Africa Car Rentals

Photo by TM
I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

Top destinations to rent a car in Africa

An aerial view of a coastal city with a prominent mountain, a stadium, and a harbor.
CarsCars

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

Can I rent a car in Africa?
Yes, car rentals are widely available across Africa, though you book them by country or city rather than for the continent as a whole. Popular places to start your search include Cape Town, Marrakech, and Nairobi, where major suppliers like Sixt and Budget operate. To find great options for your trip, pick the specific country or city you're visiting and compare rates and pickup points on Expedia.
What types of car rentals are available in Africa?
Across Africa, you'll find a full range of rental vehicle types, with exact availability depending on the country and city you choose. These options cater to various travel needs, from city exploration to family road trips:
  • Economy and compact cars for efficient city driving
  • Midsize and standard sedans for comfortable travel
  • SUVs for adventurous routes or extra space
  • Passenger vans for larger groups
  • Premium and luxury options for an elevated experience
To see live availability and specific car classes, pick a destination like Cape Town or Marrakech and search on Expedia.

How do I book a car rental in Africa?
To book a car rental in Africa, start by choosing the specific country or city you're visiting, such as Cape Town or Nairobi. Then, enter your desired pickup and drop-off points along with your travel dates. You can compare various suppliers like Avis and Enterprise, as well as different pickup locations, all on Expedia, to find the right car for your journey.
What are the best places to explore in Africa by rental car?
Some of the best places in Africa to explore by rental car include:
  • Cape Town – ideal for scenic drives along the coast and day trips to wine regions.
  • Marrakech – a great base for exploring the Atlas Mountains and desert landscapes.
  • Nairobi – perfect for accessing national parks and wildlife reserves for a safari adventure.
Once you've picked your specific destination, you can compare car rentals there on Expedia to find a great vehicle for your exploration.

Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Africa?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Africa. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Africa?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Africa?
Budget car rental in Africa can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Africa?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Africa. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Africa car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Africa?
To rent a car in Africa, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Africa car rental?
If you need to cancel your Africa car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

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