There are a number of reputable car hire companies offering a wide range of vehicles that vary according to the traveller’s needs. One can hire vehicles from the most basic (without air conditioning and radio) to the ultimate in luxury (a Mercedes-Benz with all the trimmings). Some car hire companies even rent out 4x4 vehicles for trips to the bush.

Companies with excellent international reputations operate in South Africa.

Cars are readily available for hire at the airport, and this is the option preferred by experienced visitors to the city, for whom a car is the only flexible form of transport. You should have no problems finding a car to suit both your pocket and your required level of comfort and performance. Be warned, however, that the spaghetti-like freeway interchanges between the airport and the city are not easily negotiated by novices, who are liable to get lost quickly.

All major national and international car hire companies have offices both in major city centers and at many of the larger airports. Vehicles come in a variety of sizes and classes, to suit your pocket, and all have accident and theft insurance.

Many of the car hire companies are prepared to deliver or fetch vehicles from even remote hotels or lodges on behalf of customers.