South Africa Car rental
Explore the new way to rent cars in South Africa. Skip the queue and avoid high premiums. Drive unforgettable cars on Tarlen you won’t find anywhere else.


Explore South Africa
Robben Island
Located off the coast of Cape Town, is one of South Africa’s most poignant symbols of the struggle against apartheid. Its history dates back to the 17th century when it was used as a prison, leper colony, and military base. However, it is most famous for its role during the apartheid era when it housed political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned there for 18 of his 27 years of incarceration.
The island represents resilience and the fight for freedom. Nelson Mandela’s cell, a tiny, stark room with a straw mat, bucket toilet, and small table, is a focal point of the tour, embodying the harsh conditions under which prisoners were kept. The island’s history is intertwined with the stories of other political prisoners who endured years of hard labor in the limestone quarry, where the glaring sunlight permanently damaged Mandela’s eyesight.
Visiting Robben Island is a deeply moving experience. The guided tours are often led by former prisoners, providing personal and powerful narratives of the island’s history. The tour includes a ferry ride from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, offering scenic views of the city and Table Mountain. Once on the island, visitors can explore the prison, the quarry, and other historical sites, gaining a profound understanding of South Africa’s tumultuous past and the triumph of the human spirit.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is a prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town. It has been a significant site for centuries, used as a navigational aid by sailors. The mountain’s flat top is approximately 3 kilometers from side to side and is flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head.
The mountain is not only a geological wonder, with rocks dating back over 600 million years, but also a cultural and spiritual site for indigenous Khoisan people. It has played a role in various historical events, including being a backdrop for early European settlers.
Visiting Table Mountain is a breathtaking experience. The cableway ride to the summit offers panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. At the top, visitors can explore various hiking trails, spot unique flora and fauna, and enjoy the stunning vistas. The feeling of standing atop this iconic mountain, with the city sprawled below and the vast ocean stretching to the horizon, is truly awe-inspiring.
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located about 50 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg. This area has produced some of the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered, with some dating back over 3 million years. The Sterkfontein Caves, part of this site, have yielded a treasure trove of ancient human and animal fossils.
The Cradle of Humankind is one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites. Fossils of early human ancestors, including the famous Australopithecus africanus (“Mrs. Ples”) and the more recent discovery of Homo naledi, provide critical insights into human evolution. The area offers a unique glimpse into our distant past and the development of humankind.
A visit to the Cradle of Humankind is both educational and fascinating. The Maropeng Visitor Centre features interactive exhibits that trace the history of life on Earth and human evolution. Tours of the Sterkfontein Caves allow visitors to see excavation sites and ancient fossils up close. Walking through these ancient caves, where our ancestors once lived, offers a profound connection to our origins and a sense of wonder at the journey of human evolution.
Driving in South Africa
What Side of the Road?
In South Africa, you must drive on the left side of the road. This might be different from what you’re used to, so stay alert, especially at intersections and roundabouts.
Speed Limits
Speed limits in South Africa are displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h). Adhere to the following limits unless signs indicate otherwise:
- Urban Areas: 60 km/h (35 mph)
- Motorways: 120 km/h (75 mph)
- Rural Areas: 100 km/h (60 mph)
General Driving Laws
- Mobile Phones: Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal. Only use hands-free devices
- Toll Roads: Many national roads are toll roads. Payment can be made with credit cards or cash.
- Driving License: Carry your driving license with you at all times. It’s mandatory.
- Vehicle Security: Keep your doors locked and windows up, particularly in cities and at traffic lights.
- Speed Cameras: Speed limits are enforced with cameras, so adhere strictly to posted limits.
Child Safety and Seatbelt Laws
- Seatbelts: Compulsory for all occupants
- Child Restraints: Children under 7 must be in an appropriate child restraint. Those between 7 and 16 must use a seatbelt or child restraint suitable for their size.
- Front Seat Restrictions: Children under 7 should not travel in the front seat if the vehicle has multiple rows of seats.
Unique Driving Tips
- Wildlife and Livestock: In rural areas, animals such as goats, cows, and wildlife like antelopes may wander onto roads. Drive slowly and be extra cautious at dawn and dusk
- Roadside Behavior: South Africans often pull over to the shoulder to let faster cars pass. If someone does this for you, it’s courteous to flash your hazard lights as a thank-you.
- Parking:Whenever possible, park in well-lit, busy areas or parking garages. Volunteer parking attendants may watch over your car for tips.
- Breakdowns:If your car breaks down, stay inside with the doors locked while waiting for help.
- Fuel Stations: Fuel stations are not self-service. Attendants will fill your tank and it’s customary to tip them around R5-R10.
- Drunk Driving: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. This typically means no more than one drink for women and two for men.
- Maps and Navigation: Have a reliable map or navigation device, but also ask locals for advice on scenic routes
- Night Driving: Use high beams on dark roads, but switch to low beams when there’s oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle.
- Emergency Number: In case of emergencies, dial 10111.
- Cooler for Road Trips: Carry a cooler with snacks and drinks for long journeys.
- Valuables: Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle; store them in the boot.
Final Note
These tips are meant to enhance your driving experience in South Africa. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local regulations. Have a great and safe journey!
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Frequently asked questions
To rent a car on Tarlen, you’ll need to create an account, be over 21 years old, and have a valid driver’s license. You’ll be prompted to submit your license for approval the first time you book a trip. The process takes just a few minutes, and once approved, you’ll be ready to rent cars on Tarlen for any future trips.
Cancellations on Tarlen are free if made more than 24 hours before the start of your trip. If you cancel within 24 hours of the trip start time, a small cancellation fee will apply—unless your trip was booked less than 24 hours before the start time. In that case, you can cancel for a full refund within an hour of booking. All cancellations are immediate, and access to the car is removed upon canceling.
Hosts on Tarlen offer discounts for trips lasting over 3, 7, 14, or 30 days. To find the best deals, look for listings with the “Save on long trips” tag.
Tarlen accepts payments from major credit and debit card providers worldwide, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash and checks are not accepted as forms of payment on Tarlen.