car hire cape town
Pick up your hire car at Cape Town airport and head for the jewel in South Africa's crown. Book car hire cape town now
the 60-second guide to Cape Town
in its own head
"LA may have The Hills, but we've got The Mountain! What other beachside city can offer you sun and surf in the morning, then spectacular views at 1,086 metres above sea level at sundown?"
but more realistically
Cape Town may be brimming with natural beauty, but there's more to it than just a beach and a table-shaped mountain. The culture and the wine, for starters.
the vibe
You can spend the day at Robben Island retracing Mandela's footsteps, then head for the buzzing harbour front and discuss it over a glass of local wine to the sounds of live African jazz.
the natives
Models and actors pack the beaches, colourful street traders attempt to sell them locally made goods and the large gay party population dance alongside them.
the weather
Gloriously warm and balmy summers and mild, moist winters sum up the Mediterranean climate of Cape Town.
the local speciality
The unique Cape Malay style of cooking, using local fruits and spices, is a Cape Town culinary treat. Try the likes of curry-like boboties, breedies and Malva pudding.
the celebrity
Nelson Mandela now resides in the upmarket Cape Town suburb of Bishops Court.
did you know?
Robben Island is actually the summit of an ancient mountain, now hidden beneath the waves. It has been used variously as a postal centre, sheep farm, whaling station, mental asylum, leper colony, hospital, garrison and prison.
they say
"Cape Town is well placed to receive visitors looking for value for money and an authentic experience." - Cape Town Tourism
5 to see in town...
- 1. Table Mountain
- 2. Robben Island
- 3: The V&A Waterfront
- 4: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- 5: Cape Point
If you're lucky, you'll get the full impact of the mountain covered in a 'tablecloth' of cloud. Take the cable car up for a 360-degree view of the city below, or hit the hiking trail and head up by foot.
where to park?
You can park your hire car for free anywhere along Tafelberg Road, which is the access road to Table Mountain and winds around its base.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Table Mountain
- 2. Robben Island
- 3: The V&A Waterfront
- 4: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- 5: Cape Point
Now a World Heritage site, this notorious prison island was used to exile political prisoners of the apartheid era, most notably Nelson Mandela.
where to park?
Park for free in the car park next to the Table Bay Hotel on the V&A Waterfront. From here you can take a ferry trip to the island.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Table Mountain
- 2. Robben Island
- 3: The V&A Waterfront
- 4: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- 5: Cape Point
Stock up on designer gear and local curios in this glitzy shopping mecca, which also boasts al fresco bars, restaurants and live music served up with a backdrop of sea and mountain views.
where to park?
There are several free open air car parks in the waterfront area as well as paid-for undercover parking facilities in the various shopping centres.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Table Mountain
- 2. Robben Island
- 3: The V&A Waterfront
- 4: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- 5: Cape Point
In a magnificent setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, these gardens are renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora on display. The regular concert picnics, featuring anything from classical to rock, are a must.
where to park?
Many of the nearby streets offer free parking. Others are metered, so watch out.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Table Mountain
- 2. Robben Island
- 3: The V&A Waterfront
- 4: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- 5: Cape Point
Test your mettle with a walk along these towering sea cliffs that divide the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Sightings of whales, penguins, baboons and buck are common.
where to park?
Park your hire car at the Cape Point parking lot at the base of the hill below Cape Point.
and 4 to drive to...
Hiking trails and art galleries abound in the oak-lined town of Stellenbosch, but it's wine that takes centre stage. With 106 wine cellars, it's the country's most famous wine-producing area, and tasting tours operate daily.
how to get there?
It's a 30-mile drive north east of Cape Town on the N1 freeway.
and 4 to drive to...
A 125-mile drive from Cape Town, this pristine wilderness region is home to thousand-year-old San Bushman rock paintings and engravings and unique geological rock formations.
how to get there?
Head north along the N7 until you come to the Kriedouwskrans Pass, around 15 miles north of Citrusdal, which will take you into Cederberg. The drive will take you around two hours.
and 4 to drive to...
Just 20 miles from Cape Town, this quaint fishing village is a must-see hub of antique, art and bric-a-brac shops, and outstanding seafood restaurants. Check out the legendary waterfront Brass Bell pub, which spills into the tidal pools below.
how to get there?
Follow the M3 south until it ends at the junction with the M42. Turn east onto the M42 and then south onto the M4. Kalk bay is a few miles south of Muizenberg.
and 4 to drive to...
Don't miss a visit to the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern Right whales visit from June to December and can be viewed from a boat, airplane or the shore.
how to get there?
Hermanus is about an hour's drive from Cape Town. Take the northbound N2, or the R34, which is a scenic coastal drive.
ask a Cape Town cabbie!
Local taxi driver Sipho Masekela on car hire in Cape Town: "Cape Town is fairly spread out geographically, so hiring a car is a great option to allow you to discover the city at your own pace. A cashless smart card system operates for parking in the city centre and there are also attendants on hand who will fill your car up with petrol and check your oil and water for a small tip. When you park your hire car, it's best not to leave anything on display."