This means that for the inaugural South African Safari Rally (SASR), that will be brought to us by Toyota Gazoo Racing, competitors can look forward to a challenging and exciting route that will showcase some of the country’s spectacular landscapes, while demanding strength, endurance, speed and agility from the drivers, navigators and cars, as well as the riders and motorcycles that will take on the challenge from May 18-24.

The event will be based at the Sun City resort in the North West Province of South Africa, and is set to deliver an enthralling spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts while pushing teams to the limit in the search for glory.

Although crews can expect drier weather when the SASR kicks off with five gruelling stages across the North West Province, there’s no doubt the event will push competitors and their machines to the limit.

Why are we so sure?

Because the organising team has spent nearly a year planning, scouting, and refining the route. The final reconnaissance and mapping took place in March and April, led by SASR route director Evan Hutchison, alongside the Amaury Sport Organisation – promoters of the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.

“We left Johannesburg on 17 March and returned on 1 April after covering 4,270km through some of the most challenging terrain I have ever encountered,” said Hutchison, a multiple South African rally-raid champion with decades of experience in the sport, and several years as route director for the local championship.

“We didn’t traverse well-travelled sand roads and routes. We opted for rough, uncharted terrain chosen to challenge the most capable off-road cars and motorcycles in the world. Thick bush, rocky sections and river beds were the norm, and this is what competitors can look forward to for the South African Safari Rally.”

The route reconnaissance team relied on a pair of Toyota Hilux 4x4s equipped with all the gear and accessories required to complete this arduous job.

“Most importantly, we fitted Falken WildPeak M/T 265/70 R17 mud-terrain tyres on both Hiluxes,” Hutchison added.

“Rugged and durable tyres are the most important feature when driving off-road, as punctures and sidewall damage are the norm on a trip like this.”

Hutchison says he was impressed on multiple fronts.

“First of all, the vehicles were faultless, which is not surprising as Toyota has a well-proven reputation for conquering Africa’s toughest terrain,” he said. “However, the most incredible fact from the trip is that we never had any tyre issues, completing a combined 8,540km on the two vehicles without a single puncture. If you have ever done off-road driving in this kind of terrain, you will understand how impressive this is.

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Challenging route reconnaissance raises expectations for South African Safari Rally competitors

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