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Why rent a car in Cape Town?

Cape Town is a jewel of a city perched on the South Atlantic Ocean. It’s the seat of parliament for South Africa and is overlooked by the iconic landmark of Table Mountain. It’s also a great location for visiting nearby destinations by hire car such as Stellenbosch,Paarl,Wellington and Worcester.

How to get to and around Cape Town?

If you’re arriving via Cape Town International Airport then it’s a 12-mile drive by rental car to Cape Town. En route, you could take a detour to visit Table Mountain National Park, a nature reserve with beaches, forest and trails.

Hiring a car in Cape Town city centre

Finding a hire car in Cape Town is easy. You can rent a car from a range of providers at Cape Town International Airport or within the city centre itself. Cape Town has a total of 112 parking facilities in the city. It also has a wide variety of hotels to suit a range of budgets, including Hotel On St Georges, Taj Cape Town and Lagoon Beach Hotel. Many hotels offer free parking so do check before booking.

What brands are available?

There are various hire car providers to suit your budget and preferences, including Avis, Hertz and Bidvest. Many offer extras like free cancellation, unlimited mileage and a shuttle service to your rental car.

Must-sees within an easy drive of Cape Town

There’s a plethora of sights and activities to enjoy by hire car in Cape Town. Poised between the flat-topped Table Mountain and a piercing blue ocean, this radiant city has been named the best place in the world to visit by both the Daily Telegraph and The New York Times. Cape Town is truly a melting pot of cultures and boasts a fabulous range of cuisines as a result. Highlights of the city include its stunning harbour, beautiful beaches such as Camps Bay Beach and Clifton Beach, the fabulous shopping at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the breathtaking views at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. If you’re a sports fan then you’ll enjoy taking in a game at Newlands Rugby Stadium, while nature lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Robben Island to spot the seals (and also visit the historic prison were Nelson Mandela was held). Other sights to visit by rental car in Cape Town include the District Six Museum, the Cape Town Diamond Museum, the Rhodes Memorial, the National Gallery, the Houses of Parliament and the Two Oceans Aquarium.

For a day out in nature, head for Boulders African Penguin Colony, a 29-mile drive by hire car from Cape Town. There you can walk along the boardwalk and observe the endearingly named Jackass Penguins in their natural habitat. For a small fee you can access binoculars along the walkway.

The Cape Winelands are a 107-mile drive by rental car from Cape Town (although bear in mind that the fastest route via the N1 has tolls). The Winelands are a region of vineyards with tasting opportunities on offer at the various wine estates, including the 300-year-old Groot Constantia winery. Make sure you have a designated driver before setting out.

Tips and tricks for driving in Cape Town

Cape Town traffic can get quite congested, so aim to travel at less busy times when possible. In South Africa, slower cars stay on the left of the road and faster cars pass on the right. South Africans drive on the left and all distances are in kilometres.

Ready to plan your Cape Town city break?

Feeling inspired to explore Cape Town and the rest of South Africa? Check out this City Guide and use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and to research the best attractions and activities.