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Start your Eastern Cape adventure in an East London car hire
The architecture might look Victorian, and the city name certainly would have you thinking you’re in England, but don’t expect any “ello’ guvnor!” here. Instead, expect a wild adventure through some of South Africa’s most gorgeous coastal drives, pristine and secluded beaches, year-round spectacular weather, and unique charm you can only understand once you visit the city yourself. With a rental car from GoSee, you can see it all, and even continue your journey along the 300km stretch of the “Sunshine Coast”.
About East London Airport (ELS)
Being the center of attention in the Eastern Cape, East London Airport brings over half a million national and foreign tourists to the area each year...
And while George Airport might be ‘South Africa’s Airport of the Year’, ELS was 2016’s “Fastest Growing Airport in South Africa”, so the number of new visitors arriving in East London just continues to grow…fast!
You’ll also be happy to know there are delicious dining options upon arrival. If you’re brave enough, grab a plate at Wimpy Restaurant, or eat in style at the Mile High Pub.
There are also plenty of fun and quirky retail stores in the airport, including a mobile phone shop, sneaker stores, and even candy shops. And you can wander through them all using the airport-wide free WiFi.
Once you’ve got your baggage handy, you can proceed to the rental counter of your chosen company near the terminal building to pick up your car and make your way into the city.
Driving your rental car in East London
While it’s not as ram-packed as cities like Durban, it’s still important to know the local driving rules to get the best out of your trip:
- Keep your doors locked while driving, and after you park.
- Don’t be worried about The Terminator tapping on your window when people say to stop at the “robot”, because “robots” are the local name for traffic lights.
- Petrol stations in East London often have attendants handy. They offer extra services such as windshield cleaning with a cash tip.
- Carry change for road trips as toll fares are common on highways.
- Avoid driving at night—animals are a common hazard after hours.
Making the most of East London with your car hire
East London is South Africa’s only river port city. So, look forward to some local maritime history, and potential smuggling routes for your exotic local wood crafted goods (just kidding!). We’ve put together a few must-see and must-do things while you’re in East London, so all you have to do is pick up your rental car and start enjoying your trip!
Nature & Wildlife
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
See the ‘big five’ animals and plenty of others in this private and peaceful local game reserve.
Nahoon Corner
One of East London’s loveliest beaches. It’s quiet and clean with a quaint boardwalk, and is great for surfing, too.
The Lion Park
See lions in their element, and in a park where they are well looked after. Just don’t mind the “leftovers” lying around from their prey.
History, Culture & Art
East London Museum
Explore local natural history with your East London car rentals, including many of the area’s birds and fish long believed to be extinct in the area.
Ann Bryant Art Gallery
Inside this stunning Victorian-style building lies East London’s most popular art gallery featuring both local and international works.
Amathole Museum
This museum houses South Africa’s second-largest collection of mammals, including taxidermied bodies of Huberta, the hippopotamus. It also features a gallery of Xhosa cultural and historical exhibitions, along with many other regional historical artifacts.
Other Fun Attractions
Hemingways Casino
A hotel and casino boasting fanciful architecture, exciting activities, and a world-class restaurant inside.
Python Park Mashie Golf Course
Feel regal in one of East London’s most alluring golf courses that features both a full golf course and interactive animal areas where you can meet several snakes. This is definitely a family-friendly option for your car rental East London trip.
On The Rocks Nahoon River Cruises
Get a gorgeous view of the local surroundings, and maybe even a brush with the local sea-dwelling animals on this 5-star-rated river cruise.
Ready to see the majestic beauty at a different location in South Africa? Rent a car from Cape Town Airport and start your Western Cape adventure! You may also opt to collect a car rental at Port Elizabeth Airport and explore the second-oldest colonial city in SA.
What our customers say
Car hire East London Airport: Frequently asked questions
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Which car hire companies in East London have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
All of the GoSee partner rental car agencies maintain a strict vehicle cleaning and safety policy in accordance with Coronavirus (COVID-19), so you can find a rental car through GoSee without any worries.
How much does it cost to hire a car in East London?
Usually, rates vary due to different factors such as supply & demand, vehicle type & availability, pick up location/time & drop off time/location. Depending on what kind of vehicle you are after, you can find an economy car hire East London for as low as $43 per day, or from $77 per day for larger vehicles and SUVs. See for yourself on GoSee.
What is the cheapest price for a car rental in East London?
Searching for budget-friendly car hire in East London? At $43 per day, you can book East London’s cheapest rental car, a Suzuki Swift. For $77 per day, you can book a more comfortable SUV, like the Ford Escape. Book either one now on GoSee.
If ever you need assistance while and after booking (for instance - for screen reader users) or you just have any concerns on your reservations, do not hesitate to chat, email, or call our customer support team and they will be happy to help you.
What is the most popular hire car in East London?
While there are many popular East London Airport car rental options, the Suzuki Swift is by far the most popular, with over 500 5-star reviews from customers on our site.
Which car hire agencies are available at East London Airport (ELS)?
You can find the best and cheapest car hire agencies right in East London Airport. They include Hertz, Thrifty, and Tempest. You can search and compare the best deals from all of them using GoSee now.
Most of the car rental companies' operating hours are usually from 08:00 AM to 06:30 PM daily (Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su), so you can choose the best pick up time/drop off time that suits your trip schedule.
Who can rent a vehicle?
With GoSee, anyone can rent a car East London, but there are several requirements. You must be over the age of 21 with a full driver’s license, and have a valid credit card with enough funds to cover booking and excess fees.
What are the payment options?
With GoSee, you can book and pay for your rental car ahead of time with fee-free online banking or credit card payment options. You may also have the option of paying in cash or card on arrival. Check your booking confirmation page on GoSee to verify this information.
What process do I follow if I damage a rental vehicle?
Depending on the nature of the accident, you may be covered by third-party rental insurance (if it was included with your rental booking). If you damage your vehicle hire, make sure to contact the supplier (the rental company you picked up the vehicle from). You can find their contact details on your booking confirmation.
What will I need when to collect my car?
To pick up your car rental, you will need your full driver’s license, a valid credit card with enough funds to cover the excess, and your booking confirmation (either printed or digital/on your phone.)
Are one-way rentals available?
Yes, one-way rentals are being offered by most car rental East London Airport companies. You can begin your trip in East London and drop off your vehicle in Port Elizabeth if you want to discover more of the Eastern Cape province. Please note that there is usually a one-way charge for this kind of trip. Always check with your chosen East London car hire supplier for more information.
