The Trans-Africa Rally 2026 brings vintage motoring to Namibia as part of an ambitious 29-day trek across seven nations, blending classic car culture with African exploration.
Staff Reporter THE Trans-Africa Rally 2026 is currently making its way through Namibia as part of a 29-day, 7,800-kilometre journey across seven African countries, combining classic motoring, adventure tourism, wildlife experiences and some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes.. The rally, which started in Cape Town on 3 May 2026 and will conclude in Durban on 31 May 2026, is limited to 22 vehicles and is primarily designed for participants driving pre-war, vintage and classic
cars manufactured before 1980.. Organisers have, however, exceptionally allowed a limited number of 4×4 vehicles built after 1980 to participate in this edition.. According to the organisers, the route takes participants through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with highlights including the Cape Winelands, Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, Chobe, Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba and Bazaruto Island.. Photos: Destination Rally The event officially commenced with a gala evening at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape
Town before participants departed in rainy weather for the first stage of the rally through Cape Point and Franschhoek.. “The spirit is high even if the weather is mixed,” organisers said after the opening stages of the journey.. The rally entered Namibia on Day 4 after travelling from Springbok to Fish River Canyon, marking the beginning of the dirt-road section of the adventure.. Participants have since travelled through Fish River Canyon, Aus, Sossusvlei and Swakopmund,
encountering green desert landscapes, mud passages caused by recent rains, technical vehicle challenges and wildlife sightings along the route.. “With all the rains that have been falling lately, the desert is green with yellow flowers, but mud and water passages are dotting the route,” organisers said during the Aus-to-Sossusvlei leg.. The convoy reached Swakopmund on Days 8 and 9 after passing the Tropic of Capricorn, desert canyons and Walvis Bay, where participants stopped for lunch
surrounded by pelicans.. Organisers confirmed that two vehicles had already dropped out of the rally due to mechanical issues, although the affected participants continue with the expedition.. “So far, two cars have given up, but the participants continue,” the organisers stated.. The Namibia section of the rally continues through Damaraland, Etosha and Divundu before crossing into Botswana en route to Chobe and Victoria Falls.. The remainder of the journey will take participants through Zimbabwe, Mozambique
and South Africa before ending in Durban later this month.. Organisers described the rally as “a return to the essence of exploration”, combining overlanding adventure with wildlife, cultural experiences and classic motoring across Africa’s diverse landscapes.
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