Cape Town is one of the most visited cities in Africa, and for good reason. Table Mountain, the Atlantic Seaboard, the Cape Winelands and the Cape Peninsula are all within easy reach of the city centre. The best way to experience all of it, on your own schedule and without depending on tours or transfers, is with a rental car from SANI SIXT.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is around 20 minutes from the city centre under normal traffic. SANI SIXT has a branch at the airport, which means you can collect your vehicle immediately on arrival and head straight to your accommodation — no transfers, no waiting.
Getting your bearings in Cape Town
Cape Town is an easy city to navigate once you understand its geography. The mountain sits in the middle, and the city spreads around it. The Atlantic Seaboard runs along the west side towards Camps Bay and Hout Bay. The Southern Suburbs run along the eastern slope towards Constantia and Kalk Bay. The N1 and N2 are the main highway arteries in and out of the city.
A Suggested First-Day Self-Drive Route
01.
V&A Waterfront: Drop your bags and head to the Waterfront, which sits at the edge of Table Bay with views of the harbour and the mountain. A good place to orientate yourself and get your first view of Table Mountain from sea level.
02.
Signal Hill and Bo-Kaap: A short drive from the city centre, Signal Hill offers a free 360-degree view across the city and Table Bay. On the way back down, drive through Bo-Kaap, the historic Cape Malay neighbourhood known for its brightly painted houses.
03.
Camps Bay: Head west along De Waal Drive to the Atlantic Seaboard. Camps Bay sits at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range with a wide beach and a strip of restaurants. The drive between Camps Bay and Clifton is one of the most scenic short drives in the city.
04.
Cape Peninsula: A full-day self-drive running south through Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, and Boulders Beach before reaching Cape Point. The return via Chapman’s Peak Drive adds a second dramatic coastal stretch. Allow a full day and fill the tank before you leave.
05.
Stellenbosch and the Winelands: About 45 minutes from Cape Town via the N2. Mountain-framed vineyards, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and excellent food. Franschhoek is another hour beyond Stellenbosch and adds a village with outstanding restaurants to the route.
06.
Hermanus: About 120 kilometres east of Cape Town along the N2 and R43. Between June and November it is one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world, where southern right whales come to calve in Walker Bay.
Driving Tips for First-Time Visitors
South Africans drive on the left. At four-way stops, the first car to arrive goes first — if two cars arrive simultaneously, the car to the right has priority. These are the most common junctions you will encounter outside of the CBD.
- Traffic on the N1 and N2 is heavy during morning and evening peak hours — build in extra time
- Parking attendants at popular spots expect a small tip when you return to your vehicle
- Petrol stations are well distributed and most are open 24 hours — fuel is dispensed by an attendant, not self-service
- Paid parking at the V&A Waterfront and other large precincts is secure and well-managed
And with our value-first promise, “Rent First Class. Pay Economy,” you get a premium rental experience without the premium price tag.
More to Explore in the Western Cape
- Discover the top scenic drives in the Western Cape beyond the city
- Find out about the best outdoor activities the Western Cape has to offer
- Explore the Winelands of the Western Cape on a self-drive road trip
Start Your Cape Town Adventure with SANI SIXT
SANI SIXT has a dedicated branch at Cape Town International Airport, making collection quick and uncomplicated on arrival. With a wide range of vehicles and optional extras including insurance cover and additional drivers, you can tailor your rental to suit your itinerary. Book your vehicle and make the most of every kilometre the Western Cape has to offer.
