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Rental car in South Africa - Green Route - SUV is needed?

Rental car in South Africa - Green Route - SUV is needed?

Old Aug 11th, 2016, 01:42 PM
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Rental car in South Africa - Green Route - SUV is needed?

Hello,

Please, help me with this question:
If my husband and I drive in South Africa through the Green Route, do we need to rent a SUV or 4x4 (4WD?) or is it ok to drive a car from the rental company category compact or economic?

Is it a safe road? Or would be be better off taking a tour?
To take a tour it would need to be a really bad road, because we love the freedom that it gives you to go on your own and only take tours for half a day when arriving to a new big city or special places.

Thanks in advance for your help!
BQ
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Old Aug 11th, 2016, 11:08 PM
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Hi,

Are you referring to the "Garden Route"? South Africa's roads are mostly excellent and well-maintained (some exceptions). If you are driving the Garden Route you will probably take the N2 which is a main highway. Unless you specifically want to go off-road in a designated area or if you want to visit a specific remote place that might have only dirt road access, you will not need a 4x4 or SUV.

South Africa's roads are well-covered by Google Street View so I suggest clicking along the N2 or your planned route on Street View and see for yourself what the road looks like: https://www.google.co.za/maps/@-34.0...!6m1!1e1?hl=en

This is generally a safe road, but it's best to take the usual general precautions such as locking car doors and windows when driving, not leaving valuables visible in the car etc.

I'm sure you'll have a great trip!
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Old Aug 12th, 2016, 08:19 PM
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Thank you lidia_s77!

If we go to Knysna then we would need the 4x4?
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Old Aug 13th, 2016, 06:20 AM
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You won't need an SUV for the Garden Route, including Knysna. That said, you might enjoy the higher seating angle an SUV offers (I certainly do) but 4x4 isn't necessary (and not usually offered with SUV rentals anyway.)
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Old Aug 13th, 2016, 10:15 AM
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Thanks!
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Old Aug 14th, 2016, 11:29 AM
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No SUV necessary - we did the Garden Route...excellent roads, just be very careful in passing. Don't do a tour.
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