FAQS

Booking & Payments

  • expand_moreWhat is the fuel service fee?
    If the rental car is not returned with a full tank of fuel, we will charge the renter for the fuel (based on current fuel prices) + ZAR 500 service fee for filling up the tank.
  • expand_moreCan I cancel my reservation?
    Yes, no problem. You can cancel your reservation but make sure to give us a 20 day notice. Our cancellation policy requires that you must send us an email to info@happycampers.co.za 20 days prior to your pickup time! To make any changes, please send an email to info@happycampers.co.za and let us know what you want to change. Remember to include your reservation number, which you can find in your confirmation e-mail.

  • expand_moreCan I make changes to my reservation?
    Yes, we like to keep it simple and easy. You can make changes anytime you want without any fees. Please send us an email to info@happycampers.co.za and let us know what you want to change. Remember to include your reservation number, which you can find in your confirmation e-mail.
  • expand_moreWhat is the minimum rental period?
    The minimum rental period for our Happy 1 and Happy 3 campervans is 4 full days (96 hours). You are welcome to rent the camper van for a shorter period of time, but the charge will be for 4 days. The minimum rental period for our Happy 4x4 campervan is 5 full days (120 hours). You are welcome to rent the camper van for a shorter period of time, but the charge will be for 5 days.
  • expand_moreI booked a camper but didn’t get a confirmation email. What should I do?
    A confirmation e-mail should arrive to customers no later than 24 hours after the booking took place. If you have not received confirmation, please check the following: - Did you finalize the booking process ? - Did the confirmation e-mail go to your junk mail folder (spam)? If you have checked those things, please send us an email to info@happycampers.co.za with your information (name, email, pickup date) and we will check your booking and reply to you within 24 hours. Or alternatively you can call us or drop us a WhatsApp to +27 87 148 8412 in office hours.
  • expand_moreIs it possible to add a third driver?
    Yes, no problem. You can add up to two additional drivers. All drivers have to be over 21 years of age and show their driver's license at the Happy Campers office before starting the rental contract. Note that an extra driver does attract an extra fee of ZAR 350 per rental.
  • expand_moreDo I need an international driver's license to rent a car?
    No, a valid South African drivers license if you are a South African national is just fine. Otherwise, if you are a foreign national, an international driver's license is required.
  • expand_moreHow old do I have to be to rent a campervan?
    The minimum age to rent and/or drive a campervan is 21 years old.
  • expand_moreWhen will the rental contract become active?
    The rental contract becomes active when you sign the contract at our office.
  • expand_moreI can’t book a campervan on your website. What should I do?
    Our booking engine on our website has the most accurate and updated information about our availability and is the best place to book. Bookings are automatically scheduled in the most efficient way possible, so if you are getting 'no availability', unfortunately we cannot help you find availability even if we wanted to. If you are flexible, try changing your dates slightly to find available rental periods and/or change the camper van category.
  • expand_moreWhat is included in the rental price?
    The rental price includes a limit of 500 kilometers per day, 14 % VAT tax, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), bedding (sheet, pillows, blankets), and basically everything you need to cook, eat and sleep in the camper van. Please review terms and conditions and the information page for your camper van category before booking the van. Take a look at the Extras section of our website for additional amenities, but you can choose to add those extras during the booking process.
  • expand_moreDoes it matter which credit card I bring?
    Yes. We will always need the lessee's (driver's) credit card on file for insurance reasons.
  • expand_moreDo I need to bring a credit card when I pick up the camper van?
    Yes, even if you are not paying with a credit card, you will need to bring the lessee´s (driver´s) credit card or the credit card you used when you reserved the booking to put on file for insurance purposes.
  • expand_moreHow can I pay for the rental?
    For the online booking, you will need to pay using a credit card. The credit card will be presented at the delivery of the campervan, where full payment of the rental cost will be taken using our Point Of Sale (POS) device. We cannot accept cash in any currency, including Euros and Icelandic Krona or any other payment method, such as a wire transfer or PayPal. Just remember that we always need a valid credit card from the lessee (driver) for security and insurance reasons.
  • expand_moreWhen will you charge my credit card?
    You will be charged 100% (or the total amount minus the deposit already paid) of the total amount when you arrive at our offices for pick-up.
  • expand_moreDo I have to pay in advance when booking online?
    Yes, a deposit of R1000 is required when making your booking online. The deposit is to confirm your booking otherwise we cannot guarantee availability if you pay at a later stage. The balance of the total rental amount is required upon arrival at our depot. You will need to pay this amount with a credit card or a debit card.
  • expand_moreCan I get a refund if I return the camper early?
    No, refunds are not given for returning the camper early. However, you can change your reservation without any fees before you start your rental, even when you are picking up the van at our office. Once your rental starts, we cannot change your booking and give refunds.
  • expand_moreWhen do I pay for the rental?
    You will pay 100% of the booking fee (minus any deposit already paid) upon arrival at our office. You can pay with a credit card or debit card when you arrive. However, remember that even if you decide to pay with a debit card, you always need a valid credit card from the lessee (the renter) for security and insurance reasons.
  • expand_moreWhere do I get the best price?
    Our best prices are always online, so the cheapest and easiest way to book a camper is using our website. No hidden deals, VIP discounts, rebate programs, or silly things like that. We keep it simple and fair for everybody.
  • expand_moreHow is the price calculated?
    Our prices are based on the type of campervan you choose:
    • Happy 1: R1250 per day
    • Happy 3: R1950 per day
    • Happy 4x4: R2000 per day

