4X4 CHALLENGES FOR 2026
Get ready for our most extreme challenges to date
Baboon’s Pass Face-Off – June ’26
Every off-roader talks about it. Very few actually do it. And even fewer do it the CRR way.
This June, we are heading into the “Kingdom in the Sky” for the Baboon’s Pass Face-Off. This is not just another trip to Lesotho, this is a reckoning. We’re going to find out exactly what you and your vehicle are made of on the most grueling, technical and soul-testing pass in Southern Africa.
The CRR Edge: Private Access While the pass itself is legendary, our Lead Guide, Louis, has been back in the Maloti Mountains securing something truly special. We’ve gained exclusive access to private mountain routes that tie into the pass – sectors that are strictly off-limits to the public. You’ll be traversing terrain that has remained untouched, offering a pure, raw Lesotho experience.
The Mission: Endurance & Mechanical Mastery Baboon’s Pass in June is a war of attrition. Between the high altitude and the technical rock-work, this is the ultimate test of mechanical resilience. To ensure the safety of the convoy and maintain a fluid tactical flow through the mountain’s most notorious obstacles, we have set a “No-Compromise” entry spec:
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Minimum 35” Tires: Anything less is a liability on the one
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Suspension Lift: Maximum clearance is your best friend here
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Front & Rear Lockers: Mandatory for the technical climbs
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The Mindset: A “never-say-die” attitude
Survival Meets Sophistication The days will be hard-earned, but the nights will be pure CRR. Think high-altitude basecamps, chef-prepared mountain cuisine to fuel the soul and the kind of trail-side engineering stories that only happen when an elite group of drivers pushes the limit together.
The Selection List Because of the extreme nature of this route, we are capping the convoy at a very small number. We aren’t just looking for entries, we are looking for the right rigs matching the right drivers.
Do you have what it takes to face Baboon”s Pass?
Moegatle 4×4 Gambit – Aug ’26
This May, Cape Route Rally is officially crossing the border.
We’re heading to Johannesburg for the first time to host the Moegatle 4×4 Gambit, and because you’ve been part of the inner circle, we wanted to give you the first look before the public entries open.
The Intel from the Field Our lead guide, Louis, has spent the last few weeks in the dust of the North “doing his homework.” He hasn’t just found tracks, he’s mapped out a series of Grade 5+ routes that are exclusive to CRR. We’re talking about iconic obstacles and new, untouched terrain that will demand every bit of your experience and your vehicle’s capability.
The Mission Profile This isn’t a scenic Sunday drive. The Gambit is a multi-disciplinary assault:
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The Terrain: A relentless mix of technical rock crawling, Highveld mud, water crossings and heavy sand.
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The Requirement: This event is strictly for “built” rigs. To ensure the convoy moves and the spirit stays high, lifted vehicles with both front and rear lockers are mandatory. No exceptions.
The CRR Standard While the day is about mechanical mastery and “The Gambit,” the evenings will be in pure CRR style. We’re bringing our signature hospitality to the JHB bush – premium fireside dining, top-shelf camaraderie and the kind of “breakdowns and brotherhood” stories that only happen on our rallies.
Secure Your Spot We are keeping this convoy extremely tight to ensure we can tackle the Grade 5+ sections without any delays – no crowds just unfiltered access to the most challenging terrain the North has to offer.
Are you in for the JHB Invasion?
Desert & Diamonds – October ’26
Invitation Only.
This October, we are heading back to the dunes for Desert & Diamonds and we’ve decided to keep it strictly within the family.
Namibia is a place that demands respect and a specific kind of trust within a convoy. Because of the exclusive, permit-only tracks Louis has secured – including sectors rarely seen by civilian tires – we are making this an Invitation-Only expedition. No public entries. No newcomers. Just the core CRR crew.
This is the ultimate desert crossing. We’ll be navigating the massive slip-faces of the Namib, exploring restricted diamond-coast territories and camping under the clearest skies on earth. It’s a test of sand-reading, momentum and vehicle preparation that only a seasoned CRR veteran can handle.
PAST 4X4 CHALLENGES
A selection of some of our most memorable rallies
Hardline Hex – Feb ’26
Based on the massive feedback from last year’s tour, we are returning to the Hex River Valley this February for the “Hardline Hex” Challenge. But fair warning: we’ve dialed up the intensity.
The Louis “Signature” Access Louis hasn’t just revisited the old tracks – he’s pushed deeper into the private farms of the valley. He has secured exclusive access to trails that nobody else gets to touch. These are Grade 5+ sectors that offer the most incredible views in the region, but they demand a serious price for admission in terms of driver skill and vehicle spec.
