Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

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Among the modern hyper-cars taking part a Jaguar D-Type shows why it was a "hyper-car" of its time. © Simola Hillclimb

Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

The Simola Hillclimb is an iconic motorsport event held annually in Knysna as part of the Knysna Speed Festival. Recognized as one of South Africa’s premier racing events, it draws drivers, car enthusiasts, and spectators from around the country to the picturesque Garden Route. The Hillclimb takes place on a steep, winding route up Simola Hill, challenging drivers to push their vehicles to the limit across a 1.9-kilometer course filled with tight bends, high-speed straights, and sharp corners. With its scenic setting overlooking the Knysna Lagoon and Outeniqua Mountains, the event combines adrenaline with a stunning backdrop.

Launched in 2009, the Simola Hillclimb has grown in popularity, becoming a must-attend for fans of high-performance and vintage vehicles alike. Drivers compete in various categories, from classic cars to cutting-edge supercars, with each aiming to set the fastest time up the hill. Notable features include the Classic Car Friday, where rare and classic vehicles take center stage, and the King of the Hill, the main competition where modern supercars and modified race cars showcase incredible speed and power. The event celebrates automotive history and innovation, appealing to both hardcore racing fans and those looking to enjoy a high-energy, family-friendly event.

With a festive atmosphere, the Knysna Speed Festival also includes entertainment, food stalls, and live music, making it a fun-filled weekend for all ages. For spectators, it’s a rare opportunity to get up close to the cars and drivers and witness impressive feats of engineering and skill. The Hillclimb has become a beloved tradition that not only enhances Knysna’s tourism appeal but also celebrates South Africa’s vibrant motorsport culture.

FAQs

Where is the Simola Hill? It is just off the N2 on the George side of Knysna up Old Cape / Salt River Roads.

How do I get there and where do I park? Follow the signs from entrances to Knysna. We have ample parking for thousands of visitors. There is no charge for parking. The general parking is on the opposite side of the course and requires at least a 5 minute walk to get to the spectator points. VIP parking will be colour coded and signposted accordingly.

Where can I buy tickets? General Admission tickets are available during the weekend of the Hillclimb at the gate only.

Is food and drink available? Yes.

What type of food and drinks can one expect to buy? There are a variety of vendors on site selling hamburgers, boerie rolls, chips, chicken schnitzel rolls, beer, water, fizzy drinks, energy drinks, etc. A sit down restaurant is available at the Simola Hotel.

How many food court areas are there? Two - Gasoline Alley & Pit Stop. The food variety at each might vary.

Can I bring my own alcohol? No, unfortunately not. The liquor licensing regulations prevent us from allowing you to bring your own alcohol onto the premises.

Can I bring chairs and umbrellas? Yes. If not chairs you can bring a blanket or type of ground sheet to sit on.

Is there a disabled viewing deck? Yes. It is a specially constructed deck offering good viewing of the track. It is located between corners 3 and 4 with parking at site.

Is there a programme that one can buy? Yes. It will be available at ticket points and info kiosks.

How can I hear the action? We have a public address system along the entire course.

Should I bring ear protection? It is not essential, but recommended for sensitive ears.

What are the medical facilities? We will have paramedics on site.

Are there ATM banking facilities on site? Yes. There will be one at Gasoline Alley

Contact details for the Knysna Speed Festival:
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 7500
Address: Office 110, Thesen House, 6 Long Street, Knysna
Email: see website
Website: https://www.speedfestival.co.za/

Accommodation Near Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results

Sleeps 8 in 1 unit

^FromR 2750

* Rates may vary according to season

36 Ridge Dr Knysna

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna

1.6km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

36 Ridge Dr Knysna is a stylish self catering holiday home with stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads. Perched on the hillside of Paradise/Knysna Heights, it is only a few minutes drive from the town centre with its endless array of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 20 in 4 units

^FromR 990

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Salt River Lodge

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna

1.8km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

Salt River Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Set in a supremely tranquil location, situated on the northern side of the lagoon with its natural ebb and flow of the tide. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 7

Sleeps 9 in 4 units

^FromR 425

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Lagoon Lodge

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna

1.9km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

Lagoon Lodge provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. If you need a break-away to an elegant and romantic setting, we are ready to treat you and your loved one, in our brand new lodge! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 10 in 4 units

^FromR 980

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Lagoon Breeze Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna

2km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

Lagoon Breeze is a lovely luxury guest house, with magnificent views of the lagoon and Knysna heads and the ocean beyond. Situated in Knysna on the Western Cape's garden Route and conveniently on the N2 alongside the Knysna lagoon. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 24 in 7 units

^FromR 1555

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Oyster Creek Lodge

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna

2.7km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

Oyster Creek Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Knysna is situated in the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route - between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Oyster Creek Lodge is uniquely positioned on the tip of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 14 in 4 units

^FromR 800

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Inyathi Guest Lodge Self Catering

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna

2.8km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

Inyathi Guest Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Our fully equipped self-catering chalets are situated in a highly convenient central location, but down a quiet side street away from the hustle and bustle... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 12 in 1 unit

^FromR 4400

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Oniro on Thesen

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna

4.2km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

Oniro On Thesen offers self catering accommodation on Thesen Island in Knysna, Garden Route. Located in Thesen Islands and designed for relaxed, easy indoor/outdoor living with large veranda with uninterrupted view of Knysna lagoon and wetlands. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 12 in 5 units

^FromR 450

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

B My Guest

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna

4.7km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

B My Guest offers visitors to Knysna, Garden Route with self catering accommodation. Voted South Africa's favourite town, Knysna lies on the shores of an estuary between indigenous forests, Outeniqua mountains and a breathtaking coastline. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 6 in 3 units

^FromR 1100

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Cliffhanger Cottage

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna

5.4km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

Cliffhanger Cottage provides self catering chalet accommodation near Knysna, Garden Route. Situated off the Rheenendal Road in an area known as Phantom Acre, it is very private yet only 15 minutes to the centre of Knysna and a good swimming beach. This lu …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 13 in 4 units

^FromR 900

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Papillon Bleu

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea

5.7km from Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route

We have 4 self-catering suites. All are open-plan with en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchenettes,TV with M-Net and selected DStv channels. They are ideal for couples, however 2 suites are able to accommodate up to 4 people sharing... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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