It’s where metal meets heart in Africa as the 2025 Africa Rally gears up for its start in July; local teams are hoping to lead the pack as they raise funds to support the causes closest to their hearts.
South Africa (08 June 2025) – Buckle up because the Africa Rally is back and roaring to life this July, with engines, hearts, and hopes all pointed north. 50 teams from around the world will be travelling to South Africa, to start the rally on local soil.
Kicking off near Hartbeespoort on 6 July, this epic charity road trip will see teams of adventure-seekers make their way across 5,000 kilometres of dust, border crossings, and unforgettable memories before reaching the finish line in Kenya on 26 July.
What started as a quirky overland adventure has evolved into a powerful movement for good. Now in its third year, the Africa Rally invites teams from around the world to take part in a three-week journey through Southern and East Africa, and this year, half of those teams are proudly South African. Whoop-whoop!
From classic cars to creatively customised rides, each team is tasked with raising funds for a charity of their choice. And while there are no trophies for the fastest finish, there is a grand prize for the biggest fundraiser, not to mention bragging rights, a mystery award, and the legendary “Golden Pineapple” for the team that survives the most misadventures along the way, ag-shem!
One of the standout local teams in this year’s rally is Team Jagerbug, driving for a cleaner environment and a kinder world for animals. They’re raising funds for Recycle for Animal Welfare (RAW), a remarkable East Rand organisation that collects recyclable materials like glass and cardboard from areas including Primrose, Edenvale, Marlands and Witfield. These recyclables are turned into funds to assist animals in need with food, veterinary care, and sterilisation, all while helping to clean up the environment.
The rally has already raised over R83,000 (at the time of writing this) and counting, with every cent going directly to charity via GivenGain. All donations, big or small, make a difference, and South Africans are encouraged to back a local team, a good cause, or even just a particularly good-looking vehicle.
The local teams are:
- Team Divine Drifters (driving a Toyota Land Cruiser), supporting The Hero Burn Foundation & Linda James Foundation: https://www.givengain.com/cause/lindajamesfoundation
- Team Morris (driving a 1951 Morris Minor)
- Team Duguza (driving a 2022 Ford Ranger)
- Team The Usual Suspects Do Africa (riding a 2024 Triumph Adventure Bike)
- Team Two Travelling Souls (driving a 2023 Toyota Hilux DC 4×4), supporting Drought Relief
- Team Wachunguzi (driving a Land Rover Defender 2.4 Puma)
- Team Ants in Africa (driving a 2019 VW Amarok), supporting Simbonga Game Reserve (also known as Warriors of Wildlife): https://www.givengain.com/project/anthony-raising-funds-for-warriors-of-wildlife-npc-103749
- Team Oddities (driving a Toyota Hilux 4×4), supporting the South African Depression & Anxiety Group:https://www.givengain.com/project/grant-raising-funds-for-the-south-african-depression-and-anxiety-group-sadag-103772
- Team Live, Laugh, Repeat (driving a VW Amarok)
- Team Bambisana (driving a 90s Series 1999 Short Wheelbase Land Rover)
- Team FEMININOMENON (driving a Toyota Cressida)
- Team Solo (driving an Ineos Grenadier), supporting Lapalala Wilderness School
- Team Jagerbugs Adventures (driving a 1971 VW Beetle famously “The Jagerbug”), supporting RAW – Recycling for Animal Welfare: https://www.givengain.com/project/rory-raising-funds-for-raw-recycling-for-animal-welfare-104520
- Team Luna’s Adventures (driving a 1976 VW Beetle), also supporting RAW – Recycling for Animal Welfare: https://www.givengain.com/project/westly-raising-funds-for-raw-recycling-for-animal-welfare-104880
In 2023, the rally captured imaginations with entries like a 1971 VW ice cream truck and a 1978 Leyland Mini drawing grins at every petrol stop. But while the vehicles may look like they belong in a cartoon strip, the mission behind the mayhem is deeply meaningful: to unite people across borders through purpose-driven adventure.
“There’s something magical about watching strangers become teammates, and then family, all while raising money for causes close to their hearts,” says organiser Paul Clayton, who first dreamed up the rally after driving a £200 car from London to Mongolia in his student days.
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So if you spot a bizarre convoy rolling through your town, give them a wave. They might just be changing the world, one pothole at a time.
You can follow the adventure from the 6th of July 2025 via Facebook, Instagram and the website. You can also keep tabs of the overall fundraising via GivenGain here.
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