The organisers of the Cape 1000 have announced the Safari 500 regularity rally, which will kick off in 2026. Here’s what you can expect.
The Cape 1000 has become known as “South Africa’s most beautiful drive”, and now the Safari 500 aims to become South Africa’s Ultimate Driving Safari and Regularity Challenge. Structured to encourage camaraderie among like-minded car enthusiasts, the Inaugural Safari 500 will take place between Wednesday, 29 July and Sunday, 2 August 2026. The event will blend grand touring regularity rallying with safari driving; traversing over 500 miles (800 km) over three days and four nights. Drivers will also take part in a variety of other activities, including a game drive in the Kruger National Park in open game vehicles.
Participants’ skill and precision will be tested throughout the structured regularity rally stages, as well as grand touring routes where drivers and passengers can take in the sights. The route was chosen to focus on the landscapes and abundant wildlife that the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces have to offer. The provisional route exclusively includes tarred roads.
The event will include 65 cars across four categories: Classic (Pre-1976), Modern Classic (1977–1996), Sports (1997–current), and Special (Restomod/Recreation).
Entries for the Safari 500 are now open, with all applications subject to the admissions committee’s approval. Drivers can apply via www.safari500.com.
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