Extras & Insurance

  • expand_moreIs insurance included in the rental price?
    Yes, a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included in the rental price, which limits the driver's liability to an amount of ZAR 25 000,- for each accident. Please review the terms & conditions for CDW details before booking a campervan.
  • expand_moreWhat kind of insurance do you offer?
    All of our insurance options are listed under the Extras section of our website. In addition to the included CDW, we offer several insurance add-ons:
    • Gravel Protection covers damages to the entire front of the camper van, including the windshield, headlights, and hood, caused by gravel that gets thrown at the rental car by another car.
    • Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) is the same insurance as CDW but lowers the self risk to R 5000.
    • Tire Insurance is if you damage a tire so that it needs to be replaced, you are not liable for the cost of the tire or labour replacing it.
    • Theft Insurance is in case of the van being stolen, you will not pay the R25,000 self-risk of the basic CDW.
  • expand_moreWhat kind of insurance do you recommend?
    The answer to this question really depends on personal preference, as people’s needs for peace of mind can vary greatly. We have witnessed many cases where people regret not buying extra insurance due to a costly incident and also cases where people never use the extra insurance that they bought. That is simply the nature of insurance; it is highly valuable when you need it but useless when you don’t. We simply cannot make that decision for others. We can, however, tell you that our top most popular extra insurance options are gravel protection & the Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW).
  • expand_moreCan I change the insurance when I pick up the camper van?
    Yes, you can.
  • expand_moreHow can I listen to music in my campervan?
    All good road trips include good music! Depending on the campervan category, you will find the following features in each camper van: Happy 1: USB port, CD Player, Bluetooth, Radio, MP3/Auxiliary cable Happy 3: USB port, CD Player, Bluetooth, Radio, MP3/Auxiliary cable Happy 4x4: CD Player, Radio, MP3/Auxiliary cable  

