Safari Rally Kenya returns in 2025, promising to deliver intense action, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled challenges across Kenya’s iconic landscapes. Scheduled from 19th to 23rd March 2025, this rally remains one of the most rigorous and celebrated events in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar.
Wednesday, 19 March: Shakedown
Competitors will kick things off with a 5.00km Shakedown, fine-tuning their cars for the intense stages ahead.
Thursday, 20 March: Setting the Stage
The rally formally begins with a ceremonial start at KICC, Nairobi, at 11:26 am, showcasing the excitement to come.
SS1 – Super Special Stage Kasarani (4.76km, 13:05)
Located in Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, this dual-lane, head-to-head stage runs in reverse compared to previous editions. Side-by-side racing ensures an electrifying start in front of thousands of spectators.SS2 – Mzabibu (8.27km, 16:43)
This brand-new stage at Morendat Farm vineyards, near Naivasha, presents tight corners and technical sections, setting the tone for challenging competition.
Friday, 21 March: Navigating the Rift Valley
An early 6:00 am service in Naivasha precedes an action-packed day:
SS3 – Camp Moran (31.40km, 07:13)
Combining narrow trails and fast jumps along the Great Rift Valley cliffs, this stage demands pinpoint accuracy and nerve.SS4 – Loldia (19.11km, 08:51)
Running in reverse this year, Loldia tests drivers with its twisty sections transitioning into open plains.SS5 – Geothermal (13.18km, 10:04)
Crews race across the Olkaria fields, experiencing rapid transitions between tarmac and gravel surfaces.SS6 – Kedong (15.10km, 10:57)
Shortened yet challenging, Kedong retains its legendary Miti Mbili jump and daunting fesh-fesh sand sections.
After midday service, the stages repeat as SS7–SS10, demanding endurance and consistency from drivers and co-drivers.
Saturday, 22 March: Endurance and Strategy
Another early start with service at 7:00 am launches competitors into three formidable stages, each run twice:
SS11/14 – Sleeping Warrior (26.97km, 08:35 & 15:05)
Morning mist and varying terrain challenge visibility and driving skills, featuring both open plains and technical trails.SS12/15 – Elmenteita (17.31km, 09:35 & 16:03)
Reversed for 2025, this stage along Lake Elmenteita pushes drivers to adapt quickly to varying grip levels.SS13/16 – Soysambu (28.97km, 10:33 & 17:00)
A physically demanding stage mixing technical sections with fast, open roads. Spectators will gather early, making it a rally hotspot.
Sunday, 23 March: Final Push to Victory
The decisive stages of the Safari Rally kick off early with high stakes:
SS17 – Mzabibu 2 (8.27km, 06:42)
Revisiting this new fan-favorite stage will require renewed determination and focus from crews.SS18 – Oserengoni (18.33km, 07:53)
Set within the scenic Oserengoni Conservancy, drivers will negotiate deceptive straights and tight wooded sections amidst stunning natural beauty.SS19 – Hell’s Gate 1 (10.53km, 09:05)
Famous for dramatic views, Hell’s Gate now features a critical route change near Fischer’s Tower, enhancing its unpredictability.
After a mid-morning service break, crews tackle two final challenges:
SS20 – Oserengoni 2 (18.33km, 11:56)
Drivers return, facing the same route under different conditions, testing their endurance and adaptability.SS21 – Hell’s Gate 2, Wolf Power Stage (10.53km, 14:15)
The iconic stage concludes the rally, offering bonus championship points and the dramatic climax fans eagerly await.
At 15:30, crews gather for the podium celebrations, marking the triumphant conclusion of Safari Rally Kenya 2025.
The Safari Rally Experience
Known globally as the ultimate motorsport endurance test, Safari Rally Kenya blends rugged terrains, unpredictable weather, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Revived as a WRC event in 2021, its historic legacy continues to captivate fans and challenge the world’s greatest drivers, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a must-see motorsport destination.
Join the excitement and witness history in the making at Safari Rally Kenya 2025.
