Africa Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Africa

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Marrakech

Marrakech

What you need to know for your Africa car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in Africa

Renting a car in Africa is an excellent choice for tourists seeking the freedom to explore the continent's diverse attractions at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit remarkable sites such as the Giza Pyramid Complex, a cultural gem, or embark on an adventure in Kruger National Park, known for its stunning scenery and outdoor experiences. The flexibility of having your own car allows you to manage luggage conveniently while planning your journey around your interests.

Additionally, a rental car provides easy access to popular destinations like Morocco, where you can discover the beautiful Majorelle Garden and the impressive Hassan II Mosque. You could also venture to Mauritius for its picturesque beaches, such as Flic-en-Flac, or explore the scenic landscapes of Cape Verde, including Santa Maria Beach. Whether travelling solo, with family, or in a group, having a car allows you to create a personalised itinerary, ensuring you make the most of your African adventure while enjoying the convenience and comfort of your own vehicle.

Most popular car hires in Africa

  • Economy: This car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for 2 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families. The Economy car is a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option while still enjoying the freedom to explore Africa's attractions at their own pace.
  • Compact: Similar to the Economy option, the Compact car also accommodates 5 travellers but offers room for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it well-suited for solo adventurers, couples, or families who need a bit more luggage space without sacrificing manoeuvrability. Compact cars are particularly useful for navigating urban areas.
  • Midsize: Ideal for couples or families, the Midsize car accommodates 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option offers a comfortable ride while ensuring ample room for your belongings, making it perfect for longer journeys across Africa. The Midsize car strikes a balance between space and efficiency, catering to those who require additional luggage capacity.

Where to stay in Africa

  • Morocco: A vibrant destination, Morocco is ideal for city-themed, family, and business experiences. Visitors can explore the history museum and art museum nearby, as well as enjoy the lively atmosphere of public markets. Key highlights include the Majorelle Garden, perfect for outdoor family holidays, Agadir Beach for a relaxing beach getaway, and the culturally significant Hassan II Mosque. The region also offers excellent cafes and dining options, making it a convenient choice for all travellers.
  • Mauritius: Known for stunning beaches and outdoor experiences, Mauritius is perfect for families and beach enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as golf at local courses and explore beautiful natural scenery at Flic-en-Flac Beach and Trou aux Biches Beach. Turtle Bay is another scenic destination that offers opportunities for outdoor adventures. The area features wineries and alcohol distilleries, providing a taste of local flavours, making it an enjoyable stay for all visitors.
  • Cape Verde: A culturally rich destination, Cape Verde combines beach relaxation and outdoor activities. With attractions nearby like Santa Maria Beach for beach holidays and the historical Santa Maria Town Square for culture enthusiasts, there’s much to explore. Mindelo Marina offers adventure and outdoor experiences, making it suitable for those seeking scenic beauty. The local markets and availability of unique cheeses enhance the culinary experience, ensuring a delightful stay for tourists.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Africa

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the vehicle empty in this instance.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this could be worthwhile for the added convenience.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you circumvent unnecessary expenses and provides you with peace of mind should any unforeseen events occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Africa

The best value period to rent a car in Africa is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately high. May and June also offer reasonable rates with moderately low demand. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand and prices. This busy period often continues into September, when rental costs remain average. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Renting a car in Africa will give you the freedom to really get to the heart of this incredible part of the world. Use your hire car to discover the best that Africa has to offer, from its natural beauty to its bustling towns and cities.

With Expedia, booking you Africa car hire is easy. Each hire car in Africa option offers you competitive rates and a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations around the country to make your life easier. Book your rental car in in Africa with confidence through Expedia.

At Expedia, our goal is to offer you a great variety of Africa car rental discounts at the best price. When hiring a car in Africa with Expedia, you can compare a massive range of vehicles, from compact economy cars with low fuel consumption to luxury or off-road solutions, depending on your preference. Every Africa hire car we feature will come fully equipped with the latest amenities and safety features to ensure your trips will be safe and comfortable.

It has never been easier to find a rental car in Africa. We offer you competitive prices and up-to-date information, ensuring quality and efficiency for all our visitors, at all times. Rent a car in Africa today and enjoy your holiday, or get anywhere in time for your business meetings. At Expedia, we understand that travelling can be a hassle if you are not well organized, which is why we provide a variety of car types to compare and choose from for all types of travellers. In just a few clicks you can hire a car in Africa with Expedia.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Africa car reservation?
We get that flexibility while travelling is important. That's why the majority of prepaid bookings offer a complete refund if you cancel at least six hours ahead of the scheduled collection time. You may want to read your policy though because there are some exclusions. If there's nothing specified there, click on our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in Africa?
If you want to save on petrol while exploring Africa, you can't do better than a mini. These pint-sized rides prove bigger doesn't mean better, especially while trying to find a parking space! Zip around the busy city streets with ease — you won't have to worry about your parallel parking skills. Need a car with a bit more legroom? One of our standard, full-size or premium vehicles will provide you with all the space you need.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Africa with Expedia?
Scoring the best deal on your Africa rental car is a cinch with Expedia. Choose your preferred ride, add some details and compare prices across big-name brands. Why not add flights and hotels to your booking? You'll score even more savings when you combine your bookings into a package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Africa?
Anyone with a valid driver's license aged 18 and above can rent a car in Africa. While some suppliers may be willing to rent to drivers younger than 18, expect an extra fee. Find out what age range the young renter fee applies to, and what it costs, before you book. There are also restrictions on the categories of cars young drivers can hire. Higher age limits apply for specialty and luxury vehicles.
What do you need to rent a car in Africa?
Before you can road trip around Africa, you'll need a driver's license and a credit card in the same name. If you decline to take out the company's insurance plan, you may also have to show proof of alternative coverage. Requirements can vary, so read the contract terms and conditions before you choose a rental company.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Africa?
Whether you have plans to stick around Africa or explore beyond, you can reserve a long-term hire with Expedia. Enter your trip information and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll help you find cheap long-term car hire deals.
Where can I find an Africa hire car if I am younger than 25?
Age policies are different between hire companies, so be prepared to do a bit of research. Found an Africa outlet that does hire to under 25s? Terrific news! Just take note that a surcharge often applies to drivers between 21 and 24. The terms and conditions of each rental car you're looking at should have all the details you need.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation