Economy car rental has come a long way and today, car hire in South Africa represents an affordable transportation option for both tourists and locals alike. Whether you are looking to go on an extended road trip around the country or merely need a vehicle to get you from point A to point B, car rental companies in South Africa are bound to have a package that is right for you.

A diverse and beautiful country, South Africa holds many wonders for the discerning traveller. Why not try a nice leisurely road trip along the Eastern Coast for your next holiday? It is not called the Sunshine coast for nothing and travelling in this lovely part of the country will give you plenty of opportunities to soak up some culture and experience the legendary local hospitality.

Start your trip in Cape Town. Car hire in Cape Town, South Africa is safe and reliable. If you are coming in by plane, you can organise an airport car rental which is an excellent way of avoiding the unnecessary hassle of hailing a taxi-cab to initially ferry you about. The Mother City provides travellers with a whole host of accommodation options, but some come more highly recommended than others. If you are looking for luxury, you’ll probably enjoy a stay at the stately Mount Nelson Hotel. Alternatively, The Guesthouse Es-Cape represents the cosier end of the accommodation spectrum. Once you’re booked in, get your walking shoes on and start exploring. Go for a ride on the Table Mountain Cable Cars; head out to the Constantia Valley for some wine tasting or simply stroll around Green Market Square, picking up bits and bobs for family and friends back home.

The next leg of our South African adventure takes us to Hermanus. A charming seaside village on the Southern Coast, this town is home to the legendary Whale Festival. With its unparalleled scenic beauty, upmarket shops and endless adventure options, it’s little wonder that Hermanus has grown exponentially in size and popularity during the last decade. Stop in at Rossi’s Italian restaurant and dig into a steaming bowl of pasta before setting out for a whale watching cruise with Walker Bay Adventures.

Next, turn your economy car rental in the direction of Knysna. One of the Garden Route´s most famous travel destinations, Knysna is situated between lush forests and the shores of a peaceful estuary, offering many activities and attractions. Book in at the Blue Oyster B&B and set out for the Knysna Elephant Park. Here you can experience the famous Knysna forest alongside African elephants and enjoy a guided nature walk through the indigenous foliage at elephant pace. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to follow in the footsteps of these incredible creatures. Round off this spiritual experience with sundowners at The Knysna Oyster Company.

We end our brief coastal trip in Port Elizabeth. Recently renamed Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth is regarded as the "official" gateway to the scenic Eastern Cape Province and the world renowned Garden Route. The Admiralty Beach House provides affordable, yet comfortable, luxury self-catering units with en suite bathrooms, separate entrances and private patios – perfect if you don’t want to be tied down with dining schedules and the like. Port Elizabeth’s Oceanarium is simply a must on any animal lover’s itinerary. Their wildly popular dolphin and seal performances take place at 11h00 and 15h00 daily, after which you can head over to the Butcher’s Block for a bite to eat.

At this stage it might be a good idea to have a professional take a look at your car hire. Port Elizabeth has many reputable mechanical establishments and it’s always a good idea to take proper care of your economy car rental, lest you have to pay hefty surcharges at the end of your trip!