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Booking for the first time was canceled by the site as the provider had no more availability, and the second proposal is double the price!
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rentals since 2011 !
rentals since 2011 !
South Africa is a dream destination for nature and adventure lovers. By opting for campervan rental in South Africa, you will have the opportunity to discover breathtaking landscapes, from golden beaches to majestic mountains. Explore iconic cities like Cape Town, famous for its Table Mountain and picturesque vineyards, or Durban, with its sunny beaches and vibrant culture. Traveling by campervan allows you to experience a unique adventure, with complete freedom, at the heart of this fascinating land.
Exploring South Africa by campervan offers a unique freedom to discover its varied landscapes, iconic national parks, and wild coasts. Whether you have a week or three, here are three iconic itineraries suited to different paces, mixing safaris, nature, culture, and relaxation, to experience a memorable adventure on South African roads.
Safari and Wilderness in Kruger Park and Blyde River Canyon (7 to 10 days)
Start your journey with an immersion in one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world, Kruger National Park. In a campervan, enjoy self-drive safaris to observe the Big Five in their natural habitat. Then, head towards the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world, where you can stop at campsites amidst breathtaking landscapes. This itinerary combines wildlife, nature, and impressive scenery, ideal for a first South African discovery in complete autonomy and comfort.
From Cape Town to the Garden Route, between Vineyards and Wild Coasts (14 days)
Depart from Cape Town in a campervan to follow the famous Garden Route, a route that combines pristine beaches, lush forests, and charming small towns. Stop in the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek to taste renowned wines. Continue to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, where nature is omnipresent. This road trip offers a perfect balance between cultural discoveries, outdoor activities, and relaxation, with well-equipped campsites to fully enjoy each stop.
Grand Tour from North to South with Safaris, Mountains, and Coastline (21 days)
For a complete immersion, start in the north with an extended safari in Kruger Park and the Greater Kruger private reserve, before visiting the Kingdom of Swaziland and the wetlands of KwaZulu-Natal, rich in biodiversity. Then head down to the Drakensberg mountains for hikes in breathtaking landscapes. End your journey along the southwest coast, passing through the Garden Route to Cape Town, where Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope will offer you unforgettable views. This comprehensive circuit makes the most of the campervan's flexibility to explore South Africa in depth.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in South Africa
Discover on this map all the cities in South Africa where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in South Africa or elsewhere.
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Set off on an adventure with complete freedom across South Africa
South Africa offers remarkable climatic diversity that strongly influences camping conditions, particularly depending on regions such as Cape Town, the Garden Route, or Kruger National Park.
When to Visit South Africa by Region
To fully enjoy the beaches and vineyards around Cape Town, the best time extends from November to March, during the southern summer, when the Mediterranean climate is warm and dry. This season is ideal for exploring the Garden Route and the surroundings of Stellenbosch, with sunny weather and little rainfall. In contrast, in the east, in areas like Kruger Park or KwaZulu-Natal, summer is hot but marked by frequent rains, which can complicate campervan travel.
The dry season, from June to September, is recommended for safaris in Kruger Park and hiking in the Drakensberg mountains. During this period, wildlife is easier to observe around water points, and the climate is cooler but dry, perfect for outdoor activities. However, nights can be chilly, especially in inland regions like Johannesburg.
Weather and Impact on Campervan Rates
The months of December and January correspond to the South African summer holidays, a peak tourist season when campervan rental rates and campsite prices, particularly around Cape Town and in national parks, increase significantly. It is therefore advisable to book well in advance to ensure availability.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer an excellent compromise between pleasant weather and more affordable rates. These seasons are particularly appreciated for a road trip along the Garden Route, where the weather is mild with little rain, and for visiting cities like Port Elizabeth or Durban without the summer crowds.
All vehicles for rent in South Africa
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in South Africa. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Traveling by campervan or van in South Africa
South Africa offers a developed road network and many campsites, making it an ideal destination for a campervan or van road trip. However, it is essential to be well-informed about local driving rules, sleeping options, and specific safety tips for the country.
Driving and Regulations
In South Africa, driving is on the left, and it is mandatory to have a national driving license accompanied by an international license to drive a campervan. Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on national roads, and 120 km/h on highways. It is strongly advised not to drive at night, especially around Johannesburg or Durban, due to increased risks. On the roads of national parks like Kruger Park, night driving is prohibited, and entry times are strict. For some secondary roads, particularly in the Western Cape, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended to avoid difficulties related to potholes and rough terrain.
Sleeping and Hooking Up
Wild camping is prohibited in South Africa, so it is imperative to sleep in official campsites, which are numerous and well-equipped, particularly around Kruger National Park or in the Cape region. These campsites often offer electrical hookups and sanitary facilities. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, as spots can fill up quickly, particularly for larger vehicles. Arriving before nightfall is a golden rule to ensure safety and respect campsite hours.
Local Tips and Safety
Safety remains a priority in South Africa. It is recommended not to approach townships and to avoid nighttime travel in a campervan. Always close vehicle doors, even while driving, as an important precaution, especially during self-guided safaris or on secondary roads. In major cities like Johannesburg, caution is advised, and it is better to favor monitored tourist areas. Finally, vigilance is also necessary on the road, where speed checks are frequent, particularly in the Cape region.
Frequently Asked Questions in South Africa
Do you need a special license to rent a campervan in South Africa?
To rent a campervan in South Africa, an international driving license is highly recommended in addition to your national license. Driving is on the left, which may require an adjustment period. Ensure that your license is valid and recognized locally before departing to avoid any issues when picking up the vehicle.
Can you wild camp with a campervan in South Africa?
