famous safari rally drivers in kenya

Motor Sports

6 famous safari rally drivers in kenya.

• March 31, 2022

• One of the most well-known African rallies is the Safari Rally
• For more than half a century, the Safari Rally was the pinnacle of the international rallying calendar
• The World Rally Championship (WRC) returned to Kenya in 2021 after 19 years
• Kenya was for the longest time out of WRC due to lack of finances

One of the most well-known African rallies is the Safari Rally – it comes with famous safari rally drivers in Kenya.

For the first time in nearly two decades, the World Rally Championship (WRC) returned to Kenya in 2021. It brought back revered rally drivers from back in the day as well as new names in the race.

For more than half a century, the Safari Rally was the pinnacle of the international rallying calendar , drawing drivers from all over the world to test their mettle in a treacherous, multi-country course.

Any Kenyan who’s over 30 years old will tell you that the Safari Rally is their earliest childhood memory that they treasure. During the Easter holiday, the country would come together as heroes and legends were born from the gruelling cross-country race.

Schools and shops would be ‘unofficially’ closed so that everyone could watch the show, and the excitement would be palpable if the race occurred to pass through your area.

But, who are the famous safari rally drivers in Kenya? Do rally drivers get paid ? Sportsleo tells you everything you need to know about all of this.

WHO ARE THE FAMOUS SAFARI RALLY DRIVERS IN KENYA?

Ian Duncan. Photo/YouTube

A well-known Kenyan rally driver, Ian Duncan was born on this date in 1961.

Kenya’s most successful rally driver, 60-year-old Duncan has won the Kenyan Rally six times.

Ian Munro was Duncan’s navigator for the 1987 Nakuru Rally, where he drove a Toyota Celica twin-cam turbo to victory. His first national title came in 1987, and he won most of his races.

He won the 1987 national Motor Sportsman of the Year Award for his achievements. His racing prowess places him among famous safari rally drivers in Kenya.

Thereafter he won the Kenyan Rally five times (1988, 1989, 1991, 2000 and 2011). Also in 1998, 2006, and 2007, Duncan won the Rhino Charge off-road race.

Additionally, he has competed in motorbike events. This year’s Kenyan enduro, motocross, and rally championship runners-up include him. At an estimated net worth of $1.3m (KSh 160 million), Duncan is one of Kenya’s wealthiest rally drivers.

Carl Tundo. Photo/The Standard

The 47-year-old won the opening round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2009, making him the first Kenyan rally driver to accomplish the feat at the time.

The year 201 was Tundo’s second time competing in the WRC Safari Rally, having done so in 2002. He is among the most famous safari rally drivers in Kenya.

VW Polo R5 was the vehicle driven by the speed wizard in WRC Safari Rally in 2021. According to his biography, Tundo’s net worth ranges from KSh 107 million to KSh 215 million (about $11 million to $12 million).

BALDEV CHAGER

Baldev Chager. Photo/YouTube

Mitsubishi driver Baldev Chager won the Safari Rally in 2012. On February 21, 2019, the African Rally Championship began in Côte d’Ivoire and completed in Rwanda on October 10, 2019, following seven events. Chager finished third placing him among famous safari rally drivers.

Prior to Carl “Flash” Tundo and Manvir Baryan, Chager was crowned winner of the 2019 Kenyan Safari Rally.

After African Rally champion Baryan, who had a comfortable lead going into the final stages of the rally, got stranded on the final stage.

He eventually slid to third place, while Ravi Soni claimed victory.

PATRICK NJIRU

During his time with the Subaru World Rally Team, Patrick Njiru represented Kenya in rally competition . Njiru was, and remains a national hero.

He was a household name in the 1980s and ’90s. Although he is no longer racing professionally, he is frequently involved in organizing and participating in charitable events. He is worth an estimated $ 4,347,826 (KSh 500 million).

Phineas Kimathi

Phineas Kimathi is the third generation of a Kenyan rally ‘dynasty.'” Phineas is a well-known rally driver in his own right. A Safari Rally Formula 2 world championship in 1999 was his first major triumph for Hyundai Motors of Korea.

