$23 Rental Cars in Johannesburg

Find cheap car rental deals in Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg is one of the most dynamic cities in South Africa, emerging from its complex history to become an exciting, modern metropolis. It’s a sprawling city that’s best explored with a rental car, which will give you full flexibility to drive to the surrounding towns and to reach the wildlife-rich countryside. Find the perfect car for your needs with the help of Orbitz.

Renting a car in Johannesburg: What you need to know

You’ve landed in Jo’burg and you want to get going. To make your journey as smooth as possible, read this guide to driving in the city, then find the best deal for a rental car on Orbitz.

Which car rental companies operate in Johannesburg?

Hertz, Budget, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty and more all offer rental cars to Johannesburg’s visitors. You can pick them up in the downtown district of the city or when you land in the airport.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Johannesburg?

If your driving license is in English then you don’t need an International Driving Permit in South Africa. Do remember to bring a valid driver’s license with you, and a credit card for blocking out a security deposit.

Is there a minimum age for renting a car in Johannesburg?

The legal age for renting a car in South Africa is 18 years old, although it can vary among suppliers. Note that many car rental agencies include a surcharge for drivers who are under 25 years old.

Do I need an off-road vehicle for driving in Johannesburg?

The roads in Johannesburg and in the surrounding region are well maintained, so even if you’re heading out on a game drive you should be fine in a two-wheel drive.

Is it safe to drive in Johannesburg?

The vast majority of visitors to Johannesburg have no problems, but it’s still advisable to take some precautions when driving around the city. Keep your doors locked and your windows up when on the road just to be extra safe.

Explore Johannesburg: Sightseeing and safaris

Use your rental car to explore the sights of the city center in Johannesburg. Then, drive out of the metropolis to the nearby cities and wilderness to get a sense of the region.

Downtown Johannesburg

Take some time to explore the city center of Johannesburg, which is packed with museums and historic attractions. The downtown area is home to Gandhi Square, a spacious plaza surrounded by historic buildings and modern skyscrapers. Don’t miss the stylish galleries of Museum Africa, and the fascinating displays of the Workers Museum.

Soweto

Not many cities in the world can claim to have a street that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners. Take a tour of Soweto to discover the home of both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The colorful neighborhood is rich with South African history. Head to the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum to learn about the struggles during the apartheid regime.

Pilanesberg National Park

No trip to South Africa is complete without a drive out into the bush. You can take your rental car into Pilanesberg and spend your time exploring the wilderness. Lions, rhinos, giraffes and hippopotamuses all call Pilanesberg home, and you can spot them all on a day’s drive around the reserve. Bring your binoculars and sit in the huts by the water to watch the wildlife in its natural environment.