South Africa Travel

  • expand_moreWill it be too dangerous to travel in a camper van?
    Answering questions about how dangerous it is can be tricky, as people’s ability to adapt & to recognise dangerous situations can be very different. The short answer is that most people don't have major issues with dangerous situations or events whilst living in our camper vans. That being said, it's always prudent to stay vigilant at all times especially while on the road & when staying over at camping sites. We will provide each campervan a set of contact numbers & procedures if & when an event does occur that renders the campervan inoperable. We value the safety of all our customers as paramount.
  • expand_moreHow should I plan my trip?
    It's always good to be well prepared and thankfully there are many good resources online. You can take a look at SouthAfricaTourism, LonelyPlanet.com, TripAdvisor.com, and other trusted sources of information. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask us at info@happycampers.co.za or via Facebook Messenger or send us a WhatsApp to +27 87 148 8412. Also remember to consider the weather and be flexible with your plans.
  • expand_moreWhere can we park/stay overnight?
    Legislation prohibits parking overnight in a camper van outside organized campsites, urban areas or informal settlements. The most important thing to know is that different rules now apply to camper vans, so you always need to find an organized campsite to spend the night. Check out this map for information about campsites scattered throughout the country. Be happy camper and take advantage of some of the amazing campsites all over the country.
  • expand_moreWhere can I get groceries for my trip?
    Somerset Mall and a Total Fuel Station is less than 1km from our depot as well as other convenience stores including larger shopping centres. Otherwise, the town of Somerset West is a mere 5 minutes drive away where any required groceries can be obtained. The entire Cape Town area & the surrounding areas is also dotted with supermarkets & convenience stores which will satisfy any traveler's needs. Ask for directions from us at our office.
  • expand_moreWhat is the fuel price in South Africa?
    Here you can find the latest fuel prices by in South Africa.
  • expand_moreShould I buy a camping card? Where do I do that?
    Although South Africa doesn't offer a camping card, a Wild Card can be an option especially for customers who have an interest in wildlife. The Wild Card can be a good solution for people who plan on staying at certain national parks during their trip. However, note that the Wild Card card only gives access to certain campsites or parks around the country. See their website for more information about participating campsites and purchase options. It will cost a small fee to stay at any campsite in South Africa, but whether you should buy the camping card or not really depends on your preferred route and schedule around the country.

Pickup & Dropoff

  • expand_moreDo you offer a pick-up and drop-off service?
    No, we do not offer a pick-up and drop-off service. However,  Uber or local e-hailing taxis are readily available to order and can deliver customers to or from Cape Town International Airport (from Parking 2 area) or within the greater Cape Town area.

Campers

  • expand_moreDoes the camper van have a toilet and shower?
    No, our campers do not have a toilet or shower. The reason is that our goal is to make our camper vans as simple as possible to drive and operate. Showers and travel toilets require a lot of space and are complicated to operate. But do not worry, in South Africa there are many petrol stations, small shops, and restaurants where you can use the bathroom facilities.
    Most campgrounds also offer good facilities for travelers to use. For this reason, we decided to not have toilets and showers in our camper vans.
  • expand_moreWhat kind of camper vans do you have?
    All of our camper vans (except our Happy 4x4) are manual transmission vehicles. Actual make and model may vary depending on availability, so we reserve the right to deliver a similar vehicle. By similar vehicle, we mean that we will deliver a vehicle that will fulfill the requirements of the vehicle type and class that you booked. Not all our camper vans are brand new, but they are all well maintained and in very good condition.
  • expand_moreDo I need a sleeping bag?
    Everything you need to sleep in the camper van is included (sheets, pillows & 2 blankets) and that, in addition to warm clothes, is enough to stay comfortable. However, if you prefer having a sleeping bag during cold nights, we recommend bringing your own.
  • expand_moreDo I have to return the camper van clean?
    We ask all of our customers to return the camper van in good shape, inside and outside. We do not require you to return the camper van completely clean, but if it is exceptionally dirty, requiring difficult stain removal or other special cleaning efforts, we will charge a cleaning fee of R 1000.
  • expand_moreCan we use a child seat in the campervan?
    We currently offer child seats in our Happy 3 and Happy 4x4 campervans at R100 per day. Please ensure to request a seat before the start of your booking as child seats are subject to availability.
  • expand_moreHow can I charge my electronics (phone, camera, etc.) during my trip?
    Our camper vans have a standard 12V car socket (cigarette lighter). You can rent an inverter for R275 per rental. Otherwise we highly recommend bringing your own inverters, converters, cables, and multi-plugs for your charging needs.
  • expand_moreAre your campervans 4x4 vehicles? Do you have any 4x4 campers?
    Yes we do! Please check out our Happy 4x4 which is perfect for off-road driving, cross-border trips or just getting you off the beaten track.
  • expand_moreAre your campervans suitable to drive in South Africa?
    Yes, although parts of the country are no-go areas for driving, if you follow the main roads it is safe and relatively easy to drive our camper vans around South Africa. Our main roads in the Western Cape & other parts of the country, are generally well-maintained and cleared by the government to make driving safe and easy. However, South Africa does sometimes experience unpredictable weather, so we highly recommend paying close attention to the weather and road conditions. Be cautious, use common sense, and always err on the side of safety.
  • expand_moreDo you have any automatic transmission camper vans?
    Yes we do! Our Happy 4x4 has automatic transmission, however the rest of our vehicles have manual transmission.
  • expand_moreDo your camper vans have Wifi?
    Unfortunately, we currently do not offer WiFi in our camper vans. However, we are working on changing this in the not too distant future.
  • expand_moreWhat is the fuel consumption?
    Our van's fuel consumption/mileage is the following:
    • Happy 1: approx. 6-7 liters/100Km. Fuel tank size is 60 liters.
    • Happy 3: approx. 8-10 liters/100Km. Fuel tank size is 100 liters
    • Happy 4x4: approx. 9-11 litres / 100Km. Fuel tank size is 80 litres
  • expand_moreAre extra gas canisters included in the van?
    Yes, 4 extra gas canisters come with the camper van for free. This is in addition to the leftover gas in the canister from the previous rental. This will usually last 10-12 days of cooking for 2 people but 7-10 days for 4 people.
    For longer rentals, or people who are planning on using the gas stove a lot, we suggest purchasing extra gas canisters, as they can be difficult to buy in other locations around South Africa.
  • expand_moreDo your camper vans have a tracking system?
    Yes, all of our camper vans have a tracking system installed for safety reasons. In case of an emergency, we will be able to locate you quickly and send help right away. This tracking feature cannot be turned off at any point for this reason.

