Hire A Car In Upington, South Africa: Competitive Prices, Clear Advice

Bring the right documents: Carry your driving licence and passport/ID; an International Driving Permit may be required depending on your licence language and the rental company’s rules.

Fuel up early on long desert legs: Distances are large and fuel stations can be sparse outside towns. Top up in Upington, Kakamas or Askham, and don’t rely on after-hours services in small settlements.

Choose the correct vehicle for gravel routes: For Kgalagadi main tourist roads a normal car can work in dry conditions, but for remote gravel and Richtersveld-style tracks a higher-clearance SUV/4x4 is safer and often recommended.

Check insurance and gravel-road cover: Confirm whether gravel-road driving is permitted and covered. Inspect tyres, windscreen and underbody at pick-up and photograph any existing damage.

Plan for limited mobile signal: Download offline maps and keep a paper backup for remote areas. Share your route and ETA with your accommodation when travelling into the Kalahari or towards the Richtersveld.

Heat management is not optional: Summer temperatures can be extreme. Carry extra drinking water, rehydrate regularly, and avoid long walks in the hottest part of the day—especially around Augrabies viewpoints.

Drive in daylight where possible: Wildlife and livestock on roads increase risk after dark, particularly on rural stretches. Start early and aim to arrive before sunset on long drives.

Know park entry times and rules: National park gates have strict opening/closing times. Arrive with enough buffer for permits, speed limits, and wildlife viewing stops to avoid being locked out.