Castrol GTX LOOOOOONG RIDE is launched

Castrol has unveiled its ambitious new campaign: the Castrol GTX LOOOOOONG RIDE – a 10,500km journey from Cape Town to Kenya that spans nine African countries. The goal? To put Castrol GTX engine oil to the ultimate test under demanding, real-world African conditions.

Castrol South Africa has officially launched one of its most daring road-test campaigns yet. The Castrol GTX LOOOOOONG RIDE is designed to demonstrate the power of sludge protection and engine longevity using Castrol GTX engine oil.

The concept follows a successful global campaign that began in China and continued through Central Asia. Now, that same endurance challenge reaches the African continent. A team from Castrol will travel from the dry savannahs of Botswana to the highlands of Lesotho and through the Great Rift Valley of Kenya – all relying solely on Castrol GTX to keep their vehicle running smoothly.

The route: 10,500km across Africa

The journey spans nine countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. It begins in Cape Town and concludes in Nairobi. Along the way, the route will cover smooth highways, gravel roads, rugged mountain passes, and tropical climates – a real stress test for any engine oil.

Highlights of the trip include meeting a former Miss Botswana to explore traditional fashion and cuisine, going off-road in Zambia with a rally driver, immersing in the 4×4 scene in Zimbabwe, boarding a houseboat on Lake Malawi, exploring Maasai culture, flying over the Serengeti, and diving into Tanzania’s music scene with a guitar-playing car enthusiast.

To reinforce the scientific value of the campaign, oil samples will be extracted every 2,000km and analysed at the Castrol Technology Centre. These tests will showcase how the Castrol GTX 3X CLEAN formula performs in a variety of tough conditions.

Engineered for endurance

At the heart of the campaign lies Castrol GTX – the engine oil known globally for its reliability. Designed to combat sludge, the oil’s 3X CLEAN formula helps to clean existing sludge, prevents future build-up, and protects critical engine components during high-stress, high-temperature, and long-haul driving.

“Castrol GTX ALL NEW variants are built on synthetic base oils and enhanced with Castrol’s 3X CLEAN Formula, designed to fight the three leading causes of engine sludge: heat, contaminants, and frequent short trips,” says Jenny Heyes, marketing director at Castrol Africa. “This road trip puts Castrol GTX under the same pressure your engine faces every day – but multiplied by thousands of kilometres. It’s a mobile lab facing dust, heat, mountains, potholes – and everything in between.”

The team behind the wheel

The campaign is spearheaded by award-winning off-road racer Lance Woolridge, alongside Castrol’s Brand Ambassador and content creator Thabiso Mkhize. The duo will co-drive the Castrol-branded Toyota Fortuner, offering daily updates, technical insights, and cultural experiences.

They’ll be joined by a rotating cast of influencer guests, including Donovan Goliath, South African comedian and car fanatic; Liselle & Lisette So-oabes, Namibian twin fashion and travel influencers; and Joy Kendi, Kenyan fashion, beauty, and lifestyle creator. Each personality brings a unique voice to the journey, helping to educate, inspire, and celebrate African roads and their stories.

Supporting the Black Mambas

For every kilometre travelled, Castrol will donate R5 to the Black Mambas – South Africa’s all-woman anti-poaching unit. Based in the Balule Nature Reserve, the Mambas use visibility, intelligence, and community outreach to protect endangered wildlife. “Partnering with the Black Mambas is about backing everyday heroes,” says Heyes. “They protect what we can’t see and often forget – and just like Castrol, they keep going when the terrain gets tough.”

The funds raised will support the patrol team’s vehicle maintenance, mechanical training workshops, a fresh supply of Castrol GTX engine oil, and conservation education in nearby communities.

Follow the journey

Audiences can track the GTX LOOOOOONG RIDE via @CastrolAfrica on social media, YouTube, and influencer platforms. Weekly mini-episodes, behind-the-scenes features, and interviews will be released throughout the campaign, with a documentary wrap-up debuting at the finish line in Nairobi.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a conservation supporter, or simply love a great road trip story, the Castrol GTX LOOOOOONG RIDE promises to be a journey worth watching in 2025.