A look back as Malawi welcomed return of Africa Rally 2025

This year’s Africa Rally once again captured the adventurous spirit of overland travel — and for many participants, the heart of the journey was found in Malawi. A highlight for the rally teams as they traversed its breathtaking landscapes, Malawi welcomed the participants with warm smiles through villages and communities as they passed by the iconic Lake Malawi, before moving through the continent.

Beyond the miles traveled, the rally achieved something even greater: raising more than ZAR800,000 (and counting!) for 27 global causes ranging from cancer care and education, to wildlife conservation and elderly support. At the time of publishing, the online leaderboard reflected ZAR812,235, with offline donations adding another ZAR32,000. Contributions are still open for those inspired by the teams’ incredible journey.

A Look Back on the 2025 Adventure

On Sunday, 6th July 2025, 47 vehicles set off from Sparrowhawk Lodge near Hartbeespoort, beginning a 5,000 km adventure over three weeks. The rally tested endurance, creativity, and a sense of humor, with participants piloting everything from classic vintage cars to quirky everyday vehicles.

The Challenger Route carried teams across Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania, culminating on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya. Malawi was a centerpiece of this leg, offering spectacular scenery and cultural encounters that left a lasting impression on all who passed through.

Meanwhile, the Discovery Route took a different turn: from Malawi, some teams headed south through Mozambique, while others crossed Zimbabwe. Both pathways eventually led to Eswatini, where the final celebrations took place on Saturday, 26th July.

Not every car survived the rough roads — but some of the oldest and most unlikely vehicles triumphed where modern 4x4s faltered.

• Winner of the Challenger Route 2025: Team Austin TEN-acious (Scott & Feroza Rodgers, Scotland) in a 1935 Austin 10.

• Winner of the Discovery Route 2025: Team The 5th Beatle with Mathew “Ceejay” Chackalakal in a 1960 VW Beetle.

Memorable Malawi

For many participants, as well as being the most significant ‘check point’ (Discovery route followers turning here to return south, Challenger route followers pressing on north to Kenya) Malawi was the soul of the journey. The winding mountain roads, vibrant markets, and tranquil waters of Lake Malawi provided both challenges and moments of awe. Nights spent along the lakeshore offered much-needed rest, while the country’s famously warm hospitality ensured no team ever felt like a stranger. Whether repairing cars roadside with the help of local mechanics or sharing meals in small towns, Malawi brought a unique richness to the rally experience.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Africa Rally returns next year from Saturday 4th July to Saturday 25th July 2026, with two exciting routes:

• The Challenger Route will feature a special Zanzibar edition.

• The Discovery Route will follow a similar route to 2025 including a return visit to Malawi, where the adventure truly comes alive.

Registration is already open, with spots filling quickly. Teams can secure a place with a 50% deposit and nothing more to pay until March 2026.

For more details or to register, email the HQ Team at info@africarally.com.