Packing for Your Trip: Essentials for RV Rental in South Africa
RVs, also known as camper vans, are “recreational vehicles” with built-in living quarters. Typically, they...
22 November 2024 
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With the Festive Season just around the corner, you might be planning an epic road trip adventure through South Africa. And, whether you’re arriving by air or road, you’ll need the right vehicle to get you from destination to destination.
If you book with Avis Car Rental through Drive South Africa, you can save a whopping 20% on your booking! This promotion is valid for all local and international bookings made between 15 November and 12 December 2024, provided you collect your vehicle within a specified date range.
Plus, if you’re planning on visiting Namibia and all its desert wonders, you can save 12% on Avis Car Rental rates if you book with us between 15 November and 12 December 2024. Read on to learn more about these deals and how you can make the most of your time in South Africa and Namibia.
As a global leader in vehicle hire, Avis Car Rental offers customers world-class service, a wide range of vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and an extensive network of locations across southern Africa.
Avis Car Rental’s offerings range from fuel-efficient hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Polo Vivo to seven-seater MPVs like the Suzuki Ertiga. Alternatively, you could hire an SUV like the Volkswagen T-Roc or a sedan like the Toyota Corolla.
You can collect your car from any of Avis’ numerous reservations offices across South Africa and Namibia, including major airports like OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, and Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek.
It’s simple: all you need to do is book your rental vehicle through Drive South Africa between 15 November and 12 December 2024. If you’re hiring a car in South Africa, a 20% discount applies to rentals collected between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025.
If you plan to hire an Avis Car Rental vehicle in Namibia, you’ll qualify for a 12% discount if you collect the vehicle between 1 November 2024 and 30 June 2025. That means that whether you’re visiting South Africa or Namibia, you can start planning your road trip way ahead of time!
Alternatively, you might be visiting for business purposes. We highly recommend taking some time to explore, but if you just need a vehicle for a short stay, these specials remain valid!
Please note: Terms and Conditions apply.
Need some inspiration for your dream South African vacation? Here are our top five picks for self-drive road trip adventures:
The West Coastline of South Africa Photo: Unsplash
The West Coast of South Africa offers an enchanting blend of unspoiled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Stretching from Cape Town to the Namibian border, this coastal region is renowned for its arid landscapes, pristine beaches, and charming fishing villages like Paternoster and Langebaan, making it a perfect road trip route.
During the spring months (August to September), the area transforms into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, attracting visitors to the West Coast National Park and Namaqua National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the lagoon at Langebaan, known for its excellent water sports opportunities, including kayaking, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, or enjoy birdwatching among the region’s diverse avian species.
The West Coast is also a haven for food and wine lovers, offering a taste of authentic South African cuisine and world-class wines. The region’s seafood is particularly celebrated, with fresh catches like snoek and crayfish featured in local dishes. Wine enthusiasts can explore boutique wineries in the Swartland and Darling regions, known for their innovative winemaking and unique terroir.
Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s most iconic destinations, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres across Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, it is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, offering a rich diversity of ecosystems.
Visitors can experience thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five and hundreds of other species, including cheetahs, giraffes, and a vast array of birds. With its extensive road network and a choice of guided or self-drive safaris, Kruger accommodates travellers of all preferences and experience levels.
Beyond its wildlife, Kruger National Park is steeped in cultural and historical significance. Ancient archaeological sites, such as Masorini and Thulamela, provide a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants.
The Blyde River Canyon along the Panorama Route
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, offering a journey through dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and breathtaking viewpoints. This iconic route is renowned for its natural attractions, including the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest green canyons, and God’s Window, which boasts sweeping views of the Lowveld below.
Visitors can explore the fascinating Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a geological wonder carved by centuries of river erosion, and admire cascading waterfalls like Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls. The route’s accessibility and well-maintained roads make it ideal for self-drive enthusiasts seeking to experience South Africa’s natural beauty.
In addition to its landscapes, the Panorama Route offers rich cultural and historical experiences. The historic gold-mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest provides a glimpse into South Africa’s gold rush era, complete with restored buildings and museums. Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking trails, ziplining, and river rafting, while those looking for a slower pace can visit art galleries, craft markets, and local restaurants in towns like Graskop and Sabie.
