South African Safari Rally 2025 – Back to the Wild!

From May 18 to 24, the South African Safari Rally 2025 will roar across the savannah as the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship. With more than 2,600 km of rugged terrain, including over 1,200 km of timed special stages, the event promises breathtaking African landscapes, high-speed action, and fierce competition.

South African Safari Rally 2025

Tobias Ebster – Leading the Charge for Hero MotoSports

Tobias Ebster continues to turn heads in the Rally2 category. Riding for Hero MotoSports, the Austrian has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting new talents in rally-raid. After his sensational Dakar debut, he's now leading Rally2 and hungry to build on that success in South Africa’s challenging terrain.

Ross Branch – Home Hero with a Point to Prove

Botswana’s own Ross Branch is back on familiar ground and ready to make a statement. The reigning RallyGP world champion struggled earlier in the season, but the Safari Rally could be his comeback. With his deep experience on African soil and a hunger to win at home, he's one to watch.

Nasser Al-Attiyah – Holding the Lead

Nasser Al-Attiyah arrives in South Africa as the leader of the Ultimate category. Calm, consistent, and ruthless when it counts, the Qatari legend knows how to manage a rally – and win under pressure. A solid performance here would tighten his grip on the championship standings.

No Al-Rajhi This Time

Yazeed Al-Rajhi, who stunned the rally world with his Dakar win earlier this year, will miss the Safari Rally due to a back injury sustained at the Jordan Baja. His absence opens the door for rivals to close the gap in the title fight.

South African Safari Rally 2025 Route Highlights

The event kicks off near Sun City with a fast prologue stage before diving into the wild. Stages wind through Lichtenburg, Barberspan, Stella, and Skilpadshek, combining bush tracks, open plains, and rocky sections. The infamous marathon stage (Stages 2 & 3) will test self-reliance as teams face two full days of racing without outside assistance.