Car hire at Skukuza Airport

Car hire at Skukuza Airport is very straightforward. You get off the plane, pass through the arrivals lounge, grab your luggage and speak to your car hire provider. Within about 20min, you can grab your keys and get going. If your vehicle or provider is not based at the airport, there are off-site alternatives based in Skukuza Main Camp (2.19 miles from the airport, or about 10min away), which is reachable by airport shuttle.

You'd need to check with your car hire provider, but, generally, it is possible to rent a car with either a debit and a credit card at Skukuza Airport. If you're using a debit card, it must be either VISA or Mastercard – no prepaid or electronic payment cards are allowed at Skukuza Airport car hire. Be aware that you may not be able to rent for longer than 28 days if your security deposit is covered via a debit card.

When you're at the hire desk at Skukuza Airport, you need to present your driver's licence, a photo ID, your debit or credit card, and, in some cases, an international driving permit. You need to be 20 years old or older to rent from Skukuza Airport providers and you may need to pay a young driver's fee if you're under 25. In most cases, you must have had your driver's licence for over a year, but with more expensive cars, that length might be up to two years.

Your best bet in getting a full tank is the fuel station at Skukuza Rest Camp, 2.19 miles from the airport. This should be comfortably on your way back to catch your flight if you're coming from the direction of Kruger Park. Be sure to check your rental agreement before handing your keys in – if it's a fair fuel policy, you'll want to return the car with a full tank, otherwise, you might get overcharged for the refill.

Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Skukuza airport to off-airport locations include Avis, and Budget.