Key Points
- Oldest hard enduro (since 1967): Evolved from a multi-vehicle rally to a premier motorcycle hard enduro.
- Lesotho’s Maloti Mountains: Three days, 250–350 km, altitudes from 1,400 m to 3,000+ m with relentless climbs.
- Four classes: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron with strict age/experience and bike-capacity requirements from age 14+.
- Safety-first: Mandatory GPS tracking, rescue helicopters, “no rider left behind”; runs as a round (often finale) of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
- Recent winners: Titles for stars like Wade Young and Graham Jarvis; 2025 entries open with Manuel Lettenbichler, Billy Bolt and others.
History Overview
First held in 1967 in Lesotho, the Roof of Africa began as a rugged off-road challenge featuring cars, quads, and motorcycles. Over time, motorcycles became dominant, and the event transitioned into a dedicated hard enduro epic famed for its unforgiving Maloti Mountain terrain and high altitude. Notable multi-time champions include Alfie Cox (nine wins between 1988 and 2001) and Wade Young (five wins in the 2010s). The event has paused only rarely due to extraordinary circumstances and continues to embody sportsmanship and extreme endurance.
Event Format and Classes
The race spans three days: a prologue “Round the Houses” on Day 1 for seeding, followed by long mountain stages on Days 2 and 3. Navigation is GPS-based with route markings for hazards and reference.
Typical distances by class
- Gold: 120–150 km (Day 2), 100–130 km (Day 3)
- Silver: 120–140 km (Day 2), 100–120 km (Day 3)
- Bronze: 100–130 km (Day 2), 90–110 km (Day 3)
- Iron: 100–120 km (Day 2), 90–100 km (Day 3)
Age and bike eligibility
- Gold: 18+ any capacity; 16+ eligible; 14–15 by merit/invite, max 200cc 2-stroke.
- Silver: 18+ any; 16+ typically 125–250cc 2-stroke/150–250cc 4-stroke; 14–15 by merit, max 200cc 2-stroke.
- Bronze/Iron: 18+ any; 14–17 restricted to 125–250cc 2-stroke/150–250cc 4-stroke; 14–15 by merit, max 200cc 2-stroke.
Youth (14–15) require national championship experience, prior hard enduro results, recommendations, medical clearance, and age verification. Organizers can assess eligibility based on experience. GPS trackers are mandatory, and every rider must have a service crew for refueling and repairs.
Location and Logistics
Based in Maseru, Lesotho, with starts/finishes near Matsieng (~45 minutes from the city), the race offers spectacular Maloti Mountain vistas. Accommodation is widely available in Maseru. Entry requires an MSA or FIM license (or international equivalent with starting permission). Fees typically range from R6,800 (early) to R10,000 (late), plus a refundable deposit for GPS/timing tags.
Safety and Requirements
Safety is paramount: live GPS tracking for all riders, emergency helicopters, and mandatory gear (e.g., protective jacket, whistle, space blanket, and cell phone). Rules follow Motorsport South Africa (MSA) guidelines and environmental codes. Public road sections require strict adherence to speed limits. Recovery is primarily rider-responsible; non-medical helicopter use may incur fees. The event operates under an official safety plan overseen by race officials.
Past Winners (Motorcycle Focus)
| Year | Winner | Bike/Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Wade Young | - |
| 2018 | Wade Young | - |
| 2017 | Wade Young | - |
| 2016 | Graham Jarvis | - |
| 2015 | Graham Jarvis | - |
| 2014 | Wade Young | - |
| 2013 | Graham Jarvis | - |
| 2012 | Wade Young | - |
| 2011 | Graham Jarvis | - |
| 2010 | Chris Birch | - |
| 2009 | Chris Birch | - |
| 2008 | Chris Birch | - |
| 2007 | Lourens Mahoney | - |
| 2006 | Lourens Mahoney | - |
| 2005 | Lourens Mahoney | - |
| 2004 | Darryl Curtis | - |
| 2003 | Jade Gutzeit | - |
| 2002 | Elmer Symons | - |
| 2001 | Alfie Cox | - |
| 2000 | Clayton Enslin | - |
| 1999 | Elmer Symons | 250cc Honda |
| 1997 | Alfie Cox | KTM 500 |
| 1996 | Darryl Curtis | KTM 250 |
| 1995 | Alfie Cox | KTM 300 |
| 1994 | Alfie Cox | KTM 250 |
| 1993 | Alfie Cox | Honda CR 250 |
| 1992 | P. Andrews | Kawasaki KDX 250 |
| 1991 | Alfie Cox | Kawasaki KDX 250 |
| 1990 | Alfie Cox | Kawasaki KDX 250 |
| 1989 | Alfie Cox / J. Davies | Kawasaki KDX 250 |
| 1988 | Alfie Cox | Kawasaki 250 |
| 1987 | J. Mayer | KTM 350 MXC |
| 1986 | W. Ireland | KTM 250 MXC |
| 1985 | Murray Watt | KTM |
| 1984 | Neil Wolridge | Kawasaki 500 (1st); others listed |
| 1983 | Kevin Rodgers | KTM 500 |
| 1982 | S. Beattie | Yamaha |
| 1981 | Elio Andreoletti | KTM 500 |
| 1980 | M. Jones | Honda XR 500 |
| 1979 | B. Falconer | Suzuki |
| 1978 | E. Andrilette | KTM |
| 1977 | R. Wicks | KTM |
| 1976 | Roger Gledhill | KTM |
| 1975 | M. Smith | KTM |
| 1974 | D. Barson | Yamaha DT 360 |
| 1971 | R. Linley | Yamaha IT 400 |
Class Requirements
| Class | Age/Eligibility | Motorcycle Limits | Qualification Criteria (for Youth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 18+: Any capacity; 16+: Any 2/4-stroke; 14+: Merit/invite, max 200cc 2-stroke | Any (adults); Restricted for youth | National competitor; Gold/Silver events completed; 3 recommendations; Medical clearance |
| Silver | 18+: Any; 16+: 125–250cc 2-stroke/150–250cc 4-stroke; 14+: Merit/invite, max 200cc 2-stroke | Restricted for under-18 | Same as Gold |
| Bronze | 18+: Any; 14+: 125–250cc 2-stroke/150–250cc 4-stroke; Max 200cc 2-stroke for 14+ | Restricted for youth | National competitor; Bronze events completed; Recommendations |
| Iron | 18+: Any; 14+: 125–250cc 2-stroke/150–250cc 4-stroke; Max 200cc 2-stroke for 14+ | Restricted for youth | Same as Bronze |
Sample Schedule (Based on 2024)
| Day | Event | Timing/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 (Nov 27) | Documentation & Scrutineering; Riders Briefing | 10:00–19:00; Briefing at 19:00 (Avani Hotel) |
| Day 1 (Nov 28) | Round the Houses Prologue | 08:30–15:00 (Maseru Mall) |
| Day 2 (Nov 29) | Mountain Stage | Gold 06:00, Silver 06:45, Bronze 07:30, Iron 08:15 (Matsieng) |
| Day 3 (Nov 30) | Mountain Stage | Gold 07:00, Silver 08:00, Bronze 09:00, Iron 09:30 (Matsieng); Final Podium |
