Car & Van Hire - Cape Town

The Mother City, as it is known to South Africans, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world. With stunning white sand beaches set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, this picture-perfect city is definitely worth visiting. You'll find something for everyone, from surfing the waves to checking out museums or hiking in nature.

One of the main attractions for visitors is a trip to Robben Island. This former prison, a 30-minute ferry ride from the city, offers an incredibly moving experience. Visitors can see the tiny cell in which Nelson Mandela spent 18 years before being released and becoming President of South Africa. In total, he was imprisoned for 27 years, and on the island, you can learn more about his story.

Cape Town is a hiker's paradise, with many trails that wind around Table Mountain. As you hike, you can admire the unique vegetation of the Western Cape. The many colourful flowers and plants that you see here cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Collectively, these plants are known as "fynbos", and they grow wild around the Cape, making your walk up Table Mountain even more beautiful. You might also spot some wildlife, such as the adorable dassies, tiny creatures that look as cuddly as a teddy bear. Of course, if you're feeling lazy, you can always take the cable car to the top and just admire the views!

Car rental in Cape Town is one of the best ways to get around, as the city is spread out over a vast area. With a car, you can go to outlying suburbs known for their beautiful beaches, such as Fish Hoek or Hout Bay. You can also visit remarkable sights like the colony of African Penguins at Boulders Beach, Simon's Town. You can get close to the cute penguins as they waddle around the sands, but be sure to follow the signs. Some areas are forbidden to visitors, as they provide privacy for the birds to nest.

With car or van rental in Cape Town, you can also go further afield. Stellenbosch is 50 km away and is famous for its beautiful wine lands. Some vineyards, such as Spier Wine Farm, are open for visitors. You can enjoy a picnic in the picturesque grounds and go for a stroll around the farm. The pace of life here is more relaxed than in the city, making it the ideal spot to unwind for a day.

Be aware of rush hour in the city. It starts and ends earlier here than in many countries: the traffic starts to build up at 06:00, peaking at 07:00. By 08:00, the roads are a lot clearer. In the afternoon, rush hour begins at about 15:30. Traffic generally flows into the city centre in the morning and out again in the evening. Many visitors are driving to beaches or hiking trails in the outlying suburbs, so if you plan your trip well, you can usually avoid the traffic.

There is plentiful free parking in most parts of Cape Town. In fact, there are only a few areas in which you’ll have to pay, such as the CBD and the waterfront. You’ll find large free car parks around many of the city’s most popular beaches, and it’s possible to leave your vehicle all day while you enjoy some fun in the sun. Unofficial parking attendants in bright orange jackets will usually offer to keep an eye on your vehicle in exchange for a tip.

Traffic lights often break down in South African cities thanks to power cuts and load shedding. In the case that a traffic light (which locals call a "robot" – useful to know if you are asking for directions!) is not working, treat it as a 4-way stop. In a South African 4-way stop, the first car to arrive has the right of way. Make eye contact with the other drivers and take it slowly and carefully.

Around Cape Town, you can enjoy some truly scenic journeys. The most famous is probably Chapman's Peak Drive, a winding coastal route that hugs the mountains between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. This is a toll road, and you will need to pay close attention to its twists and turns. The incredible ocean scenery makes the journey worthwhile, though. Be aware that the road is sometimes closed in high winds, so check that in advance. You will likely share the road with fast-moving motorcyclists, particularly at the weekends.

Roads in Cape Town are generally well-maintained, but the same cannot be said of rural roads if you leave the city. Expect potholes and poor lighting. Avoid driving in the countryside at night, as South Africa's animals are most active then and may cause an accident.