Is Your Rig “Hardline” Ready? To keep the “CRR Spirit” of tactical flow alive on these technical rock formations, we are limiting this event to modified, rock-climbing ready rigs only.
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The Spec: Minimum 35” rubber and functional Front & Rear lockers.
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The Mission: Conquering the most technical sandstone steps the Western Cape has to offer.
The CRR Lifestyle As always, the “Hardline” refers only to the trail. Once the engines are off, you can expect the signature CRR style you’ve become accustomed to – premium valley hospitality, world-class sundowners overlooking the Hex and the unbeatable camaraderie of the “Brotherhood of the Build.”
Act Fast Because this is a “Popular Demand” event, the waitlist is already humming.
If you are interested in joining this rally, click the “Find out more info” button and shoot us a message.
Krakeel August ’25
The Cape Route Rally was at it again – and bigger than ever – with the legendary Krakeel Challenge!
From drag racing chaos at Gravel Kings, to dune drifting carnage (yes, even a Patrol tipped on its side), extreme flex tests and finally conquering Krakeel Mountain above the clouds – this rally had it all.
Breakdowns, recoveries, epic views and unforgettable moments… This is what 4×4 adventure is all about.
Buckle up, hit “Relive the Experience” below and watch the madness that happen on the Krakeel Challenge.
Join the Convoy
The dust may have settled on Krakeel, but the CRR calendar is just heating up. If you have the rig and the resolve to join our next mission, reach out to us.
Desert & Diamonds December ’25
Over five action-packed days, we went in search of the best drifting dunes in Southern Africa… and we found them.
Day 1 kicked off on the West Coast at the Koingnaas Dunes, where the sand was soft, the dunes were massive and the V8S came alive with non-stop drifting action.
From there, the rally moved to Port Nolloth Salt Pan for Day 2, where we opened the throttles for a bit of high-speed drag racing across the flats.
On Day 3, we crossed into Namibia and headed to Oranjemund, where we spent two unforgettable days drifting some of the softest and most technical dunes we’ve experienced. Vehicles went sideways, tyres debeaded, rims shattered, suspensions broke, and the sand never stopped flying.
We then entered the legendary Sperrgebiet, one of the most restricted areas in Southern Africa, where we received a rare private tour through untouched desert landscapes, towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and surreal gravel roads that few people have ever seen. The final stretch took us through Rosh Pinah, more rock crawling, and scenic mountain roads before crossing back at Vioolsdrift, ending the adventure with a night at Oewerbos as everyone wrapped up the final big rally of the year.
This is Cape Route Rally at its absolute best, with one unbelievable adventure to end the year. If you are interested in this rally – click the “Relive The Experience” button below and enjoy watching all the action that we got up to!
Impossible Challenge May ’25
Three Days of Grit, Granite, and Gravity.
We’ve just completed the opening stages of our most high-intensity adventure to date. A deep-sector traverse through the rugged heart of the Northern Cape. This wasn’t just a drive; it was a three-day validation of man and machine.
Day 1: The Lamberts Bay Prologue
The mission began in the Lamberts Bay Dunes. Recent rains had created a unique crust – hardened sand giving way to deceptive, soft underlayers. It provided the perfect technical canvas for high-speed drifting and a vital “shake-down” to test vehicle harmonics before the terrain turned hostile.
Day 2: The Granite Assault
We pushed deeper into the Northern Cape, navigating a network of muddy gravel backroads toward Kamieskroon. The objective: a series of three massive granite mounds, each increasing in technical difficulty. The day culminated in a successful assault on the infamous Pinnacle Point (Hansies se Klip) – a sheer granite slab featuring a 43° incline. It was a test of pure traction and steady nerves – technical, vertical, and absolute.
Day 3: Conquering The Impossible Pass
This was the objective we came for. The Impossible Pass is a long-forgotten mountain artery leading to a decommissioned mine. The descent was a brutal lesson in controlled momentum across loose shale and rain-slicked sand, with massive drop-offs demanding millimeter-perfect wheel placement.
The real test, however, was the ascent. From beaded tires to synchronized winch recoveries, Day 3 became a masterclass in field engineering and brotherhood. We closed off on the cliffs high above the Orange River, watching the sun set over the South African / Namibian border – a quiet moment of victory before the next phase begins.… subscribe to our newsletter for the latest upcoming events!
Johnny’s Poort Feb 2025
Precision, Perspective and the “First-Timer” Lens.
In February 2025, the Cape Route Rally convoy stood at the base of Johnny’s Poort – a technical sector of the Cape that is whispered about in off-road circles for its ability to expose any weakness in driver focus or mechanical setup.
