2025 WRC Safari Rally is expected to be a thrilling edition with new stages, a fresh Nairobi start and a strong sustainability focus.
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally in Kenya is going to be an unforgettable spectacle, packed with innovations, fresh stages, and a heightened focus on sustainability.
As the third round in an expanded 14-event World Rally Championship calendar, this year’s Safari Rally promises to captivate rally enthusiasts worldwide from March 20 to 23.
This edition will feature a fresh starting point outside Nairobi’s iconic City Hall, replacing the traditional flag-off at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The new location aims to draw the public closer to the action and make the event more accessible to fans.
“We want the City Hall way lined up with the public as they watch the cars move out,” said WRC Safari CEO Charles Gacheru.
One of the standout features of the 2025 rally is the introduction of two brand-new stages, adding a fresh layer of excitement and challenge.
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The entire Kenya Rallies Commission, including prominent figures like WRC winner Ian Duncan, resigned on August 30 due to internal conflicts and a lack of effective leadership within the Kenya Motorsport Federation, which has eroded trust among stakeholders and negatively impacted the sport in Kenya.
On Thursday, the rally will debut the Mzabibu stage, an 8 km loop named after a vineyard in Morendat Farm, Naivasha.
Spectators can look forward to an autograph session at the Safari Mall before the drivers take on this thrilling stage.
Friday will feature Camp Moran, another new stage highlighting Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, along with classic sections like Loldia, KenGen Geothermal and a revised Kedong stage.
“We are working with KenGen on sustainability,” noted Gacheru, emphasizing Camp Moran’s role in air carbon capture and the commitment to eco-friendly rallying.
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The Kenya Motorsports Federation has been thrown into turmoil following the recent leadership standoff.
The shortened Kedong stage, now 17 km instead of the usual 30 km, retains its legendary Miti Mbili jump, ensuring fans still get to witness one of the rally’s most iconic moments.
Saturday will feature the Delamere Farm stages, including Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, with carefully managed viewing points in conservancies.
Sunday’s action-packed finale will begin with a run at Morendat, followed by the picturesque Hells Gate and Oserian stages.
The public village at Morendat will offer fans a unique opportunity to engage with drivers, enjoy big-screen coverage and soak in the rally’s vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond the stages, the rally’s dual role as a World Rally Championship (WRC) and Africa Rally Championship (ARC) event underscores its significance.
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Ruto has made a rallying call to the private sector to help invest more into the WRC Safari Rally following the conclusion of the 2024 edition.
It also launches the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC), a six-leg series that will further elevate the local rally scene. With this multi-championship stature, the Safari Rally cements its position as a cornerstone of both global and African motorsport.
The 2025 edition also aims to be the most environmentally conscious yet, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Partnerships with organizations like KenGen ensure innovative approaches to carbon capture and environmental preservation, setting a new standard for motorsport events worldwide. This eco-focus complements the rally’s role in showcasing Kenya’s natural beauty and diverse terrains, from Naivasha’s lush vineyards to the dramatic escarpments of Hell’s Gate.
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Kalle Rovanpera has confirmed his readiness for a third WRC title following a part-time 2024 season and preparing for Monte Carlo.
To elevate the fan experience, organizers have placed a strong emphasis on accessibility and engagement.
Spectator villages like the one at Morendat provide a hub for fans to interact with drivers, watch the action live, and stay connected to the event’s energy.
The introduction of viewing points at conservancies and carefully managed access underscores the balance between offering fans a closer view of the action and preserving the pristine environments the rally traverses.
With an expected lineup of 50 crews, this year’s Safari Rally promises unparalleled competition and entertainment.
The mix of fresh stages, iconic rally landmarks, and innovative fan engagement strategies ensures that it will be a standout event on the WRC calendar.
Moreover, the rally’s significance as a platform for local talent through the KNRC adds to its importance, fostering growth in Kenya’s motorsport community.
