4x4 Hire, How Does it Work?

Pretty much all the 4x4 rental companies in South Africa offer similar packages, but here are a few subtle differences that can make or break your trip in Southern Africa. Most people are familiar with normal car rental, to hire a 4x4 works pretty much the same except for a few differences.


The biggest difference is gear and equipment, normal car rental companies only provide a car and nothing else, when hiring a 4x4 you have a wide range of camping gear and equipment that either comes standard with the vehicle or that you can rent separately. Most 4x4 rental companies offer the basic camping equipment and one roof top tent as standard when renting a 4x4. Optional extras are things like a satellite phone, 2nd roof top tent, 2nd spare wheel, GPS, Water tanks and Fuel tanks. Often the daily rental rate is reduced to "lure" in the client, but then after all the extras you end up paying quite a bit more. Make sure that the 4x4 vehicle you choose is the correct vehicle for what you want to do.


Make sure you choose the right vehicle, I've written a whole article on this subject, but it boils down to this. You need the right combination between economy, 4x4 capability, comfort and space. Each of those 4 criteria differs from person to person. In my opinion there is no better vehicle to explore Africa than a double cab 4x4. It doesn't matter which make, it can be an Isuzu, Toyota, Mazda or Ford. These days there are very little difference between these vehicles when it comes to capability and reliability. The main reasons I would choose a Double Cab is because you have more packing space, and all your gear is stored in the canopy. With a Land Rover or Land Cruise 70 series all your gear is in the same space as you are, so you hear all the rattles and you are in more danger in the event of an accident.


Insurance for the 4x4 rental vehicle is very important, make sure you read all the small print and familiarize yourself with the insurance requirements and excess amounts in case of an accident or theft. Most 4x4 rental companies vehicles are fully insured, you have to concern yourself with the excess payable in case of an accident, write-off or theft.


International clients usually pick up the 4x4 hire vehicle at the Johannesburg International Airport, their trip starts there. Ivory 4x4 hire offers a service whereby the client can put together a list of groceries a few days before arrival. Once you take possession of the 4x4 vehicle your beer is already cold, your meat is frozen and you don't have to go into Johannesburg to find a supermarket.


Make sure that when the 4x4 vehicle is handed over to you, the rental company shows you exactly how to change a tyre, engage & disengage 4x4, work the GPS, over the border documentation, filling up with fuel, how all the camping gear is stored, how the fridge works, how to change a fuse on the fridge, how to operate the gas equipment, how to pitch a roof top tent and anything else that you might not know about the vehicle. All vehicles are different, even changing a tyre is way different on an Isuzu 4x4 than on a Land Rover.