Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Location
Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
Current Local Time
Track Info
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit - Midrand, South Africa
Historic high-altitude circuit between Johannesburg and Pretoria - known for Formula One, endurance racing and dramatic elevation changes
When was the track built?
Kyalami opened in 1961 as a fast 4.104 km circuit built across the rolling landscape north of Johannesburg. Its first race was a nine-hour endurance event, immediately establishing the venue as a test of speed, reliability and driver stamina.
The name Kyalami is commonly translated as “my home” in isiZulu. The circuit soon became South Africa's leading international motorsport venue.
When did Formula One race here?
Kyalami joined the Formula One World Championship in 1967. It hosted 18 championship Grands Prix through 1985, followed by two more races on a redesigned circuit in 1992 and 1993.
South African driver Jody Scheckter produced one of its most celebrated moments by winning his home Grand Prix in 1975. Alain Prost won the final Formula One race held here in 1993.
How has the circuit changed?
Part of the original property was sold during the late 1980s, forcing the track to be shortened and changing its direction from clockwise to anti-clockwise. Several famous sections survived, including Sunset, Clubhouse and The Esses.
After the venue changed ownership in 2014, it received a complete resurfacing, modern safety systems, improved spectator areas and a new pit and paddock complex. The resulting 4.522 km layout meets FIA Grade 2 specifications.
What's the circuit like?
- Constant elevation changes: The track repeatedly climbs and descends, sometimes hiding the next corner from the driver.
- Fast and technical: High-speed bends are mixed with slower corners where accurate braking and strong acceleration are essential.
- High-altitude challenge: Cars behave differently in the thinner air, requiring teams to carefully manage power, cooling and aerodynamic grip.
- Demanding final sector: The Crocodiles and Cheetah section requires rapid direction changes before the climb towards the finish.
What races here?
- Kyalami 9 Hours: The circuit's signature endurance race challenges teams to balance outright speed with fuel, tyres and reliability.
- South African national racing: GT cars, touring cars, sports prototypes, single-seaters and motorcycles appear during domestic meetings.
- Historic international events: Kyalami has hosted Formula One, World Superbikes, A1 Grand Prix and major international sports-car races.
- Driving experiences: Manufacturer testing, performance-car events and professional driver training also use the circuit.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Current race record: 1:40.303 - Jonathan Thomas in a Nova Proto NP02, November 2024.
- Current GT3 benchmark: 1:41.425 - Michael Stephen in an Audi R8 LMS GT3, 2023.
- Historic Formula One lap: 1:17.578 - Nigel Mansell in a Williams FW14B, 1992.
- Opening race: John Love and Dawie Gous won the first Kyalami 9 Hour in 1961.
Nigel Mansell's Formula One time was set on the shorter 4.261 km layout, so it cannot be directly compared with records from the modern circuit.
Why go?
Kyalami combines an important international history with modern facilities and excellent views across its hilly landscape. The elevation changes make the cars easy to see from several positions and give even national races a dramatic appearance.
Major events may also include paddock displays, manufacturer demonstrations, food areas and opportunities to see racing cars at close range.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight and pit complex: Best for race starts, pit stops, the finish and pre-race activity.
- Crowthorne and Jukskei: Good for early-lap battles, braking and cars changing direction at speed.
- Sunset and Clubhouse: Historic sections where drivers carry momentum through sweeping corners.
- Mineshaft and The Crocodiles: Best for appreciating the elevation changes and the modern circuit's technical final sector.
Kyalami is in Midrand between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Driving is normally the simplest way to reach the venue. Entrances, grandstands, parking areas and paddock access vary between events, so check the organiser's current visitor information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit (South Africa)
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Driving is the easiest way to visit, but the Gautrain makes travelling without a car possible: take the train to Midrand Station and complete the journey by taxi, rideshare or an event shuttle when one is provided.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest option for most spectators. Kyalami is close to the N1, the main motorway connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria.
- From Johannesburg: take the N1 north towards Midrand and Pretoria, leave towards Allandale Road and head west towards the R55.
- From Pretoria: take the N1 south towards Midrand, then use the Allandale Road exit.
- Final approach: the circuit is at the junction of Allandale Road and the R55.
- Navigation: search for “Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit”.
Traffic on Allandale Road and the R55 can become heavy during peak periods and major events, so allow extra time.
Getting there by Gautrain
The Gautrain is the best public transport option, particularly if you are staying in Johannesburg, Sandton or Pretoria.
- Take the Gautrain to Midrand Station.
- From Midrand Station, use a taxi or rideshare for the final journey to Kyalami.
- Check your event information: some large events operate dedicated shuttle buses between Midrand Station and the circuit.
Do not assume a shuttle operates every weekend. Midrand Station is not within practical walking distance of the circuit.
Flying in
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the main airport for international visitors and has its own Gautrain station.
- By Gautrain: travel from the airport towards Marlboro and connect with the north-south line for Midrand.
- Rental car: a good choice if you are attending several days of racing or travelling elsewhere in Gauteng.
- Taxi or rideshare: a direct journey from the airport is also possible.
- Lanseria Airport (HLA): another option for selected domestic flights and is on the north-western side of Johannesburg.
Johannesburg traffic varies considerably throughout the day, so allow more time when travelling during morning or afternoon peak periods.
Parking
Kyalami has extensive space for vehicles, but parking arrangements depend on the event rather than following one permanent spectator system.