Similarly, the elder Kimathi led the successful drive to reclaim Kenya’s long-lost World Rally Championship (WRC) designation.

It’s no coincidence that Colin McRae, Phineas’ son and a brilliant young athlete, was given the middle name Kimathi by his father.

It was in 2009 that Azar Anwar was awarded the title of Motorsport Person of the Year. The fact that he has participated in 26 rallies makes him one of the most prolific drivers in motorsports.

His Azar Anwar Motorsports Academy equips aspiring rally racers with the required driving and competition skills to get their racing career off the ground.

His 22-year-old son finished fifth in the ARC Equator Rally in Naivasha in 2021, shocking many with his performance against more experienced competitors.

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Safari Rally Legends: Fastest and Richest Kenyan Rally Drivers

• Ian Duncan is one of Kenya's most successful rally drivers who has won the Kenyan Rally six times
• His competitor, Carl 'Flash' Tundo, is a five-time winner of the Safari Rally
• Patrick Njiru was a legendary rally driver who was a darling to Kenyans in the 1980s and 90s

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The Safari Rally is one of the most popular African rallies. It made a return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) on Thursday, June 24, 2021, after a 19-year hiatus.

TUKO.co.ke explores some of the fastest and richest Kenyan rally drivers in the country's history.

1. Carl Tundo

Carl “Flash” Tundo was born in December 1973 in Nairobi. He is the son of Kenyan rally driver Frank Tundo.

Tundo is a five-time winner of the Safari Rally. He is also a four-time conqueror of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).

Uhuru Kenyatta Rocks Shoes Designed by Eliud Kipchoge during Safari Rally Event

In 2009, the 47-year-old won the first round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, making him the only Kenyan rally driver to achieve the feat.

It is the second time Tundo is participating in the WRC Safari Rally, having done so in 2002. The speed wizard drove the VW Polo R5 in the 2021 WRC Safari Rally.

According to his biography, Tundo's networth is estimated at between KSh 107 million to KSh 215 million.

2. Ian Duncan

Ian Duncan is a famous Kenyan rally driver who was born on June 23, 1961.

The 60-year-old is one of Kenya's most successful rally drivers who has won the Kenyan Rally six times.

Duncan's first victorious national rally was the Nakuru Rally in 1987 while driving a Toyota Celica twin-cam turbo navigated by Ian Munro.

The 60-year-old won his first national championship the same year, winning most of the races. In addition, he won the 1987 national Motor Sportsman of the Year Award.

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Since then, he has emerged as the Kenyan Rally champion five times (1988, 1989, 1991, 2000 and 2011).

Duncan also bagged the Rhino Charge off-road event in 1998, 2006 and 2007. He has also competed in motorcycling. In 2003, he was the runner up of Kenyan enduro, motocross as well as rally championships.

Duncan is one of the richest Kenyan rally drivers with an estimated networth of KSh 160 million.

3. Baldev Chager

Baldev Chager is a Mitsubishi driver and winner of the Safari Rally.

Chager was third in the 2019 African Rally Championship, which began on February 21, 2019, in the Côte d'Ivoire, and ended on October 10, 2019, in Rwanda, after seven events.

Chager won the 2019 Kenyan Safari Rally ahead of Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo and Manvir Baryan.

The experienced rally driver, who was navigated by Ravi Soni, claimed victory after African Rally champion Baryan, who had a healthy lead going into the final stages of the rally, got stuck in the final stage and eventually dropped to third place.

WRC Safari Rally 2021: Super Powerful Sports Cars to Watch and Their Manufacturers

4. Tejveer Rai

Tejveer Rai is an alumnus of City University, London. He is a safari rally buff and managing director of West Kenya Sugar Ltd.

The Rai family has greatly dominated the Safari Rally in recent years.

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Tejveer Rai and his younger brother Onkar Rai (Two-time Division Two local Safari Rally champ) were some of the top local drivers who participated in the 2021 WRC Safari Rally.

His campaign, however, came to a screeching halt on Friday, June 25, after his VW Polo crashed in the dusty Kedong stage.

Footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media and it shows Rai’s car taking a scary nosedive before rolling over in a cloud of dust.

4. Azar Anwar

Anwar is a three-time national safari rally champion in Kenya (1998, 2005 and 2006). He also won the 1995 Safari Rally 2WD.

Explainer: The 2021 WRC Kenya Safari Rally Route and Event Time Timetable

In 2009, he was named Motorsport Personality of the Year. He has been one of the most prolific drivers in motorsport, participating in 26 rallies.

The legendary 67-year-old rallying ace is the founder of Azar Anwar Motorsports Academy that provides upcoming rally drivers with the necessary driving and competition skills to kick start and grow their motorsports passion.

Anwar's son, Hamza Anwar, 22, recently shocked many when he edged out established drivers to finish in the fifth position during the ARC Equator Rally in Naivasha.

5. Patrick Njiru

Patrick Njiru was a former Kenyan rally driver with the Subaru World Rally Team from 1983 to 2002.

The legendary rally driver was a darling to Kenyans and wowed many back in the 80s and 90s during competitions.

He has retired from competitive racing but often takes part in organising and competing in charity races.

Njiru's networth is estimated at over KSh 500 million.

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Another Kenyan rally 'dynasty' as reported by TUKO.co.ke is Phineas Kimathi.

Phineas was a celebrity in his own right during his rallying days.

In 1999, he gave Hyundai Motors of South Korea its first world title, the Safari Rally Formula 2 title. The elder Kimathi also successfully spearheaded the campaign that regained Kenya its long-lost WRC status.

Phineas's son, the promising McRae Kimathi, 24, was named after fallen British legend Colin McRae.

He has already proved his mettle on the rally course and is among the contestants this weekend.

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• Entertainment

The rich history of the Safari Rally: Exploring Kenya’s rally legends

The Safari Rally, once renowned as the toughest motorsport event in the world, holds a special place in Kenya’s sporting heritage. With a history spanning several decades, this iconic rally has captured the imagination of motorsport enthusiasts and created a legacy of legendary drivers who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

The origins of the Safari Rally can be traced back to the early 1950s when British colonial officers organized a motorsport event to explore Kenya’s vast landscapes. Initially, the rally covered long distances across rugged terrains, gravel roads, and challenging wildlife-infested tracks. It soon gained a reputation for being one of the most demanding rallies globally, earning the moniker “The Grand Prix of East Africa.”

As the rally evolved, so did the competition. In 1973, the Safari Rally became part of the prestigious World Rally Championship (WRC), elevating its status and attracting top drivers from around the world. However, it retained its unique character, testing drivers’ skills and endurance in extreme conditions.

Throughout the years, Kenya has produced exceptional rally drivers who have made their mark on the international stage. These legends have pushed the limits, displaying exceptional driving skills, courage, and resilience.

One of the most celebrated Kenyan rally legends is Ian Duncan. Known for his speed and precision, Duncan clinched victory in the Safari Rally twice, in 1994 and 2000. His unparalleled success earned him a special place in the hearts of rally fans, and his name became synonymous with excellence in the sport.

Another iconic figure in Kenya’s rally history is the late Shekhar Mehta, affectionately known as the “Flying Sikh.” Mehta dominated the Safari Rally in the 1970s, securing victory five times between 1973 and 1982. His remarkable driving skills, combined with his charismatic personality, endeared him to fans worldwide. Mehta’s legacy continues to inspire young rally enthusiasts in Kenya and beyond.

Patrick Njiru, another Kenyan rally icon, made history as the first African driver to secure a podium finish in the Safari Rally. His third-place finish in 1994 marked a significant milestone, showcasing the talent and potential of Kenyan drivers on the international stage.

The Safari Rally has also witnessed remarkable performances from international rally legends. Carlos Sainz, a two-time World Rally Champion, triumphed in the Safari Rally in 1990 and 1992. His victories showcased his exceptional driving skills and cemented his status as one of the greatest rally drivers of all time.

