 South
Africa is a large country with many kilometers of roads stretching
from city to city. Unlike Europe or the UK, getting by on public transport,
whether inter-city or around one of the larger cities is not really
practical. At this point most public transport is at often unreliable
and even dangerous, although improvements are being made in the taxi
and rail industries.
For most visitors however it makes sense to look at Cape Town car hire as
the best option for exploring the city, and Cape Town is no exception.
A sprawling urban development, Cape Town has much to offer visitors,
but many of the best sites, beaches, shopping venues, golf courses
and other attractions are scattered far and wide, making access
by car the only truly viable option.
A day spent enjoying the beauty of the winelands is completely
undoable without your own wheels, unless you choose to go on a tour,
but this restricts your freedom somewhat and many travelers like
to get about under their own steam so that they can come and go
at leisure, rather than be shepherded on and off a tour coach just
as they are starting to enjoy themselves at one or another wine
farm.
When in Cape Town one simply must experience the thrill of standing
at the tip of the continent, and the drive out to Cape Point Nature
Reserve, past either False Bay or via the Atlantic Seaboard, is
part of the joy of this day out. From the comfort and safety of
a hire car you can really enjoy these coastal roads, and then stay
as long as you wish at the park, enjoying a delicious lunch at the
restaurant after a leisurely stroll along the winding path up to
the Point.
Cape Town offers many excellent car hire companies, but there are
also a few rotten eggs in the industry. If you are visiting South
Africa from abroad you may prefer to organize your Cape Town car
hire through your travel agent – this often includes a discounted
rate, so it is well worth inquiring. Your agent will have an affiliation
with a reputable car hire company in South Africa so you can be
assured of good service if you go this route.
Should you choose to make your own car hire arrangements, the following
check-list can be used. These should all be included in your quoted
rates – check that this is the case!
• Free pick-up and drop-off in all the major SA cities and
/ or airports
• Unlimited mileage
• Accident Damage/Theft Waiver
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• National Roadside Assistance
• A complimentary mobile phone
When selecting your vehicle, make sure that all your requirements
are included, for example air-con, baby / child safety seats etc.
Most reputable companies offer a wide choice, from off-road vehicles
to luxury cars to a basic ‘A to B’ car.
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