The Knysna Speed Festival, from 11 to 20 May 2012, is not just about performance cars, smoking tyres and on-the-limit driving. There is also an option to head into the pristine forests, maybe even sight the elusive Knysna elephants and explore an area rarely seen by tourists to this beautiful area.

On Sunday 13th May an exciting competition for owners of standard and modified off-road vehicles will see participants battling some daunting terrain during the 4×4 Challenge. The event takes place at the Denron Quarry, on the outskirts of Knysna, and will guarantee a thrilling day for spectators and participants. The Quarry is an ideal venue offering both superb obstacles for competitors as well as plenty of safe parking for visitors. A maximum of 50 entrants will be taking part in the Challenge.

An invited group of Extreme Modified 4×4 vehicles will entertain the crowds during breaks between the Challenge events. These cars are built to go anywhere and should be very exciting to watch.

Knysna has some of the most spectacular indigenous forests in South Africa, and during the 4×4 Knysna Elephant Trail, from Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th, off-roaders will be able to travel through forests not normally accessible to the public. This is an eco-friendly event for the whole family and should not be missed if you have an off-road vehicle capable of exploring the wild. It offers 6-7 hours of unique terrain and extraordinary beauty in the company of 4×4 experts who will ensure that nothing goes wrong. Entries are limited due to the sensitive nature of the ecological balance in the forest. The trail can be enjoyed by owners of most 4×4’s and does not require any special off-roading skills.

The trail groups will be limited to 20 vehicles, and 3 groups will take part each day. The trails will be run from Monday the 14th of May to Wednesday 16th of May. Participants are encouraged to bring refreshments and picnics which will be enjoyed during the trail.

Further information and entry forms can be found on the festival’s website www.speedfestival.co.za or contact Mario Ferreira directly at 4×4@speedfestival.co.za.