After a nearly two-decade absence from the WRC calendar, the Safari Rally made a triumphant return in 2019 as a candidate event. The successful staging of the rally received widespread acclaim, with drivers and fans relishing the challenging terrain and breathtaking landscapes that define the event.

In 2021, the Safari Rally officially rejoined the WRC calendar, marking a significant milestone for Kenyan motorsport. This highly anticipated event brought together the world’s best rally drivers, who tackled the demanding Kenyan landscapes with great enthusiasm.

The rich history of the Safari Rally and the exceptional performances of Kenya’s rally legends have played a vital role in inspiring a new generation of drivers. Today, young Kenyan talents like Carl “Flash” Tundo and Onkar Rai are making waves in the rallying world, carrying the torch of Kenyan excellence forward.

As the Safari Rally continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it serves as a testament to Kenya’s motorsport heritage and the enduring legacy of its rally legends. Their remarkable achievements and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the Safari Rally and continue to inspire future generations of drivers in Kenya and beyond.

Click here to watch video of President William Ruto in a WRC Ford Puma Rally1 car.

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Inch-perfect Kalle Rovanperä shows rivals the way home in Kenya

Part of this story

FIA World Rally Championship

The fia world rally championship puts drivers against some of the toughest conditions on the planet., safari rally kenya is finally back after a long hiatus from the wrc calendar..

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Kalle Rovanperä

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Kalle Rovanperä celebrates his victory

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• Expert Insights
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The Safari Rally Boom! – Sporting in Kenya’s Famous Wildlife Conservancies

World rally championships (wrc).

Table of Contents

When you hear the words Safari Rally’, all that comes to mind is the adrenaline-filled thrill of roaring rally vehicles going at break-necking speeds on dusty trails and muddy tracks, flying over hills with sharp turns and near misses of trees. It is an experience that gives all motorsport enthusiasts goosebumps.

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Kenya is known as the home of the Safari Rally, one of Africa’s most famous rallies. From the vast savanna rangelands at the base of the Great Rift Valley in Naivasha to the scenic undulating landscapes of Nanyuki, Kenya offers the ultimate terrain for rally competitions. The Kenyan Safari Rally is considered one of the toughest events in the World Rally Championships (WRC), which is the highest level of motorsport discipline of rallying organized by FIA.

Kenya is home to multiple rally tracks that offer some of the most challenging but stunning rally experiences. These locations are notorious for steep inclines, rocky paths, deep potholes, and extreme heat. The best rally drivers can demonstrate their skills in these challenging conditions as they race against the clock.

Hosting the rally events within wildlife conservancies has become synonymous with the Kenyan Safari Rally. Kenya boasts of numerous conservancies that offer access to the diverse flora and fauna of Wild Kenya and play host to numerous fun and sporting activities, such as the Safari Rally. The combination of roaring rally vehicles on dusty and muddy tracks snaking through the expansive grasslands with acacia trees and game animals overlooking from afar is the ultimate Safari Experience.

History of Safari Rally in Kenya

The prestigious Safari Rally traces its roots back to May 27, 1953, when it was known as the East African Coronation Rally as it was a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, who became queen when on holiday in Kenya one year earlier when she learned of the death of her father, King George VI. The East African Coronation Rally traversed Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika, now known as Tanzania.

The event grew over the years and was renamed The East African Safari Rally in 1960-1974, where it became Safari Rally and became part of the prestigious World Rally Championships WRC. The rally was later on a brief hiatus from WRC due to financial constraints and safety concerns but made its comeback as East African Safari Rally 2003, which was organized biannually. The event later made its comeback to WRC in 2022.

The rally event is modernized, bringing together the crème de la crème of both local and international rally drivers. The Kenyan Safari Rally event has grown and attracts massive attention from rally enthusiasts globally.

The Safari Rally Experience- Where the Wild Meets the Wheels.

Kenya has a vast network of 54 National Parks and Game Reserves popular for hosting a number of game animals, including the Big Five. It also has numerous wildlife conservancies managed by individual landowners, corporate bodies, groups of owners, or communities for wildlife conservation and other compatible land uses for better livelihoods.

