The 15th edition of South Africa’s most spectacular and scenic motoring and motorsport lifestyle event – the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna – is set to take place from 1 to 4 May 2025, and ticket sales have now opened.
No event in the country combines such an exhilarating line-up of road and race cars, all being driven to their limits on the short but challenging 1.9km Simola Hill course. Whether it’s vintage cars from the pre-WWII era through to iconic machines from 1980s competing in Classic Car Friday, or the King of the Hill contenders that range from mild to outrageously wild modern hillclimb monsters, this is an exhilarating automotive event not to be missed.
The driver line-up is equally impressive, with many of South Africa’s top racers found behind the wheel of the diverse and exciting range of cars. The Simola Hillclimb has gained immense popularity due to its accessible nature that brings fans into the heart of the action, combined with a sizzling atmosphere that places it amongst the top hillclimb events in the world. For corporates it offers a unique, high energy lifestyle outing at which to entertain and build valued relationships with guests and clients.
It offers superb “bang for the buck”, with General Entry tickets available at R170 per day when purchased on the event website: www.simolahillclimb.com. The 3 Day Pass, which includes Classic Car Friday on 2 May and the two thrilling days of King of the Hill on 3 and 4 May, offers great value at R420 per person. Tickets bought at the event are R190 and R500, respectively, while General Entry access for accompanied children under the age of 12 is free.
Spectators have the option of selecting a variety of upgrades to further enhance their Simola Hillclimb experience, including Pit Access tickets at R270 per day or the 3 Day Pass for R750 when purchased online, or R300 and R850 at the gate. For children under 12, the full price is charged on all upgrades due to the tickets being limited.
The Pit Access ticket gets fans into the exciting and bustling pitlane to see the cars close up and meet the drivers. However, in the interests of safety, the Pit Access tickets are strictly limited and are usually sold out long before the event, so it is advisable to purchase these tickets early before they’re all gone.
P1 VIP Parking can be selected at R150 per day, and is recommended for visitors with Pit Access tickets as it is located close to the pit complex. These tickets can only be purchased online, and will not be sold at the event.
There are two Grandstand seating options available, priced at R270 per day or R750 for all three days when purchased online, or or R300 and R850 at the gate. The 500-seat Turn 2 Grandstand is located at the Simola Hillclimb’s second corner, giving spectators a superb view that stretches from the start line all the way up to the Turn 3 bridge – with the uphill straight being the fastest part of the course where the quickest cars top out at over 250 km/h.
Further up the hill, The Esses Grandstand accommodates 300 people and is situated between Turn 4 and Turn 5. It provides a spectacular vantage point to watch the cars emerging from the Turn 3 bridge and powering their way up the short straight and into the first part of the tricky snaking sequence of corners that leads the competitors to the finish line at the top of the Simola Hill.
VIP Hospitality
Spectators looking for an exclusive, luxurious and truly immersive Simola Hillclimb experience can purchase tickets for the Le Mans VIP Hospitality package, which is limited to 250 guests per day. The Le Mans VIP Lounge’s elevated viewing deck places visitors in the prime location with an unrivalled view of the pit lane and start line.
Along with General Entry and access to the lounge, the hospitality tickets incorporate Priority Parking, Pit Access, an all-day food service that includes 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 375 per person for Classic Car Friday, or R4 350 for King of the Hill on either Saturday or Sunday. The 2 Day Pass for King of the Hill is R8 100, or R10 750 for the full three-day VIP experience. Tickets for children under 12 are R1 050 per day. The Le Mans VIP Hospitality tickets can only be purchased on the Simola Hillclimb website.
In addition to the individual hospitality options, the event also caters for groups. Speed Lounge pods are available for companies to host staff or clients, or even a group of friends getting together to enjoy all the action from alongside the start line. The package includes all the VIP benefits including Pit Access, delicious food and refreshments, complemented by exceptional service.
For larger groups Pavilion VIP Corporate Boxes are available, featuring a private suite with a superb vantage point right alongside the start line. Guests receive the full VIP hospitality treatment, including a private bar and all-day catering within the marquee.
Bookings for the Speed Lounge pods and Pavilion VIP Corporate Boxes, as well as groups of six people or more for Le Mans VIP Hospitality, can be made by e-mailing candice@approachcreative.co.za.
The 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 1 to 4 May 2025.
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