Wild camping is generally prohibited in South Africa. It is advisable to use official campsites, often well-equipped with sanitary facilities. Some national parks offer dedicated spots for campervans, ensuring safety and compliance with local rules.
What are the road conditions for driving a campervan in South Africa?
The majority of main roads in South Africa are paved, facilitating campervan driving. However, some secondary roads or those in parks may be unpaved, or even require a 4x4. It is important to check the road conditions before your itinerary and avoid driving at night due to local wildlife.
What equipment is generally found in rented campervans in South Africa?
Most campervans in South Africa are self-sufficient, equipped with a kitchen, shower, and integrated toilets. This autonomy allows for free travel without relying on external infrastructure, providing great flexibility to explore natural sites and national parks.
Of course, converted vans or 4x4 rooftents (with a tent on the roof) are less equipped and do not offer the same comfort.
Where can you pick up and drop off a campervan in South Africa?
The main campervan rental agencies are located in major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. These pickup points facilitate access to various tourist regions of the country and allow for convenient drop-off at the end of your stay.
Find all available cities on the interactive map provided on this page.
What safety tips should be followed during a campervan trip in South Africa?
It is recommended to avoid driving at night to limit risks related to wildlife and road safety. Sleep exclusively in secured campsites and keep your valuables out of sight. Respect speed limits, generally around 60 km/h on main roads, and remain vigilant in urban and rural areas.
How to plan your campervan itinerary in South Africa?
Before departing, use an itinerary planner to estimate distances and choose a mileage package suitable for your trip. Plan your stops based on available campsites and attractions to visit, such as Kruger Park, Table Mountain, or the Wild Coast. Booking campsites during peak season is highly recommended.
Is fuel easily accessible for campervans in South Africa?
Gas stations are generally well distributed in urban and tourist areas, but in remote regions, it is important to plan your refueling in advance. Diesel campervans are common and more economical, which is an advantage for long trips.
They traveled in South Africa
Discover the latest verified customer reviews translated into your language and published on Trustpilot and Verified Reviews platforms.
The motorhome is rented out simply, quickly, and professionally.
We were given a Maui Camper Van with a lot of defects, Maui Cape Town was kind enough to replace the van but the new van's geyser did not work and the water tank had a leak. We were out in the middle of nowhere in a campsite without electricity and we were far away from a bathroom (no hot water) and a tap. Also, it was inconvenient to not be able to shower in freezing cold weather. They did send s...
Super very responsive
The cool drive service is very good and responsive. The problem is that no one must have gone on site to check the condition of the rental vehicles.
very good, service and responsiveness in case of questions or resolution of minor issues
Everything went well for the rental of a 4x4 in Johannesburg!
Simple booking, clear and efficient follow-up on the file, all the information regarding the rental company on-site was well communicated! Cooldrive was recommended to us by a friend, and we will do the same!
The proposed price is attractive, but the quality of the service is terrible. I paid the processing fees, but once I arrived, I had to redo the paperwork before taking the car, and I lost 45 minutes. The paint on the car was new, but there was play in the steering and the car was pulling to the left (I have a video in my possession). I had three flat tires; the reason is that the tires on the car...
The speed of responses to my various questions as well as the accuracy of the information were very valuable to me.
The price offered by CoolDrive compared to the competition is very competitive despite the high rental prices for camper vans in South Africa. If you send a question, you always get a response, which is very appreciated.
Responsive services
Everything went well, no surprises.
Very easy to book, however the reservation was for a diesel model and the model presented was petrol. Finally, the return address was complicated to find.
Diversity of vehicles and responsiveness to questions asked! Great!
Reactive and unsurprising
Competitive price, quick responses to questions, very useful information provided.
Very attentive and flexible, I know them well. I would have given 5 stars if the phone line was always available.
Very responsive, many models offered. No problem.
Regarding CoolDrive:
Professional, very responsive, friendly, I recommend.
The service was very adequate: punctuality, politeness, quick responses to specific situations.
No! Very bad customer service. We are still waiting for responses to our multiple calls and emails.
You never followed up after the accident we had. Scandalous and dangerous for any other more serious accident.
Ras on the reservation.
We rented a motorhome in Johannesburg through the CoolDrive website. We were satisfied with this rental as we did not have any unpleasant surprises regarding the price or the motorhome that was waiting for us at the rental location. We recommend this site for their reliability and we hope they will find us a solution for a rental in Windhoek!!!
Good customer service during the rental.
Very good advice and exchanges. Contract and process very transparent. Very professional relationship. Highly recommended.
First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental needs to be made from France to Canada. Many questions, and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support to guide me in my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and a service that met our expectations. Nothing to complain about. Great!
First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!
Too rigid computer system
Motorhome and campervan rental companies in South Africa
Below you’ll find all the motorhome and campervan rental companies we work with in South Africa.
These are exclusively professional rental companies in South Africa, renowned for the quality, reliability and maintenance of their fleet of vehicles.
Renting a motorhome with CoolDrive from one of these companies gives you the guarantees and insurance you need to make sure your trip goes smoothly in South Africa.
Click on the logo to access the rental company’s details.
Special offers on motorhome rentals in South Africa
Here are the promotional offers currently available for each motorhome and campervan rental company in South Africa.
The conditions for applying these discounts are managed individually for each rental offer and depend mainly on the dates of your trip in South Africa.
To find out exactly what promotions are available in South Africa, the easiest way is to carry out a search and look at the offers on offer.
You can then save these offers in your customer area or make your booking request directly.
Most promotions are limited in time, so make the most of them before they’re gone!
Offre spéciale saison
Season Special
Offre spéciale saison
5%
long-term discount
5%
long-term discount
Season Special
5%
long-term discount
5%
long-term discount
Offre spéciale saison
Offre spéciale saison
Season Special
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