There are a wide range of vehicles available on the market. What follows below is a generic guide of the most popular of these vehicles, arranged according to how many passengers they seat. Specifications for vehicles are indicated as they generally apply to a specific type of vehicle. In our coach charter request form you may set criteria for your required vehicle (such as air-conditioning). In the form you will be able to either choose one of the generic vehicles listed below or to enter a different vehicle.

If you have seven or less people that need transportation we* would advise you to rather have a look at our Avis Car Rental section.

The Caravelle VR6 9-seater falls in this class. The vehicle features: sliding doors on both sides for easy access, sliding windows, radio-tape & PA system, safety belts on all seats, ABS, airbags and air-conditioning. It has a powerful V6 engine and is easy to drive. Seat configuration: 3 rows in the back (3:2:3), 9th passenger next to the driver.

With this class of vehicle the driver does not require any special driver's license (apart from a standard driver's license). However, if you drive other passengers around for renumeration you do need a "public drivers permit" in South Africa*.

Based on the popular Mercedes Sprinter chassy. This is the most popular tour vehicle in South Africa* for smaller groups. It is available in 14 to 17 seat configurations (we advise no more than 15).

Most feature: reclineable seats, air-conditioning, fridge, radio-tape deck and PA system. These vehicles do not have much luggage space and are normally rented together with a luggage trailer. A few even feature leather seats.

We aren't very keen on these vehicles ourselves but there are a lot around. They are especially popular for airport & other transfers* as well as day tours.

Although mostly advertised as luxury vehicles we regard them as being semi-luxury. They tend to be quite noisy inside the cabin and sometimes lack power against hills, etc.

Most of these vehicles feature: reclineable seats, radio-tape, PA system, fridge. Some have air-conditioning but because of the lack of engine power it tends to be rather ineffective. Rental of these vehicles normally includes a luggage trailer as it does not feature any luggage compartments to speak of apart from limited overhead storage space.

This is our* favourite touring vehicle for larger groups, but is sometimes hard to come by. It is mostly based on the same chassy as a 45-seater coach, but having fewer seats it tends to offer more leg-room as well as extra luggage space. Most feature powerful engines making for effective air-conditioning.

Standard features include: reclineable seats, fridge, onboard toilet, radio-tape and PA system. Some models include a very helpful second door (next to toilet) which helps to cut time on full itineraries*. It is our impression that these vehicles tend to be just that little more luxurious and comfortable than their 45-seater cousins.

The most common and popular of the larger touring vehicles in South Africa* (as in most other parts of the world). It has all the standard features including: reclineable seats, onboard toilet, fridge, radio-tape, PA system and aircon. Most models also have powerful engines.

Once again some feature a very handy second door. The double-back axle models (e.g. some Volvo models) tend to be top of the range. Some are even classified as "super-luxury" vehicles (although the only difference is normally that their seats recline a few degrees more than those in the so-called luxury coaches).

This type of vehicle is definitely not meant for those who require comfort and luxury. It is a very basic school-bus type vehicle. Most have relatively strong engines but makes for a hard and noisy ride.

These vehicles do not feature separate seats but rather three- and two-seater bunks. It is ideal for "poor" students or groups who require very affordable transport and do not care for the comforts of more expensive modes of transport. Some may feature radio-tape and PA systems although this is unlikely.

Most of these vehicles definitely do not offer air-conditioning or an onboard toilet (some coach operators upgrade vehicles and present them as more luxurious incarnations but we'd advise you to stay away from these rather cheap imitations).