Stage 2 and the start of a gruelling marathon saw SA Safari Rally riders and drivers face wildlife, unchartered spaces and challenges.
South Africa (22 May 2025) – Under the crisp morning light of the North West province, engines growled and dust clouds rose as Stage 2 of the South African Safari Rally roared into action. But this wasn’t just any stage. It marked the beginning of the unforgiving two-day marathon: over 600 km of relentless bushveld terrain, scorching temperatures, and no outside help for the crews overnight. Just the racers, their machines, and the open wild.
For those leading after Stage 1, this was both a privilege and a burden. First out meant opening the route and in the world of rally-raid, that means carving a path where none exists, navigating raw tracks, and in South Africa, braving wandering wildlife.
Botswana’s Ross Branch, Stage 1’s bike hero, had warned of the risks animals could pose and just 14 km into Stage 2, his words turned prophetic when a bird launched from a cornfield and collided with his Hero Motosports bike, smashing his oil cooler and leaking precious oil. It was a dramatic twist for the fan-favourite, who scrambled to make roadside repairs using the small stash of oil he’d carried. He got his bike “home”, but the time lost dropped him from 1st to 13th in the RallyGP standings.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Daniel Sanders showed the grit that’s earned him a reputation. Navigating terrain that threw animals, branches, and unpredictability at him, the Red Bull KTM rider took the Stage 2 win by just 32 seconds, holding off his teammate Luciano Benavides.
“There were some animals running around in the last bit,” Sanders said, “but my wheels are straight, and the damage is just a cracked mudguard. Easy fix.”
Sanders led RallyGP overall, with Benavides and Honda’s Adrien van Beveren in pursuit.
In Rally2, Spain’s Edgar Canet was again untouchable, finishing over six minutes clear of South Africa’s Michael Docherty. Docherty now sits third overall, chasing Canet and Austria’s Tobias Ebster.
And then came the Toyotas.
Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy reminded everyone why local knowledge counts. After a disappointing Stage 1, the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa duo stormed through Stage 2 with steely determination, winning the day and showcasing sharp navigation and raw speed.
“Dennis was so good on the notes,” Botterill said. “Stage 3 is going to be tough though — opening the road won’t be easy.”
They weren’t alone in bouncing back. South Africa’s Saood Variawa and French navigator François Cazalet, also in a TGRSA Hilux, finally showed their true pace. The pair had endured a string of bad luck including a jumped start, a fire issue, and a compromised exhaust, but delivered a drive full of heart and talent.
The challenges were plenty, tested every skill set in the book. Now, all eyes turn to Stage 3, which marks the second half of this gruelling marathon. Another 272 km stand between the teams and the Sun City bivouac. There’ll be no pit crews waiting, no fresh tyres, no easy way out. Just more dust, more risk, and probably more animals. Because in the South African bushveld, glory never comes easy.
We will be reporting on all stages, so you can catch up on any missed reports here.
by 