Nissan to power Spirit of Africa's 20th year of adventure

It is a taste of adrenaline and adventure like no other, and for the second consecutive year, Nissan South Africa is the mainline sponsor for the 20th edition of the Spirit of Africa.

24 Nis Spirit1

The Nissan Spirit of Africa is about adrenaline, speed and experiencing the great outdoors.

“We are excited to have brought the challenge back this year with more power and gusto than ever before, and we’re even more excited to see how our motoring associates did behind the wheel of the rugged and redefined Nissan Navara,” says Maciej Kleinkiewicz, Managing Director for Nissan SA.

“At last year’s inaugural Nissan Spirit of Africa challenge, we had a fantastic turnout of 300 teams who entered our gruelling and competitive race, with 400 teams expected to participate this year. We’ve strived for gold as this year’s challenge gets underway, with excitement building leading up to our female-focused leg on 4-6 June. We encourage all female drivers to enter and tackle Africa’s toughest offroad course,” Maciej adds.

24 Nis Spirit2
24 Nis Spirit3
24 Nis Spirit4
24 Nis Spirit2
24 Nis Spirit3
24 Nis Spirit4

Renowned for its challenging terrain and thrilling atmosphere, the Spirit of Africa challenge was created by legendary local racing driver, Sarel van der Merwe. It has been described as the “toughest 4X4 challenge in Africa” and gives “average” drivers an opportunity to test their offroad ability in a competitive environment.

If you are looking for an exciting three-day experience that includes camping under the African sky and traditional local food in between intense offroad driving, then Nissan Spirit of Africa is just the challenge for you.

Several highly capable Nissan Navaras were made available for the media leg of the event, with each having been put to the test and pushed to the limit.

Through rough terrain marked by steep inclines, muddy crossings and heart-stopping descents as expected from this year’s Spirit of Africa – the Nissan Navara pushed each boundary, defied every hazard and ultimately came out on top.

More Industry News stories

Hino 300 clocks up the miles in Namibia

Hino 300 clocks up the miles in Namibia

A Hino 300 714, bought new in 2018 from Pupkewitz Hino in Windhoek, continues to provide reliable service after recording more than a million kilometres traversing a variety of roads in remote, rural areas and urban centres in Namibia.

  • 14 March 2026
Toyota and Absa Cape Epic: Endurance meets partnership

Toyota and Absa Cape Epic: Endurance meets partnership

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) returns as sponsor of the Absa Cape Epic for the fourth consecutive year, standing alongside Absa, which celebrates 20 years as title sponsor of the world’s toughest mountain bike stage race.

  • 13 March 2026