Simola Hillclimb
Simola Hillclimb takes place Apr 29 - May 2, 2027 in Knysna, South Africa. The dress code is Smart-casual with layers - autumn on the Garden Route swings from warm sun to cool damp within an hour; comfortable walking shoes for the hill. Typical cost ranges from 150 to 800 EUR per person.
South Africa's premier speed festival, sending everything from pre-war classics to modern time-attack cars up a steep, closed 1.9km road above Knysna in timed runs. Classic Car Friday opens the weekend and the King of the Hill shootout closes it. The Garden Route setting, the crowd and the price make it one of the best-value motorsport weekends anywhere.
- When
- Apr 29 - May 2, 2027
- Where
- Knysna, South Africa
- Dress code
- Smart-casual with layers - autumn on the Garden Route swings from warm sun to cool damp within an hour; comfortable walking shoes for the hill
- Cost
- Typical cost ranges from 150 to 800 EUR per person.
- Weather
- 16 - 22C, mild days and cooler evenings with a real chance of coastal rain or mist
- When to book
- Tickets have sold out earlier each year - buy as soon as they release, and book Knysna or Plettenberg Bay lodging by January
- Getting there
- GRJ (George), 1 hr to Knysna; CPT (Cape Town) is a 5 hr 30 min drive along the Garden Route
- Where to stay
- Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, Turbine Hotel & Spa, Knysna, The Rex Hotel, Knysna
- Official site
- https://www.speedfestival.co.za/
How to attend
Tickets are sold online through speedfestival.co.za and the Howler platform. General entry runs around R190 per day, roughly EUR 10, with a three-day pass near R465; Pit Access passes cost considerably more and sell out first. Children under 12 go free with a paying adult. It is fully open to the public, but book early because tickets have gone earlier every year.
Tickets are sold through Howler and the 2026 sale has closed; the 2027 link has not been published yet and normally appears on speedfestival.co.za early in the year.
Insider tip
Classic Car Friday is the connoisseur's day and far quieter than the King of the Hill shootout, and the top paddock at the finish line is where drivers actually stand around and talk to spectators.
Get inside Simola Hillclimb
Booking matters here: tickets have sold out earlier each year - buy as soon as they release, and book Knysna or Plettenberg Bay lodging by January. Members track that window, what it really costs, and 573 more events across the season.
Free while in beta. One email when your invitation is ready, nothing else.