Tarlen helps travelers rent private vehicles from locals in the cities they visit across South Africa. But every traveler has their own reason for choosing Tarlen.
Some love the freedom. Others enjoy skipping the queues at rental counters. Many simply value the feeling of connecting with, and supporting real people.
Here are four stories from travelers who discovered South Africa in unforgettable ways, all thanks to Tarlen.
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Carla’s Bucket List Adventure
Carla is originally from Denmark but has lived in Cape Town for five years. This year, she and her fiancé decided to finally see the country properly: they rented a camper van on Tarlen and set out on a three-month road trip.
They’ve explored wine farms in Stellenbosch, cruised the Garden Route, hiked the Drakensberg mountains – Carla’s favorite so far, and paused in Johannesburg to soak up the vibe and learn our history.
For Carla, Tarlen wasn’t just a way to rent cars. It was the key to unlocking South Africa and exploring the country the way she had always dreamed of.
Hassle-Free Pickups
Airport rental counters can be a nightmare: long queues, piles of paperwork, and unexpected charges. Tarlen makes it simple.
One traveler described his trip to Joburg: “I landed, met the host in the parking lot, got the keys, snapped the photos, and was on my way in minutes. No waiting, no rental agent trying to upsell me.”
Another memory stands out: for his son’s preschool graduation, he rented a convertible BMW from a host in Cape Town. “Same smooth process, but this time with my boy thrilled to ride in his first drop-top.”
With Tarlen, pickups are quick, simple, and stress-free; just the way travel should be.
Better Memories, less taxes
Traditional car rentals can drain your budget fast. You don’t just pay the booking fee, you’re charged:
- Airport surcharge (up to 15%)
- City location surcharge (up to 12%)
- Tourism levy (1–2%)
- Additional driver fee (up to R200 per driver)
With Tarlen, travelers often find better prices and no hidden costs, all while supporting locals directly.
One family booked a SUV for a Boulder beach trip and noticed how thoughtful their hosts were: spotless interiors, small gifts tucked inside, and even beach towels ready to go.
As they put it: “Tarlen just feels fair. Whether you need a small city car, a luxury ride for a wedding, or a 7-seater for the crew, it’s all there. And you’re supporting real people, not faceless chains.”
First-Timers and Curious Explorers 🌍
For many, Tarlen feels like discovering Airbnb or Uber for the first time, a smarter, more human way to travel.
A Joburg traveler compared rates and booked a Mercedes through Tarlen for a Cape Town work trip. Even after a flight delay, his host met him curbside at the airport, walked him through the car check, and had him driving off within minutes.
“I gave it 5 stars without a second thought,” he said. “Smooth, human, and way better than the counters.”
Final thoughts
At Tarlen, we know travelers crave deeper connections with the places they visit. They seek destinations with a unique story, culture, food, music, and energy. And they want to travel in ways that align with their values.
Tarlen gives travelers a direct link to the community, making it easier than ever to form meaningful and lasting connections.
