06/07/2026
Tempest Car Hire is a prominent player in the South African car rental market, with a significant presence at O.R. Tambo International Airport, the nation's busiest airport. Known for its competitive pricing and a strong emphasis on customer service, Tempest aims to provide a seamless and affordable car hire experience for both business and leisure travellers. This article delves into what makes Tempest Car Hire a popular choice, exploring their services, vehicle fleet, booking procedures, and key considerations for renters.
Tempest Car Hire at O.R. Tambo Airport
O.R. Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International Airport) is a major gateway to South Africa, handling millions of passengers annually. As one of the ten car rental companies operating from this bustling hub, Tempest Car Hire's branch here is particularly busy. The airport itself is a modern facility, having undergone extensive refurbishment, offering passengers numerous amenities, including over 100 stores, diverse dining options, and comfortable business lounges. For travellers arriving at O.R. Tambo, Tempest Car Hire offers a convenient solution for onward travel, alongside other options like the Gautrain, buses, and taxis.
Why Choose Tempest Car Hire?
Customers often remain loyal to Tempest Car Hire due to their reputation for offering ridiculously low car rental prices. However, it's not just about cost. The company prides itself on the personal touch provided by its staff, ensuring a welcoming and helpful experience for every customer. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, Tempest strives to match you with the best possible deal and offers a variety of rental solutions, including daily, weekend, one-way, and long-term hire.
Booking Your Tempest Vehicle
Tempest Car Hire provides three convenient methods for booking vehicles:
- In-Person at the Branch: You can visit the Tempest Car Hire branch directly at the airport to arrange your rental with a consultant. While this option is available, many customers prefer to book in advance to secure their preferred vehicle before arrival.
- Telephonic Booking: For those who prefer speaking to someone, Tempest's central reservations department can be contacted telephonically. Consultants are available to assist with queries and process bookings.
- Online Booking: This is the most popular method, facilitated by the user-friendly booking engine on the Tempest website. Online booking offers the flexibility of arranging your car hire 24/7 and provides immediate confirmation.
The Online Booking Process: A Simple Three-Step Guide
The online booking engine is designed for ease of use, typically involving these steps:
- Select Dates and Branch: Use the provided calendar to choose your pick-up and drop-off dates and times. Specify the branch, such as the Tempest Car Hire O.R. Tambo Airport location.
- Choose a Vehicle: Browse the available vehicles for your selected dates. To guarantee your preferred car, it's advisable to book well in advance.
- Enter Renter Details: To confirm your reservation, you'll need to provide personal, contact, and payment information.
Tempest Car Hire Vehicle Range
Tempest Car Hire boasts a diverse fleet of over 3,000 vehicles, catering to a wide spectrum of travel needs across South Africa. All vehicles are regularly serviced and meticulously cleaned before each rental. The fleet typically includes:
| Vehicle Type | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchbacks | Entry-level, economical, and reliable. Often feature the lowest daily rates and excellent fuel efficiency. | Budget travellers, short trips, city driving. |
| Sedans | Offer more space, comfort, and enhanced features compared to hatchbacks. | Business travel, longer distances, those seeking more comfort. |
| Vans | Provide significant storage space and are often suitable for off-road travel. Many come with a canopy for secure storage. | Families, groups with luggage, transporting goods, adventure travel. |
| People Carriers / Minibuses | Designed to accommodate larger groups of people, eliminating the need for multiple smaller vehicles. | Group holidays, family trips, corporate travel. |
Additional Rental Items
To enhance your rental experience, Tempest Car Hire offers several optional extras:
- Child Safety Seats: In compliance with South African law, Tempest provides baby seats and booster seats for the safe transport of infants and toddlers. These are typically priced per rental period.
- Navigation Systems (GPS): To help you navigate unfamiliar cities with ease, Tempest offers TOM TOM GPS units. These provide voice prompts and can save you time by preventing you from getting lost. These are usually priced per day of hire.
Tempest Car Hire Airport Transfers
Tempest offers a dedicated airport transfer service, ensuring a vehicle is ready to pick you up or drop you off at the airport terminal. This service is charged per transfer, not per passenger, and can be arranged in a sedan or an MPV depending on the number of passengers. The service is tailored to your specific destination and vehicle requirements, providing a convenient door-to-terminal solution.
Important Rental Information
When collecting your rented vehicle from Tempest Car Hire, you will need to present the following:
- Passport or Identity Document: To verify the personal details provided during booking.
- Valid Driver’s License: The license must have been held for at least two years. International renters will require an International Driving Permit. A surcharge may apply if the license has not been held for the minimum required period.
It's also worth noting that while an additional driver can be added to the rental agreement, only the primary renter is permitted to drive the Tempest vehicle.
Tempest Car Hire Specials
Tempest Car Hire frequently runs specials and promotions, particularly at branches like their Durban location. It's always a good idea to check their website or inquire about current deals when booking to potentially save extra on your rental. With branches across South Africa and at major airports, finding an affordable car hire solution with Tempest is usually straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I find the best used car Tempest site?
A: Information regarding used car sales for Tempest is not detailed in the provided text. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for details on purchasing pre-owned vehicles.
Q: Does Tempest car hire Durban offer specials?
A: Yes, Tempest Car Hire Durban is mentioned as offering specials. It is recommended to check their website or contact the Durban branch for the latest deals.
Q: What types of vehicles does Tempest Car Hire offer?
A: Tempest offers a range of vehicles including hatchbacks, sedans, vans, and people carriers (minibuses) to suit various needs.
Q: Can I book a car without a credit card?
A: The provided text states that payment details are required for booking confirmation. While it doesn't explicitly exclude other payment methods, credit cards are typically the standard for car rental security deposits. It's advisable to confirm Tempest's accepted payment methods directly.
Q: What documents do I need when picking up the car?
A: You will need your Passport or Identity Document and a valid Driver’s License (held for at least 2 years, or an International Driving Permit for international renters).
Q: Is there a fee for an additional driver?
A: The text mentions that an additional driver can be added to the rental agreement, but does not specify if there is an additional charge for this. It's best to clarify this with Tempest when booking.
In conclusion, Tempest Car Hire positions itself as a provider of affordable and accessible car rental services in South Africa, with a strong operational base at O.R. Tambo Airport. Their commitment to customer satisfaction, combined with a wide selection of vehicles and convenient booking options, makes them a notable choice for travellers navigating the country.
If you want to read more articles similar to Tempest Car Hire: Your Guide to Rental, you can visit the Automotive category.