Office

  • expand_moreWhen/how can I contact you?
    The best way to contact us is through our contact form on our front page. You can also send us an email directly to info@happycampers.co.za. However, we only check and respond to emails during business hours (8-17). If you need to reach us immediately, please call our office at +27 87 148 8412 or send us a whatsapp. If you are currently traveling in South Africa in your camper and need emergency assistance, please call the emergency number provided in your handbook. If you are hurt or in danger, please call South Africa's emergency number 10111 immediately or Netcare Ambulance Services 082 911.
  • expand_moreWhat are your opening hours?
    We are open all days from 8:00 to 17:00. Yes, that includes Sundays!
  • expand_moreCan I pick up or return the camper van outside opening hours?
    Sorry, but the camper can only be picked up and returned during business hours. When you return the van, please return it no later than 16:30, since we close at 17:00 and need 30 minutes to check you out.
  • expand_moreWhere do we pick up and drop-off the campervan?
    Both the campervan pickup and drop-off take place at our office situated at M02/15 Baker Square Block, De Beers Avenue at Paardevlei, Somerset West. All of our campervan rentals begin and end at this location. We do not offer to bring the camper to you in Cape Town, or any other location, and we also do not accept the campervan to be returned at any other location.
  • expand_moreDo you offer emergency breakdown assistance?
    Absolutely! We offer a roadside assistance service for all of our customers. Just call our office number +27 87 148 8412 and we will help you find a solution to your problem. We weren’t kidding about keeping things simple, easy, and fun.
  • expand_moreDo you close for winter?
    No, we are open for Winter, Summer, Autumn & Spring. So all year round.

Other

  • expand_moreCan I cancel my reservation?
    Yes, no problem. You can cancel your reservation but make sure to give us a 20 day notice. Our cancellation policy requires that you must send us an email to info@happycampers.co.za 20 days prior to your pickup time! To make any changes, please send an email to info@happycampers.co.za and let us know what you want to change. Remember to include your reservation number, which you can find in your confirmation e-mail.

  • expand_moreWhat are your opening hours?
    We are open all days from 8:00 to 17:00. Yes, that includes Sundays!
  • expand_moreWhat is the minimum rental period?
    The minimum rental period for our Happy 1 and Happy 3 campervans is 4 full days (96 hours). You are welcome to rent the camper van for a shorter period of time, but the charge will be for 4 days. The minimum rental period for our Happy 4x4 campervan is 5 full days (120 hours). You are welcome to rent the camper van for a shorter period of time, but the charge will be for 5 days.