As part of efforts to encourage ecotourism and conservation initiatives, selected conservancies have built racing circuits that host the Safari Rally events. It should be noted that all aspects of biodiversity are protected and preserved during these events, with some of the proceeds directed at conservation efforts.

Competing drivers can race in the circuits at high speeds for long distances on poor roads crossing rivers under fickle weather. Drivers and other rally enthusiasts in the audience get to witness the diverse wildlife from a distance.

It can only be a Safari Rally experience when enthusiasts witness clouds of dust being thrown into the air behind the speeding rally car or rally cars hitting the puddles of muddy water at high speeds. The scene makes the perfect postcard shot.

Naivasha Kenya has become the most common location for hosting this big event. Naivasha has multiple lands under conservancies. Some Kenyan Conservancies hosting Safari Rally events include The Soysambu Conservancy on Lake Elementaita in the Great Rift Valley. Rally enthusiasts get to view the beautiful scenery of Lake Elementaita with Flamingoes and a variety of birds and games. Hell’s Gate also hosts major rally circuits while offering the Safari experience. Other wildlife corridors bordering these conservancies include Oserian, Kedong, Loldia, and Malewa.

Nanyuki is also home to conservancies that host The Safari Rally events. Loldaiga ranch on the Lodaiga Hills near Nanyuki has hosted Rally Championships, attracting some of the best Rally drivers. Ol Pejeta Conservancy occasionally organizes Rally events to raise funds to assist in conservation efforts of endangered animal species. These locations offer stunning sceneries of Mount Kenya Peaks and range lands with numerous wildlife amidst the roaring engines of rally vehicles.

The Safari Rally in the Kenyan Conservancies is indeed a true test of endurance and skill, with only the toughest rally drivers being able to conquer the African Terrain. Be sure not to miss this adrenaline-packed Kenyan Safari Rally.

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Annah is a travel and Safari enthusiast with a great passion for content writing. Her passion for travel and adventure fuels her travel blogging experience. You can connect with her via email or social media handles.

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Top drivers gear up for wrc kenya safari rally challenge.

NAIROBI, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The highly-anticipated World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in Kenya is only hours away, with the stage set for what is predicted to be a wet showdown in the East African savannah.

This year's Safari Rally has been moved up to the Easter slot from June and is now the third round of the 2024 FIA WRC following the opening two races in Monaco and Sweden. The Safari has been held in June since its return to the global championship in 2021 following a 19-year absence, and following heavy rains that started to hit the country over the weekend, drivers are expecting a mud bath.

The event will be flagged off in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Thursday before the drivers compete in a Super Special Stage within the city. The crews will then move to Naivasha, 80km northwest of the Kenyan capital for the three-day rally proper that concludes on Sunday.

With a lineup of 29 entries comprising top contenders from across the world, anticipation for the rally has reached fever pitch. Several drivers have already arrived in Kenya, eager to tackle the challenging terrain and compete for glory in one of motorsport's most revered events.

Championship leader Thierry Neuville is seeking his first Safari victory, having been forced to retire from the 2021 and 2023 editions. "We had a good kick-off of the season as we are still leading the championship. Coming here to Kenya now, much earlier in the season, we are really looking forward to the race," the Hyundai driver told reporters at Masai Mara Game Research on Sunday.

"We know it's a windy season as well, so it's going to be probably a different challenge than what we have seen in the previous years. But it's always exciting to be here and it's some kind of adventure and much different than all the other rallies," he added.

Neuville leads the standings on 48 points, three ahead of Welshman and Toyota Gazoo Racing rival Elfyn Evans.

Frenchman Adrien Fourmax of M-Sport Ford is further adrift in third with 29. "First I need to get used to the temperature here. It's very hot, obviously, compared to what we have in France. I need to get used to it. And the landscape is completely different. So, yeah, quite a shock now, but a very nice experience. Obviously, it's quite different from what we have in Europe but it's always interesting to discover something new," he said.

Over the weekend, Neuville, Evans, Nicolas Ciamin of France and Luxembourg's Gregoire Munster were among the drivers who were treated to a two-day safari at the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.

