Tickets are now available online for the 16th Simola Hillclimb, which is set to take place in Knysna from 30 April to 3 May 2026.
The Simola Hillclimb is South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, attracting a dazzling array of cars to enthral fans. From vintage icons to legendary race machines, hot hatchbacks and exclusive supercars to highly modified beasts built specifically to conquer the tight and challenging 1.9 km Simola Hill, there’s truly something for everyone. The driver line-up is equally illustrious, featuring many of South Africa’s top racing drivers, along with international stars regularly thrown into the mix too.
The event kicks off on 30 April 2026 with scrutineering for the Classic Car Friday competitors and the exciting parade along Knysna’s Waterfront Drive – both of which are free to access. Then it’s into the competitive action for Classic Car Friday on 1 May, along with the King of the Hill scrutineering and late afternoon parade – the latter activities once again open to the public.
Thereafter, it’s two intense days of performance and power during the King of the Hill challenge on Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May, ultimately crowning the champions in the three separate categories: Road Cars and Supercars; Modified Saloon Cars; and Single Seaters, Sports Cars and Sports Prototypes.
In conjunction with the thrilling on-track spectacle, the Simola Hillclimb always delivers superb entertainment and activities for fans of all ages. This includes numerous displays and demonstrations, a top-class range of food, beverage and merchandise vendors, as well as breathtaking helicopter flips – all of which make this the must-attend event of the year.
Online ticket sales for this prestigious event are now open on the Simola Hillclimb website (www.simolahillclimb.com), allowing spectators to get a jump start on securing their front-row seats at next year’s event.
General Entry tickets are priced at R190 per person per day when purchased online, or R210 at the gate during the event. Spectators benefit from exceptional value when purchasing the three-day pass, which costs R465 per person online, or R550 at the gate. Children under the age of 12 have free access with adult supervision.
Numerous upgrades are available, enabling visitors to tailor their Simola Hillclimb experiences to their preferences. The Pit Access tickets are always extremely popular, allowing enthusiasts to get into the heart of the Simola Hillclimb pitlane and see the amazing range of cars and drivers close-up. These are priced at R300 each per day or R825 for the two-day pass when purchased online, or R330 and R950, respectively, at the gate. However, Pit Access tickets are strictly limited in the interests of safety, and they typically sell out well in advance – so it’s best to grab these early to avoid missing out.
Spectators have the option of two grandstands that provide fantastic views of the action. The Turn 2 Grandstand is strategically placed to see the cars sprinting from the start arch to the slight left turn and the crucial right-hander that leads into the uphill straight, which is the fastest part of the 1.9 km course.
The Esses Grandstand is positioned near the top of the steep Simola Hill, providing a superb view of the cars sweeping through the demanding sequence of corners leading up to the finish line. Grandstand seating for Turn 2 and The Esses is priced at R300 per person for each day, or R825 for all three days when purchased online. Prices at the gate are R330 and R950, respectively.
VIP Parking close to the pits can be added as an extra via online purchases only. This is priced at R165 per vehicle per day.
VIP Hospitality
The ultimate way to experience the Simola Hillclimb is with the Le Mans Hospitality Lounge packages that are available. The exclusive Le Mans Hospitality Lounge provides an elevated deck with a superb view of the pit lane and start line. The tickets include General Entry, Priority Parking, Pit Access, an all-day food service that provides lunch from 12h00 and afternoon tea, as well as beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and soft drinks (a cash bar is available for other beverages).
The hospitality package is priced at R3 550 per person for Classic Car Friday, and R4 750 per day for King of the Hill on Saturday or Sunday. The two-day package for King of the Hill is R9 000, or R12 250 for the full three-day VIP experience. The cost for children under the age of 12 is R1 150 per day. These tickets can only be purchased online and are limited to 250 guests per day.
In addition to the individual hospitality options, the event also caters for groups. Pavilion VIP Corporate Boxes are available, featuring a private suite with a superb vantage point right alongside the start line. The Pavilion VIP Corporate Boxes are ideally suited to companies hosting staff or clients. Guests receive the full VIP hospitality treatment, including Priority Parking, Pit Access, a private bar and all-day catering within the marquee.
Bookings for the Pavilion VIP Corporate Boxes, as well as groups of six people or more for Le Mans VIP Hospitality, can be made by e-mailing emma@speedfestival.co.za.
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026.
Tabasco Dracula
The term “wicket” is used multiple times in cricket. Getting a wicket is dismissing a batsman. Losing a wicket is getting dismissed. A bowler who dismisses a batsman is said to take a wicket. Sometimes, a cricket pitch is called a wicket, although this is considered incorrect by the Laws of Cricket. Regardless, it is still being used, especially by commentators.
squatch
The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan marked the first time the tournament was held in Asia, reflecting the sport’s growing global appeal. The competition featured 20 teams, with South Africa emerging as the champions after defeating England in the final. The next Rugby World Cup is scheduled for 2023 in France.