What Type of Car Do I Need in South Africa?

So, you’ve decided to take the self-drive option in South Africa for your next holiday. Congratulations, you’ve got the trip of a lifetime ahead of you! The next question, of course, is what kind of car you should hire for your adventure, and the answer to that will depend on a few key things. For example, where exactly do you want to go in South Africa? How many people are coming along for the ride? What’s your budget?

You’ll need to answer all these questions and more before you settle on the perfect vehicle for your needs. But don’t worry – whether you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient hatchback, a seven-seater MPV, a luxury SUV, or a camping-equipped 4×4, we have whatever you need to make your holiday a memorable one. With that in mind, we’ve put together some important points to consider when deciding what type of car you need to hire for your self-drive in South Africa. Read on to learn more.

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Think About the Terrain You’ll Be Driving Through

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you need a 4×4 or not. It’s an easy enough question to answer, especially if you don’t plan on heading off-road. However, if you want to experience the rugged Ai/Ais-Richtersveld National Park or the coastal areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal, you’ll definitely need a 4×4 vehicle. In some cases, you might benefit from more ground clearance, but you could always opt for a cost-effective SUV over a 4×4.

For the most part, South Africa’s main roads are in very good condition. If you plan on sticking to main motorways and visiting relatively built-up areas, you’ll be fine with any hatchback, sedan, or SUV. If you’re unsure, ask campsites, guesthouses, and adventure activity operators what the roads are like in the area when you’re making reservations. Remember, local people on the ground can give you the most accurate and up to date information.

Then, there’s the cream of the crop. Summer in South Africa is spectacular, especially along the coast, so why not splash out and hire a luxury convertible? Just picture it: the wind in your hair as you cruise along Chapman’s Peak Drive in Cape Town, making your way to Camps Bay for a stunning sunset. That’s living!

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Visiting in Summer? You’ll Need an Air Conditioner

Dropping the top is definitely one way to beat the heat in summer, but unless you plan on having the roof down 24/7, you can’t live without air conditioning. The South African sun is a glorious thing. In fact, it’s probably one of the reasons you’ve chosen to holiday here in the first place. However, during long drives on hot summer days, you’ll be infinitely more comfortable if your car has air conditioning.

Staying cool is even more crucial in remote areas like national parks and game reserves. You really don’t want to get caught in 40 °C weather with no way to escape the heat!

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Choose a Fuel-Efficient Car

On a self-drive adventure in South Africa, fuel costs are going to be one of your biggest expenses. Keep this in mind when picking a hire car, as a fuel-efficient vehicle can save you plenty of money. When choosing a rental vehicle from Drive South Africa, you’ll be able to check the car’s estimated fuel consumption per kilometer, which you can then use to work out how much you need to budget for fuel. Use our handy Fuel Cost Calculator to do all your planning!

Typically, the bigger the vehicle, the more fuel it’ll use. However, if you’re a big group, you’ll probably save money by booking one large vehicle rather than two smaller ones. If you plan to hire a 4×4, keep in mind that it’ll use significantly more fuel when 4×4 is engaged. Driving off-road also uses more fuel, as does inner city driving. Your best figures will inevitable come on the long road. Luckily, South Africa has fuel stations all over the place, even in rural areas and national parks.

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How Many People are Travelling?

Naturally, the number of people travelling will affect what kind of car you need. Don’t forget to think about everyone’s luggage, too. If the whole family’s coming along, you’ll need something with a sizeable trunk and at least five seats. It’s unsafe – not to mention uncomfortable – to squash both kids and bags on the backseat. On the other hand, if you don’t have much luggage and want to prioritise seating, consider a seven-seater MPV like a Suzuki Ertiga or a seven-seater SUV like the ever-popular Toyota Fortuner.

Solo travellers and couples will have more to choose from, including luxury hot hatches like the Volkswagen Polo GTI or MINI Cooper. However, if you want to keep costs low, choose something efficient and basic like a Renault Kwid or Suzuki Ignis.

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Plan on Roughing it? Hire a Camping-Equipped Vehicle

If you’re after adventure and planning on camping on your self-drive in South Africa, consider hiring a camping-equipped 4×4. Camping-equipped vehicles come complete with rooftop tents, a fridge, bedding, kitchenware, chairs, a gas cooker, and all the other bits and bobs you need to make your vehicle your “home on wheels”. You can even hire a 4×4 with two rooftop tents, which is ideal for groups of four or five. On the opposite end of the spectrum, couples will love compact campers like the Suzuki Jimny 5-door.

We also offer a range of RVs that make the camping experience even easier. With these, you don’t need to set up any tents and, depending on the model, you have access to a toilet and an indoor kitchen. Some models sleep up to six people, too!

South Africa has a thriving camping scene that includes government-run rest camps in national parks and private campsites in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. This makes camping one of the best ways to experience South Africa in all its glory. And, while you might pay more for a camping-equipped vehicle, you’ll save plenty of money on accommodation, especially in hotspots like Kruger National Park and the Garden Route.

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Choosing the right vehicle for your self-drive holiday in South Africa is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Whether you’re navigating city streets, exploring the remote wilderness, or embarking on a camping trip, there’s a vehicle perfectly suited to your needs. And, by considering factors like terrain, group size, fuel efficiency, and comfort, you can make an informed decision that fits both your budget and your itinerary. Give yourself the best chance to discover what South Africa has to offer, from stunning coastlines to breathtaking national parks. When you’re ready to book, simply navigate back to the top of the page and choose your preferred category.