The Masterclass: Louis vs. The Poort
This wasn’t just a climb, it was a demonstration of mechanical sympathy and line selection. Watch as our Lead Guide, Louis, navigates the rugged, shifting terrain of the Poort. This footage captures the raw reality of the “CRR Spirit” – where skill meets determination on a vertical plane.
Following the ascent, we’ve included an exclusive field interview where Louis breaks down the climb. He shares his firsthand “read” of the terrain and the tactical decisions made in the seat to ensure a successful summit.
The Behind-the-Scenes: A Designer’s Perspective
The CRR experience is built on the passion of the people behind the brand. In this episode, we sit down with Dawn, one of the creative minds responsible for the visual identity of the Cape Route Rally.
Attending his very first rally, Dawn gives us a rare “outsider-turned-insider” perspective. He shares what it’s like to step out from behind the design desk and into the dust – capturing the grit, the adrenaline and the sheer scale of the adventure that he usually only sees through a lens or a screen.
Watch the Debrief
Whether you are a seasoned rally veteran or a newcomer looking to understand the “Brotherhood of the Build,” this feature offers a deep dive into the heart of CRR.
Gravel King Festival November 2025
The Ultimate High-Octane Heritage Festival.
In November 2025, the Cape Route Rally brought a new kind of intensity to the Western Cape. The Gravel Kings Festival was more than a meeting of machines – it was a celebration of power, dirt and the unwavering “Gravel King” spirit.
The Proving Ground
The festival centred on a raw, unfiltered drag strip where the rules of the asphalt didn’t apply. We saw everything from vintage heritage builds to modern high-performance monsters go head-to-head in a cloud of dust and adrenaline. It was a weekend defined by mechanical symphony and the smell of high-octane fuel on the breeze.
More Than Just the Strip
While the racing was the heartbeat of the festival, Gravel Kings was a full-immersion CRR experience:
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Overland Ally: A curated showcase of some of the finest custom and classic builds in South Africa.
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The Atmosphere: Premium hospitality, live local music and the signature “Brotherhood” of the CRR family coming together to talk shop and swap stories.
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The Spirit: Whether with petrol or diesel, every participant brought a level of passion that only a true petrolhead understands.
A Milestone for the Tribe
Gravel Kings 2025 set a new benchmark for what a motoring festival can be. It wasn’t just about who was the fastest, it was about the culture of the machine and the community that keeps it alive. We pushed the limits, we tested our builds and we celebrated the lifestyle that defines us.
Relive the Dust
Missing the roar of the engines? You can catch the full recap of the 2025 madness through our official festival after-movie.
Desert & Diamonds Dash October ’24
Lamberts Bay to the Namibian Deep-Sector.
In October 2024, the Cape Route Rally embarked on a 2,000km mission to locate and conquer the most iconic sand dunes in Southern Africa. This was a true test of endurance, starting in the Western Cape and pushing deep across the border into the heart of Namibia.
Phase 1: The Lamberts Bay Shakedown
The journey commenced with a high-intensity warm-up at Lamberts Bay. Ten-plus “monster machines” hit the sand to dial in suspension and tyre pressures for the long road ahead. The environment was electric, though the terrain quickly proved its authority. Ant’s Patrol found the limit early with a “roly-poly” moment that tested the vehicle’s structural integrity. In true CRR fashion, our team of technicians jumped into action, performing immediate field repairs. With the “Black Panther” showing its new battle scars, the convoy remained undeterred and back on the move.
Phase 2: The Koingnaas Technicals & Saltpan Drags
Day two took the group into the Koingnaas region for technical dune work. The terrain claimed its next challenge when Petrus suffered a broken rack-end, a critical steering failure in the soft stuff. A swift “bush fix” allowed for a tactical retreat to Springbok for parts. Meanwhile, the rest of the convoy engaged in high-speed saltpan drags—a pure display of raw horsepower. The intensity took its toll on Ant’s gearbox, proving that the Dash is as much a test of mechanical resilience as it is of driving skill.
Phase 3: The Namibian High-Dunes
Crossing into Namibia, the landscape shifted to the “gigantic” scale the region is famous for. Day 3 was a masterclass in synchronised dune drifting and high-altitude sand navigation. With the vast open horizons as a backdrop, the “Man and Machine” connection was at its peak. This was the reward for the grit shown in the days prior—unfiltered freedom in one of the most remote places on earth.
The Homecoming: Atlantis Dunes
The final leg was a scenic gravel-route traverse back to Cape Town. The expedition culminated in a celebration at Atlantis Dunes, where sponsors, friends, and family joined the convoy to toast the end of another successful mission.
Come and join us, sign up and “Let’s Go Go Go Go!”