Zimbabwe Safari Rally
Rules &
Code of Conduct
A challenge. Not a race.
Bring your sense of adventure. Look after your crew, respect the people you meet and leave the bush as you found it.
01 · Mandatory rules
Your crew. Your vehicle.
This is a closed rally: every participant needs a valid entry ticket, and participants must be aged 18 or over.
Competing two-wheel drive vehicles
2017 or older
Competing four-wheel drive vehicles
1999 or older
Supporters and observers may join in any vehicle. The competing-vehicle age limits do not apply to them. Everyone still needs their own rally entry ticket.
Roadworthy and ready
- Maximum vehicle weight: 5 tonnes.
- Do not exceed your vehicle’s legal seating capacity.
- Your vehicle must be legal and roadworthy, with current licensing, insurance, number plates and safety belts.
- Display your rally number on your vehicle at all times.
Open vehicles
Open-air vehicles are permitted. Within Hwange National Park, the sides must be closed in to a seated occupant’s shoulder height. Canvas sides are allowed.
Recommended preparation
Provide shade or a roof covering for an open-top vehicle, and waterproof protection for luggage.
02 · Pack before you leave
Compulsory kit. Sensible extras.
Must be on board
Every vehicle must carry
- Spare tyre
- First-aid kit
- Tow rope or chain
- 10 litres of fresh drinking water
- Warning triangle
- Fire extinguisher
Recommended preparation
Worth making room for
- Puncture-repair kit, jack, wheel spanner and compressor.
- Basic tools, spare engine oil and a spade.
- Reflective vests, torch or headlamp and charged power banks.
- Binoculars, wet-weather protection and rubbish bags.
Check oil, water and tyre pressures daily. Mechanical support does not replace preparing and maintaining your own vehicle.
For the confirmed inclusions and separately payable spare parts or recovery costs, see Prices & Packages.
03 · Hwange National Park
The wildlife has right of way.
Follow park regulations and instructions from ZimParks staff. These rules protect wildlife, fellow visitors and the places that make the rally possible.
Driving, routes & stopping
- Use designated roads and the offline GPS routes supplied for the rally. Do not follow other vehicles’ off-road tracks.
- Do not drive in river beds except at designated crossings.
- Stay in your vehicle while travelling and viewing wildlife. Only get out at designated stopping places, following park instructions.
- No night driving or use of spotlights. Remain in camp during the hours prescribed by park reception.
- Be considerate of oncoming traffic and those following you. Give smaller and open-air vehicles room to pass, and keep dust down.
- Do not enter private concessions or exclusive campsites without the required booking.
Respecting wildlife & habitats
- Never block an animal’s path to water, disturb it while drinking or separate it from its herd, pride or pack.
- Do not make resting animals move, pursue animals that move away, or crowd or surround a sighting.
- Keep noise to a minimum. Do not use recorded sounds to attract animals or birds.
- Do not feed any animal or bird, including with naturally available food.
- Do not remove plants, flowers, soil, rocks, animal remains or cultural artefacts from the park.
- No fishing.
Drones, radios & firearms
- No drone use in the park.
- Do not use unregistered communication radios, except in an emergency.
- Declare firearms on entry and follow ZimParks’ hand-in or sealing instructions. Licensed operators and guides must comply with the park’s applicable authorisation requirements.
Reporting concerns
Report illegal or suspicious activity, vehicles driving off-road, dead animals or gunshots and their location to ZimParks staff. Report concerns rather than confronting other visitors.
Plan your day
6:00PM
National Park gates close at 6:00pm.
Allow time for slow roads, wildlife stops and delays. Be through the gates and at your overnight camp before closing. No night driving in the park.
04 · Leave a good impression
Good company. Light footprints.
Camping around wildlife
- Not all campsites are fenced. Wildlife can pass through, so stay alert.
- Do not enter a campsite you have not booked. Respect other campers’ privacy.
- Do not leave food around camp or in tents where it can attract wildlife.
- Keep noise low. No music through speakers or personal generators in the park.
- Do not collect firewood in the park. Buy it from the ZimParks office and keep fires to a minimum.
Litter, waste & toilets
Carry in. Carry out. Bring rubbish bags and leave with all your litter, including cigarette butts and non-biodegradable waste. Leave camps, picnic sites and pans clean.
Use designated ablution facilities. Do not rely on roadside or lay-by bins for disposal.
Courtesy & the spirit of the rally
The rally welcomes people from all over the world. Be courteous to fellow participants, local communities, staff, wildlife and law-enforcement officers.
Zero tolerance for lawbreaking. Keep your language considerate and follow staff instructions.
Personalise your car if you wish—customisation and themes are welcome, but are not a requirement. Meet new people, enjoy the challenge and help make the journey memorable for the right reasons.
Photos, privacy & concerns during the event
Keep shared photos and messages respectful. Do not post photographs or details of another participant’s medical emergency.
If something is wrong during the rally, bring it to the team’s attention promptly so it can be addressed.
Old cars. Excellent company.
The older the better. Land Rover lovers are very much at home here—56 Landys joined the 2026 Safari Rally. Bring your character, your crew and your sense of humour.
A question before you pack?
Ask the rally team about your vehicle or preparations.