The trip was part of Kenya's effort to tap into the six billion U.S. dollars motorsport industry by encouraging sports enthusiasts to either extend their stay after events such as the Safari Rally or arrive earlier to explore more of the country.

The heavy rain currently pounding Kenya brings an additional challenge to an already grueling rally.

Few drivers will have come across the deep water and slippery mud that can replace dusty roads in a matter of minutes.

The Safari Rally was first held in 1953, as the East African Coronation Safari in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Renamed the Kenya Safari Rally in 1974, the event is held on roads still open to the public and has gained notoriety as the toughest round of the WRC, where arduous conditions, constantly changing weather and more than 5,000 competitive kilometers makes simply finishing an achievement.

Xinhua 26th March 2024, 03:05 GMT+11

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WRC drivers time out in Amboseli ahead of Safari rally escapades

The Safari rally is set to be held from March 28 - 31, marking the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championship calendar after the Royalle Monte Callo – Monaco and Rally Sweden - UMEA.

Famous WRC Rally drivers took time out on Sunday at the Amboseli park to explore Kenya’s tourism treat before embarking on the wheels for this year’s WRC safari rally which zooms off this Thursday.

The divers included the 2024 championship leader Thierry Neuville from Belgium representing the Hyundai Shell Mobis World rally team ,Toyota Gazoo’s Elfyn Evans from Great Britain and French Nicolas Ciamin of Hyundai .

The drivers took part in the Maasai Mara tour for top WRC drivers organized by the WRC in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.

“I think it’s an enjoyable experience. It’s definitely saying you have to do it once in your life. I am lucky to be here today,” said Neuville “Was exciting to see three out of the big five.” the Belgian concluded

“always relaxed and you have to be prepared as you can of course we have to provide the balance between preparedness and relaxing,”Ellyfin Evans said

“yeah it was interesting to see all the animals its a unique experience, chance to ride hot balloon for the 1st time is really interesting.”added Ellyfin

According to Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, Kenya is particularly well-placed to tap into the over $6 billion motorsport industry. Kenya is looking to leverage experiential marketing to draw in more travelers by encouraging sports enthusiasts to either extend their stay after sporting events or arrive earlier to enjoy a more immersive tourism experience.

“Kenya is now strategically embracing and taking advantage of the motorsport tourism market, as evidenced by hosting this esteemed group of WRC drivers who got a taste of the magical Kenya safari experience. The influence of these personalities on motorsport fans worldwide is invaluable in promoting Kenya as a leading adventure and motorsport destination. We look forward to showcasing these unrivalled experiences to more spectators and drivers alike during the Safari Rally,” Said the PS.

The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Ababu Namwamba while flagging off the four drivers said that adventure and motorsport enthusiasts are now strongly associating Kenya with unique experiences, buoyed by the growth in events such as World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, the East Africa Safari Classic Rally among others.

“ The Safari rally is part of our heritage and part of our plans is to ensure that Kenya benefits from hosting these key personalities. We are so keen do deploy our sports tourism agenda and to use sports as a platform to market Kenya and as a platform to welcome the world to Kenya and that’s why for us it’s an opportunity to welcome the team of elite drivers to the Mara, home to the 8th Wonder of the world, a perfect way to showcase the best of Kenya,” CS Ababu said.

The two-day excursion saw top WRC drivers explore the magnificent Maasai Mara National Reserve. The experiential itinerary included a hot air balloon safari, authentic wildlife viewing , cultural interactions with the local Maasai community and a bush dinner, among other activities.

The Safari rally is set to be held from March 28 – 31, marking the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championship calendar after the Royalle Monte Callo , Monaco and Rally Sweden , UMEA.

The rally reverts to the traditional Easter holiday weekend, a season that sees high local travel among Kenyans and attracts thousands of regional fans.

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MOTORSPORTS Rally drivers explore Kenya ahead of the WRC Safari Rally [PHOTOS]

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A look into how some top WRC rally drivers spent their weekend ahead of the Safari Rally scheduled to start on Thursday, March 31.

Top-ranked WRC Rally drivers took time out ahead of the World Rally Championship Safari Rally Kenya to explore Kenya’s tourism offering.