The Garden Route, a picturesque stretch along South Africa’s southern coastline, is celebrated for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Spanning from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this iconic route offers travellers a mix of dramatic ocean views, dense forests, and charming towns.
Highlights include the Knysna Heads, towering cliffs overlooking a serene lagoon, and the Tsitsikamma National Park, where ancient forests meet the rugged coastline. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails, tackle the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, or kayak through Storms River Gorge. With its temperate climate and variety of activities, the Garden Route is a year-round destination.
Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route, offers a captivating journey through the heart of the Western Cape and the Klein Karoo. Stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, this scenic route takes travellers through picturesque mountain passes, fertile valleys, and charming towns such as Montagu, Barrydale, and Oudtshoorn.
Renowned for its world-class wines and warm hospitality, Route 62 provides ample opportunities to visit boutique wineries, sample local produce, and enjoy breathtaking vistas. Highlights along the way include the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, the hot springs of Montagu, and the quirky roadside attractions of Barrydale.
Young couple travelling in Namibia and camping in the wild desert with their 4X4 camper car with roof tent, cooking bbq dinner under the trees
If the surreal desert landscapes of Namibia are more to your liking, take a look at these three incredible Namibian road trip routes:
The Namib Desert in Namibia, one of the oldest deserts in the world, is a breathtaking expanse of shifting dunes, rugged landscapes, and unique ecosystems. Spanning the country’s western edge along the Atlantic Ocean, the Namib is home to iconic attractions such as Sossusvlei, where towering red dunes create a dramatic backdrop for the cracked white clay pan below. The nearby Deadvlei, with its hauntingly beautiful, sun-scorched camelthorn trees, offers photographers a surreal visual feast.
The desert’s allure extends beyond its natural wonders, offering rich cultural and historical experiences. Visitors can uncover the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a once-thriving diamond mining settlement now reclaimed by the sands, or explore the vast Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas.
Etosha National Park is home to the tallest elephants in Africa
Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s premier wildlife destinations, is a vast and captivating sanctuary that offers unforgettable safari experiences. Spanning over 22,000 square kilometres, the park is centred around the expansive Etosha Pan, a shimmering salt flat that transforms into a water-filled haven for wildlife during the rainy season.
Etosha is home to a remarkable diversity of animals, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and leopards, as well as rare species such as the black-faced impala. The park’s well-maintained roads and waterholes make it ideal for self-drive safaris, providing visitors with excellent game-viewing opportunities throughout the year.
Beyond its exceptional wildlife, Etosha National Park boasts a unique and starkly beautiful landscape, ranging from grassy plains and mopane woodlands to the striking, dry salt pan. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the seasonal influx of flamingos and pelicans, while photographers can capture stunning scenes of wildlife against dramatic sunsets.
Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, two of Namibia’s most popular coastal destinations, offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural experiences. Walvis Bay is renowned for its vibrant lagoon, home to thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
The nearby sand dunes of the Namib Desert meet the Atlantic Ocean in dramatic fashion, creating opportunities for activities such as dune boarding, quad biking, and scenic desert tours. The harbour town is also a gateway for marine adventures, including dolphin cruises, kayaking, and seasonal whale watching.
Just 30 km north, Swakopmund exudes old-world charm with its German colonial architecture and relaxed coastal atmosphere. This seaside town is a hub for adventure sports, offering skydiving, sandboarding, and fat bike tours across the dunes. Visitors can explore local craft markets, indulge in fresh seafood, or visit the Swakopmund Museum to learn about the area’s natural history and cultural heritage.
So, what are you waiting for? Book car hire with Avis Car Rental through Drive South Africa and save big on your South African or Namibian road trip adventure or business trip. There’s no doubt that hiring your own vehicle is the best way to get around these countries, and with us, you’re guaranteed top-notch service with a smile and the best rental vehicles around.
When you’re ready to book, simply browse our fleet at the top of the page. Alternatively, speak to one of our expert consultants and request an Avis Car Rental vehicle directly to qualify for the special.
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