Car rental in
East London

Our car rental in East London fleet has the perfect vehicle to suit your party size or budget whether you are visiting for business or leisure. Getting around the city is easy with our economical selection of compact saloons and spacious estate cars or enjoy exploring the coastline and countryside in the rugged comfort of a 4x4. We are also able to offer vehicles adapted for different mobility needs. All of our rental cars are supplied by premium names such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi. Our attractive range of optional extras is designed to give you a stress-free driving experience in South Africa. Sat Navs ensure you do not lose your way in the city while baby and booster seats keep younger children safe. We also offer a useful E-Toll Service as an extra along with discounts on insurance top-ups, unlimited mileage packages and additional drivers. Younger drivers under 25 are welcome to rent our vehicles.

At East London Airport the car rental centre is located across the road from the arrivals hall. Once inside, our desk is clearly signposted. The airport is on Settlers Way and just ten minutes drive on the R72 from East London Harbour.

Your Sat Nav will be a useful companion when navigating the busy streets of East London. Driving in the city, especially during daylight hours is generally safe but drivers are advised to keep their windows shut and doors locked. When leaving the city the N2 highway links it to other destinations along the coast or if time is not an issue the R72, known as the Romantic Coast Road offers a more scenic option. Remember that petrol stations are few and far between so fill up when you have the opportunity.

Always park in one of the safe well-lit multistorey car parks in the city or use metered parking on a busy street. Do not be tempted to park in isolated areas to save money and always take your valuables and passport with you. In South Africa, it is illegal to park against the flow of the traffic.

A drive in your rental vehicle around the vibrant and colourful city of East London will take you past real contrasts in lifestyle and architecture. Look out for the city's main landmark building, City Hall on Oxford Street while the Gately House with its Victorian architecture is a reminder of Britain's past influence in the country. Stunning examples of local photography and artworks can be appreciated in the Ann Braynt Gallery which is housed in another fine Victorian building. The town's museum is home to the first Coelacanth fossil ever identified as well as exhibits charting the region's turbulent history. For lunches and dinners head to the lively waterfront area around the harbour. The harbour is also the starting point for scenic cruises on the Buffalo River.

Part of the appeal of East London enjoyed by visitors and locals alike is the beautiful coastline and the town is centrally located on the East London Coast Nature Reserve. You can sunbathe on white sandy beaches or enjoy excellent surfing at spots such as Nahoon Reef around half an hour's drive out of the city. Most of the area is still totally unspoilt and backed by dense coastal forest. The whole area is home to leopards, Cape parrots, crowned eagles and Southern Right whales and if you are visiting between July and September you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the annual sardine run.

Less than an hour's drive along the coast is the Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve where you can take part in outdoor activities as well as getting up close to rhinos or a pride of white lions.

Distances to the Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve

• From East London Airport: 31 miles, about 50 minutes
• From East London Harbour: 27.5 miles, about 45 minutes

Take a leisurely drive along the Sunshine Coast to Port Alfred, a small town on the Kowie River. Explore the marina and the museum before lunching on some excellent locally caught seafood.

Distances to Port Alfred

• From East London Airport: 82.5 miles, about 1 hour 30 minutes
• From East London Harbour: 85 miles, about 1 hour 30 minutes

If you want to see your South African wildlife a little closer to home then take the family to East London Zoo with its collections of wild animals, exotic birds and rare examples of African flora.

Distances to East London Zoo

• From East London Airport: 5.5 miles, about 15 minutes
• From East London Harbour: 2 miles, about 10 minutes

East London is the second largest industrial city in the East Cape with the motor industry being the biggest employer. A Daimler plant near the harbour manufactures Mercedes-Benz for the local market and for export to the United States and Brazil. The East London International Convention Centre enjoys a tranquil coastal location and was designed to host everything from conventions and conferences to gala functions and training courses.

• From East London Airport: 6.5 miles, about 20 minutes
• From East London Harbour: 3 miles, about 15 minutes