MadWay Namibia rally a unique adventure
Converted Mad Max–style vehicles roaring over dirt roads and carving routes through Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes marked the seventh MadWay Rally.The luxury, theme-based tour kicked off on 25 September 2025 at Marula Ranch east of Windhoek and took 23 participants from around the world on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, culminating on 5 October at the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund.
The visiting couples flew to Hoada Camp near Kamanjab, where they caught their first glimpse of the flamboyant vehicles. They were then able to choose which cars they would drive as they retraced spectacular locations where Mad Max: Fury Road was filmed more than a decade ago, in 2012.
From Kamanjab, participants revved their engines through Doro Nawas near Twyfelfontein, Timbila Lodge near Omaruru, on to Spitzkoppen Lodge, and finally to Desert Breeze in Swakopmund.
According to founder Alexey Gubarev, who has been based in Cyprus for the past 23 years, the non-profit project was launched in 2017. Since then, the rally-based destination tour has visited Mongolia, the Altai Mountains and Lake Baikal in Siberia, as well as Kyrgyzstan and China in 2024, among other destinations.
‘Namibia special’
Coming to Namibia was particularly meaningful for Alexey, his wife Anna, and their daughter Kristina, as it marked the first time the event had been hosted in Africa and only their second visit to the continent.
“Namibia is a very beautiful country, and I was amazed by the excellent quality of the roads, even the dirt roads,” he said. “Coming to Namibia has been on my bucket list for many years,” he adds. “Windhoek is a beautiful city, and Namibia is a super-safe country.”
Visiting the original filming locations also deepened participants’ respect for what life on Earth could look like after a nuclear apocalypse. “I’m a peaceful guy, but we all need to be reminded that it can happen, and that we need to handle peace in a good way,” says Alexey.
According to the official MadWay website, madwayrally.com: “This rally is all about advocating for world peace. There are too many armed conflicts in the world these days. If they are not resolved, humanity could face a future without hope. Living in a post-apocalyptic world is more realistic than we think.”
Logistics
“It was a major logistical operation, moving personnel and equipment from China to Namibia. We brought 16 cars, three dune buggies, two motorbikes, and 16 cargo containers,” says Alexey.
He notes that Namibian officials were supportive, and that applications for work permits and other required documentation proceeded smoothly, particularly because preparations and advance payments were completed well ahead of time.
“You have to book a year in advance, and everything was paid for in 2024.” More than 100 crew members assisted with the organisation, while up to 45 Namibians were involved in filming remarkable scenes during the tour.
Action captured
Pierre Roos of 42 Films Namibia, who also served as site manager during the filming of Mad Max: Fury Road, fondly recalls the moment at the Kamanjab airfield when clients first saw their vehicles. He oversaw the full Namibian crew, managing everything from catering to stunts, and was responsible for filming and editing personalised short films for each participant.
“We sent them privately, and each person received their own individual short film. There are no copies — everyone has their original,” he explains.
Among his highlights were two luxurious nights at Timbila Lodge and the drive past Palmwag in Kaokoland.
“It was a significant boost for our industry and great exposure for Namibia. We need to promote our country more,” he says.
Afrikaburn
This year, the rally will take place in South Africa from 27 April to 3 May and is set to conclude at Afrikaburn on the farm Quaggafontein in the Tankwa Karoo. Alexey says the unique vehicles are currently stored in Namibia, with restoration work scheduled to begin within two weeks. Parts and specialised mechanics will be flown in shortly. - [email protected]
