The countdown has begun! From May 18–24, 2025, South Africa will make motorsport history as it hosts the South African Safari Rally, Round 3 of the prestigious World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), for the first time ever. This landmark event, presented by Toyota Gazoo Racing, promises to be a game-changer for the local motorsport landscape and a moment of global significance.
A Defining Moment for South African Motorsport
This isn’t just another race on the calendar—it’s a defining moment for motorsport in South Africa. As Vic Maharaj, CEO of Motorsport South Africa, puts it, “It’s about more than racing—it’s about showcasing our talent, our terrain, and our ability to deliver world-class events.” The event serves as a global spotlight for South Africa, offering a stage to display the country’s engineering prowess and deep-rooted motorsport heritage.
With South African-manufactured cars making up more than half of the field, this event is not only a celebration of local talent but also a testament to the nation’s engineering excellence. “Having the event on our home ground for the first time is incredibly exciting. We believe this could open doors to even bigger opportunities, including F1 in the future,” says Maharaj.
Anton Roux, Chairman of Motorsport South Africa, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the potential long-term benefits of hosting such a prestigious event: “This event has the potential to pave the way for many more international motorsport events in South Africa. It is most probably the largest international event South Africa has hosted since the last Formula 1 race at Kyalami in 1993.”
World-Class Competitors Ready to Race
With entries closing at the end of April, the event is attracting a stellar lineup of top local and international participants. The South African Safari Rally promises to be a thrilling showcase of international rally-raid stars alongside some of the country’s finest local talent.
One of the standout names is Botswana’s very own Ross Branch, the FIM W2RC champion and fan-favourite “Kalahari Ferrari” riding with Hero Motorsports. South African fans will also have plenty to cheer about with the return of Dakar Rally legend Giniel de Villiers. After announcing his comeback from retirement, de Villiers will be joining #TeamHiluxRallyRaid for the next two seasons, with his debut coming at the Safari Rally itself. “Having Giniel on board is like adding a turbocharger to our team,” says teammate Fouché Blignaut. “He brings unmatched experience and passion to the track.”
Internationally, the event’s most high-profile entry is Qatari star Nasser Al-Attiyah, alongside his French co-driver Edouard Boulanger from the Dacia Sandriders team. Al-Attiyah, the reigning W2RC champion, has won every title since the championship’s inception in 2022, along with an impressive five Dakar Rally wins and multiple FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies titles. His presence at the South African Safari Rally adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.
A Thrilling Local Battle
While Al-Attiyah’s reputation precedes him, South African competitors are eager to prove their mettle on home turf. The event will see some of the country’s rising stars face off against international giants. Among the local competitors are Saood Variawa and Guy Botterill from TGRSA, Gareth Woolridge from Neil Woolridge Motorsport, the 2023 South African Rally Raid Champion, and Brian Baragwanath from Century Racing.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our local talent, regardless of rank, to compete with and learn from the best drivers in the world,” says Roux. “Where else would South African talent have an opportunity to share the same bivouac as these huge global Dakar stars?”
A Unique African Challenge
The South African Safari Rally will take participants from Sun City through the stunning terrain of the desert dunes, providing a uniquely African backdrop for one of the world’s toughest motorsport challenges. With over 100 competitors across various classes, the event will test the best of the best in rally-raid.
As Archie Rutherford, CEO of SA Rally Raid Championship (SARRC), puts it: “This is the moment we’ve worked so hard for. The world is watching—and we’re almost ready.”
Get Ready to Be Part of History
This monumental event will not only captivate motorsport fans but will also showcase South Africa’s potential as a hub for international motorsport. Fans can expect to see all the drama unfold from May 18–24, 2025. For those unable to attend, there will be plenty of ways to follow the action on social media, meet the drivers, and get behind-the-scenes access to this high-octane spectacle.
The South African Safari Rally is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of local and international talent, engineering excellence, and the unyielding spirit of motorsport. With the world’s eyes on South Africa, the stage is set for an unforgettable event that will leave a lasting impact on the global motorsport scene.
