The Roof of Africa Rally is set to begin earlier this year as it enters a new chapter in the international hard enduro championship calendar, bringing some of the world’s top off-road riders to Lesotho.
Unlike its usual November slot, the 2026 edition of the renowned motorcycle competition will run from 23-26 September, hosted by the Lesotho Off Road Association (LORA) in collaboration with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC).
Speaking at the launch of the event, LORA Public Relations Officer Ntaote Bereng said the rally’s inclusion in the international championship would raise its profile and give riders the chance to compete for valuable championship points.
He said this year’s change in dates was necessitated by the event’s new status on the international calendar, as the Roof of Africa now has to take place before another championship race scheduled in Spain.
Bereng said several highly ranked international riders are expected to participate, with more competitors to be announced as the event approaches. He described the Roof of Africa as among the world’s oldest and most challenging hard enduro motorcycle events, noting that it continues to draw leading off-road riders from around the globe.
“Roof of Africa is more than a motorcycle competition,” Bereng said, adding that this year’s event coincides with Lesotho’s celebration of 60 years of independence.
He said the country’s rugged mountains, rivers, steep terrain, rocky landscapes and unpredictable weather provide an ideal setting for hard enduro racing, and that the competition has grown into an internationally recognised event that attracts riders, teams and spectators from across the world.
He added that the rally’s continued success depends largely on the cooperation and support of communities and landowners whose land is used during the race, and that LORA remains committed to ensuring these communities benefit from their involvement.
The association, he said, would continue supporting corporate social investment and community development initiatives linked to the event.
Meanwhile, LTDC Chief Executive Officer Mamello Morojele said the competition also presents significant opportunities for the country’s tourism sector. She said the Roof of Africa draws riders, support teams, officials, spectators and other visitors who spend money on accommodation, food, transport and other services, spending that creates opportunities for businesses across the tourism value chain.
Morojele said Lesotho’s mountains, rivers, rocky landscapes and challenging terrain not only provide a unique backdrop for the competition but also strengthen the country’s appeal as an adventure tourism destination.
The event, she said, gives Lesotho a platform to showcase its tourism offering to an international audience and to encourage visitors to extend their stay and explore other parts of the country. She encouraged visitors attending the rally to explore local tourism attractions, experience Basotho culture and sample local cuisine.
Bereng said the 2025 Roof of Africa generated significant economic activity through spending by international and local riders, support teams, spectators, sponsors and event organisers, benefiting sectors including accommodation and hospitality, restaurants and catering, fuel and vehicle services, local suppliers, temporary employment and other event-related businesses. He put the event’s estimated economic contribution at M56.7 million.
Meanwhile, LesRock Director Limpho Nkune said the company had partnered with stakeholders to add entertainment activities to the Roof of Africa programme. She said several activities would be held in Roma during the Roof of Africa period, including performances by artists and DJs, aimed at giving Basotho more opportunities to participate in and enjoy the event.
She said the organisation had also asked LORA to support communities through the initiative, with food to be prepared and distributed to people living on the streets and clothing donations to be made on September 13.
Another activity is scheduled for September 19, when motorcycles will take part in a parade to give members of the public a taste of the excitement surrounding the competition, ending at Maseru Mall.
Summary
- The Roof of Africa Rally is set to begin earlier this year as it enters a new chapter in the international hard enduro championship calendar, bringing some of the world’s top off-road riders to Lesotho.
- Speaking at the launch of the event, LORA Public Relations Officer Ntaote Bereng said the rally’s inclusion in the international championship would raise its profile and give riders the chance to compete for valuable championship points.
- She said the organisation had also asked LORA to support communities through the initiative, with food to be prepared and distributed to people living on the streets and clothing donations to be made on September 13.
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