In less than two decades, South Africa has recovered from its infamous apartheid past to become one of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations. From fantastic wildlife and natural beauty not found anywhere else to cosmopolitan cities with every modern convenience, South Africa is a constantly evolving nation with something to offer everyone.

Most North American and European visitors to South Africa fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town, the country’s largest airports, which also offer several cheap South Africa hire car options. Despite South Africa’s reputation for crime, touring the country by South Africa hire car is fairly safe as long as proper precautions and common sense are used, and renting a motor home or four-wheel drive is especially recommended for those wishing to explore the stunning scenery of South Africa’s rural areas.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest and most dangerous city, but most crime happens away from popular tourist destinations. Even safe tours into the notorious township of Soweto can be arranged. Less than an hour from Johannesburg by South Africa hire car is the calmer city of Pretoria, filled with fascinating museums, architecture, and monuments, many dedicated to South Africa’s Voortrekker movement.

Nowhere are South Africa’s natural beauty and modern development more successfully combined than the coastal city of Cape Town, where beautiful beaches, gorgeous vineyards, towering Table Mountain, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve are all just a short drive away by South Africa hire car. The relaxed atmosphere and mild weather of Durban is especially popular among surfers, sailors, swimmers, scuba divers, and other water sports lovers.