car hire in south africa

Choosing your car hire in South Africa

You don't need us to tell you South Africa forms part of one of the largest continents on earth, offering some challenging terrain.

It's therefore a safe bet you're going to need a capable hire car to get you around if you're planning to do any driving at all.

We recommend a 4x4 as your safest bet - and with the South African sun looming high in the sky we'd add in the ever important air conditioning.

From the rolling South African plains to the township

We like to listen to our customers here at gosimply. You tell us what you want, and we provide it. Simple.

When it comes to car hire in South Africa we appreciate it's all about choice, convenience and reliability at a fair price.

We compare the leading providers of car hire in South Africa so you don't have to. With a fantastic choice of vehicles on offer from economy and mid-size to luxury cars, you know that you've come to the right place for your South Africa car hire.

Plenty of tourists enjoy a memorable stay in South Africa each year. Like anywhere in the world though - it's best to do a little groundwork before you set off. Here are a few handy tips for the roads in South Africa, but for a more comprehensive list pay a quick visit to South Africa Tours and Travel.

Top traffic tips

• The legal driving age in South Africa is 18
• Distances and speed are measured in kilometres
• Wearing seatbelts is compulsory
• Using a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal
• It's illegal to park a vehicle facing oncoming traffic

Top tips for driving for South Africa

• The standard of driving can vary greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year.
• On highways, overtaking can occur in any lane including, occasionally, the hard shoulder.
• On single-lane roads, the hard shoulder is sometimes used by trucks and slower-moving vehicles to allow faster vehicles to overtake. It's regarded as a courtesy to acknowledge this with a brief flash of hazard warning lights.
• If you park in a populated area such as near a shopping centre, street security guards may ask if they can watch over your car. They should be paid a small fee - anything from 2 rand upwards.

Safety in South Africa

Areas commonly frequented by tourists, such as major hotels, game parks and beaches have generally been unaffected by political violence, however foreign travellers to South Africa are encouraged to avoid any large gatherings during their stay, including ones that occur on the following South African holidays:

Human Rights Day	Freedom Day	Worker's Day	Youth Day
21 March	27 April	1 May	16 June

During 2007 and 2008 there were a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to their destinations by car and then robbed - often at gunpoint. Whilst away from the relative safety of your resort or hotel, it's best to remain vigilant at all times. For further handy hints and tips on South Africa, visit fco.gov.uk.