far away as Britain and the Netherlands.

Travelers’ favorites

Both the gateway; Johannesburg, as well as chic Cape Town, which is set in the shadow of Table Mountain and crashing waves on the edge of the African continent, are great places to start or end a visit. Both are also great places to grab car hire and head down one of the country’s fascinating and lengthily drives such as the much-loved Garden Route. Many visitors venture east to glimpse of wild lions and elephants in Kruger National Park, one of the world’s top safari destinations, while mountain buffs will do well with a visit to the towering mountains of the Drakensburg.

Best time to visit

South Africa’s unique set of climates allow for comfortable and enjoyable visits any time of year; however, certain activities are best done in specific seasons. Wildlife watching, hiking and most outdoor activities are ideal during winter (June through September), while summer can be great for activities in coastal areas, though can entail heavy crowds and high hotel and car rental rates, especially during local holidays.

Driving in South Africa

Americans going for car rental in South Africa can enjoy a fairly well maintained road network that allows visitors to reach all of the best spots. However, be aware that driving is done on the left-hand side and traffic accidents are major problem. If you’re planning to visit during holiday periods, be sure to compare car hire options and book in advance to avoid any headaches. During holiday periods long distance traffic is heavy, and often fatal due to speeding minibus taxis.