WRC - Rally Kenya

Safari Rally Kenya stands as one of the most challenging events on the WRC calendar. The Rally Kenya takes place in Naivasha, located in the Great Rift Valley region. This WRC event features 21 special stages covering nearly 385 kilometers of competitive distance across the rugged Kenyan landscape.

Rally Kenya presents drivers with unique challenges including rocky roads, sandy tracks, deep ruts, and water crossings. The terrain varies dramatically, making this WRC event in Kenya particularly demanding on both vehicles and crews. Stages like Hell's Gate, Sleeping Warrior, and the Super Special Stage at Kasarani showcase the diverse Kenyan landscape.

The event attracts top WRC talent including Toyota's Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä, Hyundai's Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak, and Ford's competitors. Local Kenyan drivers also participate, with names like Karan Patel and Carl Tundo competing in the WRC2 category.

Teams prepare specifically for Rally Kenya with reinforced suspensions, tougher skid plates, and extra cooling systems. Hankook provides special Dynapro R213 tires designed to handle the harsh Kenyan conditions with improved puncture resistance.

The Safari Rally Kenya began in 1953 as the East African Coronation Safari. The WRC included this rally from 1973 to 2002 before its return in 2021. Early editions saw up to 90% of entrants fail to finish, earning it a reputation as the toughest rally in the world.

The Rally Kenya WRC event offers something no other rally can match - the possibility of wildlife encounters, with elephants, giraffes, and zebras sometimes appearing near the track. Weather can shift from dusty conditions to heavy rain within minutes, creating additional challenges.

This WRC event contributes significantly to Kenya's economy, with projections of injecting billions into local businesses. The rally remains a point of national pride in Kenya, with passionate fans lining the stages to witness the action.

Rally Kenya promises spectacular driving displays as competitors navigate some of the most challenging roads in motorsport. The combination of extreme terrain, unpredictable conditions, and world-class driving makes this WRC event truly special.