There’s a feeling every bakkie and SUV owner in South Africa knows well. It’s the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your vehicle can handle more than just the school run. It’s the call of a gravel road, the promise of an unseen vista, and the deep satisfaction of having the right tool for any adventure.
But how often do you truly get to answer that call?
This August, the invitation is not just to answer it, but to celebrate it. From the 29th to the 31st of August 2025, the SA Bakkie & SUV Festival returns to the magnificent Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa near Bela Bela. After a roaringly successful debut, this year’s event is set to be bigger, better, and open to every single bakkie and SUV brand that makes up our vibrant off-roading nation. Feel free to click on the map above for directions to the venue.
This is not just another static motor show. It is a full-blooded, family-friendly festival dedicated to the lifestyle we all love. It’s a challenge, a celebration, and a weekend-long getaway rolled into one. The ultimate question is on everyone’s lips: Which brand will reign supreme and boast the biggest turnout? Whether you fly the flag for Ford, Toyota, Isuzu, GWM, Mahindra, Nissan, or any other proud manufacturer, this is your chance to stand up and be counted.
Unleash Your Beast: The LA Sport Pretoria Action Arena
For those who believe a clean bakkie is a sad bakkie, the heart of the festival awaits. The LA Sport Pretoria Action Arena is where bragging rights are earned, not given. It’s where you can finally put your machine to the test in a purpose-built, safe, and exhilarating environment.
Imagine the surge of adrenaline as you line up for the Gravel Drag Race, engine growling in anticipation. Picture the cheers from the crowd as you conquer the Hill Climb, test your vehicle’s articulation on the Axel Twister, and feel the primal thrill of ploughing through the infamous 4×4 Mud-Bog. This is your playground.
More Than Mud & Mayhem: A True Family Getaway
We know that a great 4×4 adventure is best shared. That’s why the SA Bakkie & SUV Festival is designed from the ground up to be an unforgettable experience for the entire family. While you’re comparing notes on suspension lifts and tyre treads, your family will be having the time of their lives.
Sondela Nature Reserve & Spa is a premier holiday destination for a reason. Festival-goers have full access to heated swimming pools, thrilling game drives through the pristine reserve, and the incredible Sondela Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. For the kids, there’s a world of entertainment, from the Junior Rangers programme to quadbike rides and the freedom of exploring on hired bicycles. And for those seeking a moment of pure relaxation, the Iketla Wellness Spa offers special packages to soothe away the stresses of city life.
The Heart of the Festival: Community, Crafts, and ‘Kuier’
Beyond the high-octane action and family fun lies the true spirit – the “gees”– of the festival. It’s in the conversations struck up with fellow owners at the campsite, the new products discovered at the outdoor exhibitor stalls, and the unique finds at the arts and crafts market.
Click on the YouTube video below to see all the fun and highlights from last year’s event:
As the sun sets, the festival comes alive with the sound of live music and the smell of braaivleis. The Ketelkraal Bar provides the perfect spot to grab a cold one and share stories of the day’s exploits. This year, Jimmy’s Sauces is proud to present a fantastic lineup of artists to keep the vibe going all weekend, including Logan Pietersen, Wilmari Senekal, Cordelia Sing Country, and Jan-Mattys.
This is where friendships are forged and the community comes together. It’s the pure, unfiltered essence of South African ‘kuier’.
Join the Convoy: An Adventure for Everyone
If the Action Arena sounds a bit too intense, there’s another fantastic way to get your vehicle’s tyres dirty. The 4×4 Convoy Drive is a guided tour through Sondela’s scenic routes. It’s the perfect opportunity for a relaxed family game drive in your own vehicle, offering a taste of off-road adventure in a controlled and beautiful setting. Convoys depart throughout the day on Saturday, so everyone gets a chance to join in.
Sleep Under the Stars: The Authentic Bush Camp Experience
For those who want to live and breathe the festival from sunrise to sunset, the Weekend Bush Camp is the ultimate way to stay. This is your chance to set up your rig, roll out your rooftop tent, and truly immerse yourself in the bushveld atmosphere. Reserved exclusively for registered festival participants, the bush camp offers a genuine, back-to-basics experience (no electricity, but full ablution facilities are available). Gather around the campfire with fellow enthusiasts, share stories under the vast African sky, and wake up right in the heart of the action. It’s rustic, it’s real, and it’s the best way to experience the true spirit of the 4×4 community.
Your Adventure Awaits: Book Your Spot Now!
The call of the bushveld is getting louder. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the biggest, most inclusive 4×4 gathering in the country. Whether you’re coming for the competition, the community, or a memorable family weekend away, the SA Bakkie & SUV Festival is waiting for you.
Spaces for both day visitors and campers are limited, and accommodation at Sondela books up fast. Secure your place in the showdown today.
Click on the YouTube video below to hear the official SA Bakkie & SUV Festival broadcast:
Here’s How to Join:
- To Register Your Bakkie/SUV & Book Camping:
- Visit the official website now: www.ekspo.co.za
- Bakkie/SUV Registration & Weekend Bush Camping: R850 per vehicle (Includes vehicle registration and camping for the full weekend for up to 4 people).
- Bakkie/SUV Registration Only (for Day Visitors or those with other accommodation): R250 per vehicle (Includes vehicle registration for up to 4 people, does not include camping).
- For Day Visitors (without registering a vehicle):
- Entry: R60 per person (Tickets available at the gate).
- For Sondela Resort Accommodation (Chalets, etc.):
- Contact Sondela directly: info@sondela.com/014 736 8800
- For Exhibitor & Vendor Enquiries:
- Contact Tersia: accounts@ekspo.co.za/072 487 0000
Mark your calendars. Gather your crew. And get ready to prove which brand truly rules the South African road. See you at Sondela!
For further details about this event or if you’re interested in attending, please complete the inquiry form below. A member of the SA Bakkie Festival will promptly respond to your enquiry. Alternatively, secure your spot by booking your tickets at the gate and registering your vehicle by clicking on this link, or you can call Tersia for assistance at 072 487 0000.
