Car rental Cape Town
Longing to trace the footsteps of Vasco da Gama along the Cape of Good Hope? Then a visit to the present-day Cape Town will gratify your desire. Like most port cities in Africa, this city has a dark colonial history that surprisingly has sharped its diverse culture. There are lots of things to see and do in this city and therefore it is advisable to contact a car hire agency in advance so get your car rental vehicle on arrival.
Cape Town Guide
But before we rush into the details, here is a brief guide about Cape Town. This magnificent city is located at the southwest coast of South Africa between the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean. Cape Town is home to 3,740,026 people. While the greatest percentage of these are indigenous South Africans, a good number of people of all races, from all parts of the world have found a home in this city. This gives the city a mix of cultures from all over the world.
While in Cape Town, you can opt for road trips and visit neighbouring cities as you explore the beautiful countryside. This will give an unforgettable experience of driving through the beautiful African landscape. For example, Port Elizabeth is a good city to explore. Located along the shores of the Indian Ocean, this city is 749 km (465.2 miles) from Cape Town. There are lots of activities you can do during this epic road trip.
For instance, a visit to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve will leave you speechless. If you want to enjoy your trip more, hook up with other groups. There are lots of travel agencies who organize road trips. You can also opt for a longer road trip from Cape Town to Durban. It is a distance of 490 km (305 miles) via the Garden Route.
Make stopovers along the way and enjoy the country life. The undulating hills with African huts dotting the landscape, and livestock grazing in the fields, give this countryside an amazing view. There are lots of towns along the way where you can lodge and enjoy delicious African cuisines. Some of the activities you can enjoy include bird watching and hiking. It will be a good idea to bring with you a friend or family to enjoy these memorable moments together.
Explore with your rental car
Do love sandy beaches? Then a visit to the Fish Hoek Beach will be a nice treat for your family. This beach is only 38 km (23.6 miles) from the city centre and easily accessible by road. It will take you about an hour to get there. The good news is that it is clean, wide and safe. If you have children, they will enjoy playing in the sand. If you visit between July and November, you can get a chance to watch whales.
If you love wine a visit to Stellenbosch will be a good idea. The city is located 50 km (31 miles) from Cape Town. The city is famous for vineyards and you can get the chance to visit one of them. But there are also other attractions that can satisfy your adventurous spirit. For instance, there are museums that preserve the rich history of the region, especially during the Georgian and Victorian eras.
These are just some of the places you explore with your rental car. But the list is endless. For instance, getting to Table mountain will give you a spectacular view of the city below. Also, a visit to Robben Island will take you to the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
Airports
If you are flying to Cape Town, you are likely to land at the Cape Town International Airport. This is the third-largest airport in Africa and is famous for handling VIP tourists in the region. The airport administration has made it easy for travellers to get the right information they need for departures and arrivals.
For example, their website provides comprehensive information about car rentals including where to get them. Some of the international car hire companies that operate from the airport include Budget and Avis. There are also local firms such a Thrifty Car Rental and Comet Car Rental that are sure to offer you excellent services.
This airport connects Africa to the rest of the world. Being an international airport, some of the leading airlines such as Emirate, Lufthansa, British Airways and KLM frequent this destination. Also, some of the popular destinations from Cape Town include Dubai, London, Berlin and Italy just to mention a few.
Traffic
Generally, roads in South Africa are good although the country roads may be a bit rough. If you intend to drive on rough roads, it is advisable to get a 4×4 car. This will make your rides more comfortable. It is also important to mention that some highways attract toll charges.
Therefore, do your research well and be prepared if you will need to use such roads. It is wise to observe speed limits on roads such as highways and or populated areas. Also, be wary of rush times in the morning and evening. If you need to drive around, do so after the traffic has eased off.