VEHICLE HIRE & CHARTER
South African Vehicle Hire Industry
South Africa has large vehicle hire and leasing fleet operated by all the major rental companies for travellers intending to make their own private transport arrangements.
The Southern Africa Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) is the body representing the major vehicle rental companies in Southern Africa. Renting a vehicle from a SAVRALA member company ensures that the traveller is dealing with a recognised company with some standing in the industry. In addition, SAVRALA provides useful guidelines for prospective vehicle renters through its website www.savrala.co.za. There are also other independent rental companies not affiliated with SAVRALA.
There are two primary approaches to hiring vehicles:
a) Self-drive where the traveller hires the vehicle and drives it themselves or,
b) A “chauffeur driven” type service whereby the car-hire company provides the driver either
(i) For a specific rental duration, or
(ii) To collect and drop off the vehicle driver at a pre-identified location.
It is advisable to pre-book vehicles. This can be done through your travel agent or directly with the Vehicle Rental Company. The South African websites some SAVRALA member companies are:
| Avis Rent a Car | www.avis.co.za |
| Budget Rent a Car | www.budget.co.za |
| Exo Car Hire | www.exocarhire.co.za |
| Hertz Rent a Car | www.hertz.co.za |
| Imperial Car Rental-Europcar | www.imperial-europcar.co.za |
| Key Vehicle Hire | www.keygroup.co.za |
| National Car Rental | www.nationalcar.co.za |
| Pender Car Rental cc | www.pender.co.za |
| Sizwe Car Rental | www.avis.co.za |
| Tempest Car Hire | www.tempestcarhire.co.za |
| Top Notch Car Hire | www.topnotch.co.za |
| U Drive Car & Van Rental | www.udrive.co.za |
Type of vehicles
Vehicles available for hire range from simple to luxury vehicles. The industry is also gearing up to provide additional microbuses, people movers and MPV’s for the smaller group travel. Such vehicles can transport up to 8 passengers with relative ease. Early booking of these vehicles is highly advisable.
Location
The majority of car rental companies are represented at the main airports and in most city centres. Vehicles may be collected at one centre and delivered in another branch, subject to certain fees to be confirmed with the individual rental companies.
Rental Requirements/Guidelines
Whilst the SAVRALA website provides some guidance here are useful points to keep in mind.
Driver’s Licence
A valid driver’s licence is a prerequisite for hiring a self-drive vehicle. Vehicle Hire Companies may require an International Driver’s Licence. It is thus worthwhile confirming this with your travel agent / the vehicle hire company when making your booking. This holds for additional drivers as well who must be identified when hiring the vehicle.
Remember that the South African driving system is designed for the right hand side of the driver.
Payment
All major credit cards are accepted. This will be subject to fairly rigorous control and a deposit will be held.
Insurance
It is advisable to take out the insurance offered by the vehicle rental companies unless you have specific cover in place.
Coach and Shuttle Charters
For larger travel groups there is an extensive Coach Hire fleet in South Africa. However these vehicles are being rapidly reserved on behalf of FIFA and by Tour Operators so it is advisable to book early. Bookings can be done through your local travel agent or tour operator or directly with the Coach Operators themselves which can easily be identified through a web search under “Coach Hire” South Africa”. It is advisable to only utilise Coach Operators registered with the Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) or the Southern African Tourism Service Association (SATSA).