The drivers included Thierry Neuville from Belgium who is currently ranked first in the WRC championship standings, Elfyn Evans and Nicolas Ciamin from Wales and France respectively who are currently ranked second, and Gregoire Munster from Luxembourger who is ranked 19th.

The drivers took part in the Maasai Mara tour for top WRC drivers organized by the WRC in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife ahead of the third round of the WRC scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 28 to Sunday, March 31.

Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya WhatsApp Channel for more news.

Neuville expressed his delight at the opportunity to explore the Mara. He was excited to see the wild animals and promised to be back again soon to just explore the country.

“I have enjoyed this visit to the Masai Mara, I was able to see some lions yesterday during the drive, and I saw elephants at close range and some rhinos and other wildlife which was amazing. I would definitely come back, this has been a great experience,” he said.

The two-day excursion saw them explore the magnificent Maasai Mara National Reserve. The experiential itinerary included a hot air balloon safari, authentic wildlife viewing, cultural interactions with the local Maasai community, and a bush dinner, among other activities.

On his part, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba while flagging off the four drivers said that adventure and motorsport enthusiasts are now strongly associating Kenya with unique experiences, buoyed by the growth in events.

“The Safari rally is part of our heritage and part of our plans is to ensure that Kenya benefits from hosting these key personalities.

“We are so keen to deploy our sports tourism agenda and to use sports as a platform to market Kenya and as a platform to welcome the world to Kenya and that’s why for us it’s an opportunity to welcome the team of elite drivers to the Mara, home to the 8th Wonder of the world, a perfect way to showcase the best of Kenya," CS Ababu said.

According to Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, Kenya is particularly well-placed to tap into the over $6 billion (approximately Ksh 791 billion) motorsport industry.

Kenya is looking to leverage experiential marketing to draw in more travellers by encouraging sports enthusiasts to either extend their stay after sporting events or arrive earlier to enjoy a more immersive tourism experience.

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The Most Exciting Special Stages Of Safari Rally Kenya 2024

• Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

The FIA World Rally Championship heads to one of its iconic venues – to the African region. Why iconic? Just imagine the first-ever Safari Rally Kenya debuted in 1953 and immediately became one of the most challenging events. Alongside the Acropolis, also held on gravel roads, the Safari Rally is famous for its unpredictable. As many factors interfered with the game, no one knows whether they succeeded in finishing or not. Which factors, you may say? These are different, and it depends on the specific leg. Therefore, I gathered the most spectacular, or better to say, most exciting special stages of Safari Rally Kenya 2024, where everything is possible to happen.

Sleeping Warrior

• Hell's Gate

Based in Naivasha, Safari Rally Kenya 2024 consists of 367.76 km of action, covering an overall 1267.57 km, and divided into 19 special stages. 

The WRC African’s adventure is holding on challenging terrain, including dust, sand, and gravel. So, when the weather in Kenya is sunny, rallying fast on these roads is not a good idea, as the dust reduces the visibility soon. 

However, the opposite of sunshine is even worse. The bad news is the weather forecast for African WRC round is about a downpour until Sunday. Simply put, it doubles the difficulties for the rally drivers from stage to stage.

Let’s explore the most interesting of them!

The Kasarani stage opens the Safari Rally Kenya 2024 on Thursday. Lasting for less than 5 kilometers long, it is the action-packed part. 

Kasarani is the only super special stage or the SSS, which means two drivers race each other on two parallel tracks. Therefore, you will see almost two different drivers together.

Usually, SSS takes place in specific stadiums, but it’s not Kasarani’s case. Looking like a polygon, it is an open field. Furthermore, the stage will be more dirty during Thursday’s rainy weather, as all the dust of the scene will transfer into the sticky mud. 

The thrills are guaranteed, especially to the crowds of spectators, who complete the excitement of Kasarani with warm greetings. 

Passing the Geothermal special stage is scheduled for Friday. The drivers run the scene twice: through SS3 and SS6. However, this leg is labeled Geothermal for a reason, and due to its placement, the stage is filled with ruts. 

