When the unmistakable growl of over 500 Land Cruisers fills the bushveld air, you know something big is happening. From 6–8 June 2025, the Hankook Land Cruiser Festival and Africa Record returns to Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa courtesy of Trio Events, and this year’s edition promises more power, more action, and more unforgettable memories.
2025 Hankook Land Cruiser Festival – Event Details & Location
Dates: 6–8 June 2025
Location: Sondela Nature Reserve
Event Entry & Pricing
- Day Visitors (Friday & Saturday): R60 per person per day (scholars free)
- Cruiser Challenges & Activities (Saturday): R350 per vehicle (max 4 people)
- Cruiser Weekend Pass & Rustic Camping (Fri–Sun): R850 per vehicle (max 4 people) – registration included
Note: Rustic camping includes water, security, and brick-and-mortar ablution facilities. Please bring your own power. Additional camping and self-catering accommodation is available at Sondela Resort.
Activities, Exhibitors & Weekend Agenda
Friday
- 4×4 & Outdoor Exhibitions: 14h00–17h00
- Fun Entertainment: 14h00–21h00
- Wilds potjie (Game potjie): R95 per person
Saturday
- Gravel Drag Racing: 09h00–17h00
- Mud Bog Challenge: 09h00–17h00
- Hill Climbing Challenge: 09h00–17h00
- 4×4 & Outdoor Exhibitors: 09h00–17h00
- Fun Entertainment: 09h00–21h00
- Land Cruiser Record Attempt: 12h00–15h00
Sunday
- Sondela buffet breakfast from 08h00: R105 per person
Important Note: All overlanders with any vehicle make and model are welcome to attend this event. However, only registered Land Cruisers will be permitted on the drag track and for the record-breaking event.
Since its inaugural event in 2013, this iconic gathering has grown into the ultimate celebration of Land Cruiser loyalty in Africa. With the 2024 record standing at a jaw-dropping 557 Cruisers on one site, the goal is clear: break it again, and break it big. The only requirement? Every Cruiser must be parked on-site on the same day to count toward the record.
Whether you’re a die-hard Cruiser fanatic or a family looking for a weekend of fun, the Hankook Land Cruiser Festival delivers an experience that fuses adrenaline, outdoor living, and that signature 4×4 community spirit.
Festival Highlights: Where Adventure Meets Lifestyle
At the heart of the festival is the legendary LA Sport Action Arena, where capable Cruisers take on rugged challenges in style. Fans can expect a line-up of high-octane activities, including:
- Gravel Drag Racing – Watch Land Cruisers tear down the track in all-out sprints.
- Mud Bogs – These muddy battlegrounds separate the beasts from the rest.
- Hill Climbing – Only the bold make it to the top.
But it’s not just about torque and terrain. The event site will be buzzing with outdoor lifestyle exhibitors, arts and crafts markets, and kids’ entertainment that’ll keep the little ones busy while parents enjoy the laid-back bar at Ketelkraal or groove to live music at the Jimmy’s Sauces Artist Stage.
This year’s entertainment is hosted by popular Pretoria FM presenter Antowan Nöthling, with music acts including:
- Logan Pietersen
- Heidi
- Skemer
- Byron Minnie
These performances are proudly sponsored by Jimmy’s Sauces.
Nature lovers can explore the Sondela wildlife rides, or take a breather in the hot water pools and spa facilities. For those needing a little more luxury, glamping tents are available, along with resort stays and bush camping spots—all bookable directly via www.ekspo.co.za.
How to Join the Cruiser Culture
Driving a Land Cruiser? You can be part of the history-making moment by registering your vehicle through the festival website. Registered Cruiser drivers also get exclusive access to bush camping areas, making it easier to live, sleep, and breathe Land Cruiser throughout the weekend.
Visitor and Cruiser Entry Details
Day Visitors: Only R60 per person
Cruiser Challenge (Saturday): R350 per vehicle (max 4 pax)
Weekend Cruiser Challenges (Fri–Sun): R850 per vehicle (max 4 pax)
For camping and resort accommodation at Sondela:
info@sondela.com | 014 736 8800
And if you’re in the outdoor industry—whether selling gear, vehicles, or lifestyle goods—this festival offers prime real estate for showcasing your brand. To book a stand or become a vendor, contact Tersia on 072 487 0000 or email accounts@ekspo.co.za.
For sponsorship and media opportunities, get in touch with Marius at marius@ekspo.co.za.
Brought to You by Industry Leaders
The Hankook Land Cruiser Festival is powered by some of the most respected names in the off-road and outdoor lifestyle space. The organisers extend a heartfelt thanks to:
- Hankook Tyres – Main sponsor and off-road performance partner
- Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa – The breathtaking venue
- Waterberg Toyota – Official vehicle sponsor
- LA Sport Pretoria – Action Arena sponsor
- Jimmy’s Sauces – Stage and trophy sponsor
- Lift Airlines – Official air travel partner
- 3%.Com Properties – Official shirt sponsor
- Quickshade – Branding sponsor
- Lekkewaan – On-site transport partner
Media and digital support comes from respected platforms like Pretoria FM, The Bela Bela Times, Landbou Weekblad, Camp & Live, Die Pos, Kamp-Mal, and Lekker Kampplekke.
Map with Directions and Layout
Why You Can’t Miss This
Beyond the dust, the diesel, and the roars of V8 engines, this festival is about connection. It’s where generations of Cruiser owners share stories around the fire. It’s where brands meet buyers. It’s where passion for overlanding gets a voice—and a very loud one at that.
There’s no other gathering like it on the continent. If you’re a fan of South Africa’s rich 4×4 culture, this is your call to be part of history.
Land Cruiser owners, outdoor lovers, and overland adventurers—get your entries in, book your spot, and start counting down. The bushveld awaits, and the Africa Record is ready to be broken… again.
Click on the YouTube video below to get a glimpse of this not-to-be-missed event:
BOOK YOUR SPOT, BE PART OF THE RECORD
Register your Land Cruiser or secure accommodation today at www.ekspo.co.za.
Vendor queries: 072 487 0000 | accounts@ekspo.co.za
Media/Sponsorship: marius@ekspo.co.za
In addition to the off-road action, guests can look forward to a range of laid-back lifestyle experiences throughout the weekend as well.
Highlights include sunset game drives in convoy, creating memorable moments in the bushveld, as well as live music performances and bar specials to keep the festival energy going well into the night. On Sunday morning, the festivities wrap up with a relaxed and delicious buffet breakfast, making for the perfect close to an unforgettable Land Cruiser weekend.
For further details about this event or if you’re interested in attending, please complete the enquiry form below. A member of the Hankook team will promptly respond to your enquiry. Alternatively, secure your spot at the Hankook Land Cruiser Festival by registering your Land Cruiser or booking your tickets online at www.ekspo.co.za, or you call Tersia for assistance on 072 487 0000.
