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Top destinations to rent a car in Africa

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Cape Town

Cape Town

What you need to know for your Africa car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Africa

Renting a car in Africa offers a unique way to explore the continent at your own pace, providing freedom and flexibility in your travel plans. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and venture to numerous key attractions. For instance, you can visit the Giza Pyramid Complex, a must-see archaeological site, or take a trip to Kruger National Park for outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. If you're looking for relaxation, Naama Bay offers beautiful beaches and outdoor experiences. Additionally, renting a car allows you to discover popular destinations like Morocco, where you can explore the Majorelle Garden and Agadir Beach, or Mauritius, known for its picturesque Flic-en-Flac Beach and Turtle Bay. Cape Verde is also accessible, featuring Santa Maria Beach and vibrant local culture. Having a rental car makes it convenient to navigate between these diverse attractions, ensuring you can make the most of your African adventure, whether you are interested in culture, scenery, or outdoor activities.

Most popular car rentals in Africa

  • Economy: This car option accommodates 5 travelers and supports up to 2 medium suitcases. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a budget-friendly option while exploring Africa. The economy car offers the perfect balance of affordability and convenience, making it a popular choice for those who want to experience the freedom of the road without overspending.
  • Compact: The compact car also accommodates 5 travelers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is excellent for solo adventurers, couples, or families who appreciate a smaller vehicle that is easy to maneuver in urban settings. With its size, a compact car makes parking simpler and enhances fuel efficiency, making it a favored choice among travelers in Africa.
  • Midsize: Midsize cars can comfortably accommodate 5 travelers and hold up to 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly well-suited for couples or families who require additional space for luggage while still enjoying a manageable vehicle size. The midsize option strikes a great balance between comfort and practicality, making it an appealing choice for those planning to navigate through diverse terrains in Africa.

Where to stay in Africa

  • Morocco: A vibrant destination for city-themed, family, and business experiences, Morocco offers a range of accommodations near its popular attractions. Stay close to the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful flower garden suitable for outdoor family vacations, or enjoy the cultural significance of the Hassan II Mosque. With public markets and water parks nearby, there's plenty for travelers to explore. Dining options abound, ensuring you can sample the local cuisine after a day of adventure.
  • Mauritius: Known for its stunning beaches and outdoor activities, Mauritius is perfect for family vacations. Choose accommodations near Flic-en-Flac Beach or Trou aux Biches Beach for easy access to some of the island's best sandy shores. Enjoy the scenic Turtle Bay, great for outdoor enthusiasts. The region also offers golf courses and private clubs, making it a great spot for leisure and sport. Local wineries and distilleries provide delightful options for food and drink.
  • Cape Verde: A culturally rich destination, Cape Verde is ideal for beach lovers and outdoor adventurers. Consider staying near Santa Maria Beach for a relaxing beach vacation or explore the historic village nearby. The Santa Maria Town Square offers a glimpse into local culture, while Mindelo Marina caters to those seeking adventure. With public markets and local cheese options close at hand, you’ll find plenty to enjoy during your stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Africa

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—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 before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most economical. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in those cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: It's common to incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. March also offers similar conditions, making it another good choice. From April to June, you can expect average prices and demand levels, providing reasonable options. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, accompanied by slightly high demand. July and August are generally busier, while September and October show slightly lower demand with average pricing.

Find Africa Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Africa car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Africa, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Africa offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Africa car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Africa to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Africa airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Africa rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Africa airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Africa car reservation?
Subject to your cancellation policy, you may be eligible for your money back. Many reservations allow for a full refund if you let us know a minimum of six hours ahead of the scheduled collection time. Like to know more? If you can't find the answer in your booking details, our Customer Service Portal is always here.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Africa with Expedia?
Check customer reviews and ratings, choose your preferred car class and compare offers from leading suppliers. Expedia makes it a cinch to score the best deal on your rental wheels. Bundle your Africa car rental with flight or hotel bookings and hit the road with even more in your wallet.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Africa?
The youngest age you can rent a car in Africa is 18. An extra fee for young drivers usually applies, so check before you book and budget for any extra costs. There may also be restrictions on the sorts of vehicles that can be rented by young drivers. For example, some companies will only rent out small to medium-sized cars to young motorists. Rules may vary between companies, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.
What do you need to rent a car in Africa?
You'll generally require a current driver's license and credit card in your name when picking up your car. Proof of coverage may also be needed if you'd like to opt out of the company's insurance plan. These requirements may differ between providers, so it's wise to check while booking.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Africa?
Whether you plan to hang around Africa or journey beyond, you can book a long-term rental with Expedia. Enter your trip details and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll find you incredible long-term car rental deals.
Where can I find an Africa car rental if I am younger than 25?
If you're a young driver hoping to rent a vehicle in Africa, we recommend checking the policies of the rental companies you're interested in. Some may rent to drivers under 25, some may not. There may be additional costs if you're aged between 21 and 24. To escape any unpleasant surprises on pickup, make sure you know exactly what to expect.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Africa?
After carefuly planning your road trip, don't skimp on safety — add collision protection while booking your Africa car rental with Expedia. There are loads of benefits to this plan, including up to $35,000 in primary coverage for accident damage, theft and vandalism. Plus, with no deductible and round-the-clock emergency assistance, you'll be able to breathe a little easier should you find yourself in a pickle.

Car Rental Information

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