Knysna is synonymous with some of the most spectacular scenery and tourist-friendly attractions along South Africa’s internationally renowned Garden Route. It is also home to the world’s fastest hillclimb, with the annual Simola Hillclimb producing an exhilarating and unparalleled showcase of exceptional road and race cars spanning all eras – from the 1920s to contemporary machines that continue to redefine the rules of performance.
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026, and it promises more excitement and thrills than ever before. That it also coincides with the Workers’ Day public holiday, on Friday 1 May, makes it more accessible and appealing for fans to make the most of the long weekend by attending South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event.
Spectators will have their first chance to see the iconic Classic Car Friday cars and competitors close up on Thursday 30 April at the Fan Fest and scrutineering in Knysna’s Hedge Street from 09h00 to 14h30. This is followed by the popular Classic Car Parade along Waterfront Drive from 14h45 to 15h15, which is free and open to the public.
The competitive action for Classic Car Friday kicks off at 08h00 with three practice runs on the 1.9 km Simola Hill course, leading to three qualifying rounds. Fans will be treated to a variety of lunchtime entertainment, including the tyre-decimating Monster Drift Taxi driven by Jim McFarlane, along with demonstration runs by manufacturer partners featuring their latest cars and motorcycles.
The top three finalists from the qualifying rounds compete for honours in the Class Finals, followed by the all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout to crown this year’s Classic Conqueror. Prizegiving commences at the start line straight after the final shootout has been completed.
The Fan Fest and scrutineering for the King of the Hill competitors continues on Friday, leading to the thrilling King of the Hill parade from 17h15 to 17h45. The opening action of the mighty King of the Hill challengers starts at 09h00 on Saturday with four practice runs for teams to familiarise themselves with the hillclimb course and refine the setup of their cars, followed by the lunchtime break and entertainment. The intensity ramps up with three qualifying rounds to finish off the first day.
On Sunday, the Simola Hill comes alive again with a morning warm-up and the final three qualifying runs. The lunchtime break and entertainment resets the scene before the top three challengers in each class battle it out for glory in the Class Finals. Then it’s on to the nail-biting Top 10 Shootouts for the three King of the Hill categories – Road Cars and Supercars; Modified Saloon Cars; and the Single Seaters, Sports Cars and Sports Prototypes. Prizegiving takes place at the start line on the conclusion of the shootouts.
Top-notch experience
Along with the obvious attraction of the on-track adrenaline-fuelled excitement and action, there’s plenty to keep fans enthralled throughout the Simola Hillclimb weekend. Gasoline Alley is accessible from the Main Spectator Public Parking entrance at the exit of Turn 3. It hosts a wide range of delectable food and drink vendors, merchandise stores, children’s entertainment and other interactive activities. There are also food, beverage and merchandise vendors overlooking the start line.
The latest Simola Hillclimb merchandise will be available on-site, including caps and a variety of T-shirt designs that celebrate this event’s status as the world’s fastest hillclimb.
For ease of access, visitors can park off-site at the Shuttle Hub at the Knysna Bowling Club (corner Nelson and Hedge Streets) and make use of the shuttle service that runs from 07h00-18h00 from Friday to Sunday. The tickets are R35 per person, return. Internal event shuttles are also available, allowing spectators to move between the main ticket gate, pits and Gasoline Alley with ease.
Competition time!
This year, the Simola Hillclimb is giving spectators the opportunity to win the ultimate experience, with two Le Mans VIP tickets up for grabs for next year’s event. Fans are invited to capture their Simola Hillclimb experience and post the video on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok. Remember to tag @SimolaHillclimb and use #SHC2026 #ShareYourSHC2026, and submit the video directly via the Dropbox link provided on the various Simola Hillclimb channels.
Simola Hillclimb will be resharing its favourite submissions, and selecting one standout winner whose content captures the spirit of the hill. Entries open on 23 April and close on 10 May 2026 (T&Cs apply). For more information, visit: https://www.speedfestival.co.za/spectators/share-your-shc2026/.
AA South Africa is also adding to the excitement with its own Simola Hillclimb competition, comprising two tickets for the 2026 season-ending Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, including flights and accommodation.
To enter, sign up for any annual AA Go, Prime, or Family membership, and buy your Simola Hillclimb tickets online. Visit the AA competition website to sign up, using the SHC2026 promo code: https://aa.co.za/2026-abu-dhabi-f1-grand-prix-competition/. The competition opens on 30 March, with entries closing on 5 May. The winner will be announced on 22 May 2026 (T&Cs apply).
All the action – live and online
For fans in South Africa and around the world who won’t be able to attend this year’s Simola Hillclimb, the entire event, including Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill, will once again be livestreamed.
The broadcast will include all of the on-track action, a team of expert hosts, and behind-the-scenes insight and updates direct from the pitlane. The livestream can be accessed from the Simola Hillclimb website, Facebook page and YouTube channel – links are all available on www.simolahillclimb.com.
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026.
For more information and ticket sales, visit the website: www.simolahillclimb.com