- On-site parking: available for many race meetings, exhibitions and motoring events.
- Parking charges: some events include parking while others charge separately.
- Large events: additional parking areas and temporary traffic routes may be introduced.
- Follow marshals: use the entrance and parking area listed for your ticket or event.
Do not assume the entrance you used at a previous Kyalami event will be used again, as different areas of the large complex can be opened.
Where to stay
Kyalami is surrounded by Johannesburg's northern suburbs, so there is a wide choice of accommodation within a relatively short drive.
- Midrand: the most convenient area for staying close to the circuit.
- Waterfall: close to both Kyalami and the Mall of Africa, with numerous hotels and restaurants.
- Sandton: useful for visitors who want more nightlife, hotels and direct Gautrain access.
- Pretoria: another option if your trip is based north of the circuit.
If you are staying in Sandton without a car, the Gautrain to Midrand followed by a rideshare is a straightforward option.
Understanding the circuit
Kyalami is a permanent international road-racing circuit and one of Africa's most famous motorsport venues.
- Length: 4.522 km.
- Turns: 16.
- Direction: anti-clockwise.
- Altitude: approximately 1,532 metres above sea level.
- History: Kyalami previously hosted the Formula 1 South African Grand Prix and continues to host major national and international motorsport events.
The circuit is large and hilly, so spectator entrances and viewing areas can be a considerable distance apart.
Race-day tips
- Arrive early: Allandale Road and the R55 can become heavily congested before major events.
- Check your entrance: Kyalami has several access points and different events can use different gates.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the circuit has significant elevation changes and large spectator areas.
- Prepare for the sun: Gauteng days can be hot and exposed, particularly during summer.
- Bring hearing protection: especially for children and anyone sitting close to the circuit.
- Save the address: Cnr R55 & Allandale Road, Kyalami, Midrand, 1684, South Africa.
For a first visit, driving directly to Kyalami is the easiest option. Without a car, take the Gautrain to Midrand and use a taxi, rideshare or any official event shuttle for the final journey.
Parking, shuttle buses, entrances and traffic arrangements can change between events. Check the official Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit information and your individual event guide before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit (Midrand, South Africa)
Kyalami is South Africa's most famous permanent racing circuit, set in Midrand between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Its flowing, high-altitude layout has hosted Formula 1, superbikes and endurance racing - while wildlife attractions, museums, parks and some of Gauteng's biggest visitor destinations are within easy driving distance.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Lory Park Zoo: A small wildlife centre in Midrand with birds, big cats and other animals. It is one of the easiest family attractions to combine with a circuit visit.
- Montecasino: More than a casino, this large entertainment complex has restaurants, cinemas, theatres and the Montecasino Bird Gardens.
- Lonehill Park: A quieter local option with open lawns, walking space and a distinctive rocky hill - useful for a relaxed morning before racing.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Apartheid Museum: One of Johannesburg's most important museums, explaining the rise and fall of apartheid through photographs, objects, film and personal stories.
- Constitution Hill: A former prison complex that now tells stories of South Africa's struggle for democracy and houses the country's Constitutional Court.
- South African National Museum of Military History: Aircraft, armoured vehicles, weapons and military displays make this a good indoor choice for visitors interested in engineering and history.
Eat & drink around Kyalami
- Midrand: The surrounding suburbs have plenty of casual restaurants, cafés and shopping centres, making it easy to eat close to the circuit.
- Fourways: Head toward Montecasino for a larger selection of restaurants and evening entertainment.
- Try South African favourites: Look for boerewors, steak or other braai-style food, biltong and malva pudding for a simple introduction to local flavours.
Get outdoors between track days
- Beaulieu Bird Sanctuary: A peaceful wetland area close to Kyalami where visitors can look for local birdlife away from the noise of the circuit.
- Rietfontein Nature Reserve: A small urban nature reserve with walking trails and grassland scenery between Kyalami and Fourways.
- Lonehill Park: Good for an easy walk without using most of your sightseeing day.
Kyalami sits at high altitude. Sun protection and water are useful during warm events, while evenings can feel much cooler after sunset.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Cradle of Humankind: This UNESCO World Heritage area northwest of Johannesburg explores human origins through important fossil sites and visitor attractions.
- Johannesburg: Combine the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and other city attractions for a full day exploring South Africa's modern history.
- Pretoria: Head north for the Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument and the city's parks and historic landmarks.
- Gold Reef City: A large Johannesburg theme park built around the city's gold-mining history, making it an easy family-focused day out.
Good to know during race weekends
- Kyalami has serious Formula 1 history: The circuit hosted World Championship Grands Prix from 1967 to 1985 and again in 1992 and 1993, but today's event calendar covers many different forms of motorsport and automotive entertainment.
- Check the event before travelling: Racing, driving experiences, exhibitions and private track activity can all use the venue differently, so spectator access is not the same every day.
- Remember the altitude: The circuit is more than 1,500 metres above sea level, which can be noticeable if you have arrived from somewhere near sea level.
- Allow for Gauteng traffic: Johannesburg, Midrand and Pretoria can become busy around peak travel periods, so leave extra time for reaching the circuit.
- Bring hearing protection: Race cars at close range are extremely loud, particularly for children.
Race schedules, spectator access, parking, attraction opening hours and transport arrangements can change - check current information before travelling.