Botswana Will Host World Rally-Raid Stages in 2027
The international racing series will expand into Botswana with two stages scheduled for June 2027.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Africa
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Botswana will join the FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship circuit when the 2027 South African Safari Rally extends its route across the border. The race will run through the Kgatleng and Kweneng regions on June 16-17, 2027.
Why it matters
The inclusion of Botswana allows the world championship to incorporate the region's unique desert terrain into its competitive global stage. This expansion marks a milestone for the country as it becomes the ninth nation visited by the W2RC.
The W2RC route will span 790km, divided into a 430km opening stage and a 360km follow-up. Competitors will tackle the terrain in Kgatleng and Kweneng while enduring a required overnight stay in a bush marathon camp.
The players
FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship
This is the premier international rally-raid series sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile and the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme.
Atang Makgekgenene
He is a notable desert racer who achieved consecutive victories in the 1000 Desert Race during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
The details
The race builds upon a local history of desert racing that originated in South Africa in 1981 before migrating to Botswana in 1992. Organizers have focused on expanding the infrastructure for long-distance events, most recently with the 2024 launch of the Botswana Off-Road Racing Championship and the establishment of the first Botswana-owned 1,000km race.
Timeline
The desert race originated in South Africa in 1981.
The event moved its host operations to Botswana in 1992.
A vehicle fire occurred during the 2023 race in Jwaneng.
The Botswana Off-Road Racing Championship launched in 2024.
W2RC stages are scheduled for June 16-17, 2027.
Travel Outlook
This race inclusion marks a departure from historical regional-only competition patterns by integrating local desert routes into the global FIA-FIM calendar. It signals a shift toward professionalizing Botswana's off-road racing infrastructure on an international scale.
Travelers and rally enthusiasts should prepare for significant logistical activity in the Kgatleng and Kweneng regions during the mid-June 2027 race dates. Spectators should plan for remote conditions, as competitors are required to stay in a bush marathon camp rather than traditional lodging.
The takeaway
Botswana's addition to the W2RC schedule elevates the country's status in global rally-raid competition. Fans of the sport should expect intense logistics and challenging terrain as the race transitions from a regional event to a premier world championship stage.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving racing landscape in Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mmegi Online.
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