So, with fumaroles, the route will be challenging, having too many dangers for the drivers. Full of rocks, it is a very bumpy terrain, which means each rally racer has to be accurate at each millimeter. That is what DirtFish mentioned on the previous Rally Safari. Otherwise, the punctures are guaranteed because small rocks are very sharp here. 

Furthermore, this stage includes the drivers running through the narrow gravel roads in the woodland, which has many common patterns with Rally Finland. So what can be more exciting than delving into the forest’ groves, especially when it is about wild African nature? 

Tricky, tough Geothermal is a rough Safari Rally Kenya 2024 stage that you can’t miss out on. The errors most likely will be decisive in the rush of victory in Africa. 

The Kedong stage follows the Geothermal in the loop and is also scheduled for Friday.

However, it is a very typical stage of the WRC African’s adventure, or better to say, the part of its route, and perhaps I wouldn’t include it on my list if not the last Safari Rally. 

As the round has moved earlier from its dates, the challenge meets specific weather conditions. The weather in March here is rainy, resulting in running this stage becoming an endless struggle.

Thus, in 2023, many drivers punctured tires at the Kedong because of a lot of natural debris and rocks under the layout of mud. At first sight, drivers rallying fast on straight forward but then bum! They immediately have the puncture. 

So, if previously, the gravel scattered with the rocks, the rain changes the circumstances.

Another thrill of this stage is the animals, whose minds are unpredictable for WRC participants, who are forced to slow down, as no one knows when zebras decide to cross the road. 

One of the favorites among local rally fans is the Soysambu stage. It is very spectacular for these reasons. 

It is a scene where you can see many fauna inhabitants such as giraffes, zebras, monkeys, etc. 

However, the main feature of the stage is the surface here changes with rainfall. The dusty open field becomes one huge but not deep marsh. With demanding rallying skills, each mistake here costs a rally driver the flat out.

I like Soysambu because local fans bring an original and warm atmosphere. The stage covers 30 km, launching the Saturday’s leg, and the second pass starts after the service afternoon. 

You wonder, but 30km is not the record distance because the Sleeping Warrior is no less than the iconic stage of Safari Rally Kenya. The most dangerous and exhausting scene of the event covers over 31 km!

After passing the leg, drivers gladly claim: ‘I survived!’ Sleeping Warrior is famous for its mix of terrains, changing from gravel and dust to rocks, while many sections are slippery. 

The drivers pass the Sleeping Warrior twice on Saturday. So, if the first run they’re partly successful; however, no one can do it without problems, then the second run is a matter of fortune. 

What’s the problem with driving for 31 km, you may say? Well, the case is it is at the African terrain. The current WRC cars are sensitive to changing conditions soon, especially without service support to improve their settings.

So, as a result, participants come with all types of technical problems, damaging suspension, car parts, and punctures. 

Therefore, Sleeping Warrior is always a turning point and decisive stage of Rally Safari, and the 2024 edition is no exception. So, the battle for victory takes its peak on Saturday.

The last time, Toyota driver Elfyn Evans described the scene perfectly. He couldn’t control the action; not everything was in his hands, as he said: ‘The car drove me.’ 

Oserian is a ‘roller coaster’ part of the Safari Rally. Full of ups and downs, the scene includes a mix of open areas and roads through the forest.

Passing Oserian requires drivers to turn the steering wheel more actively, causing high demands for additional physical and endurance.

What’s more, the roads on the stage are bumpy, slippery, and very narrow, causing each wrong move to cost drivers time, even if it is a short distance of more than 18 km. Moreover, additional loads for suspension are guaranteed.

So, the Oserian will be a stunning gravel ride for 18 km that drivers pass twice on Sunday. 

Hell’s Gate

Hell’s Gate is the most spectacular stage of Safari Rally 2024. The second pass through the scene forms the Wolf Power Stage with additional scores to the drivers’ standings – a worthy reason to pass the stage without errors, but it won’t be easy.

Narrow and dusty, these gravel roads are very tricky. The case is that the drivers always have felt the urge to go a few tens faster during all 10 kilometers of the Hell’s Gate stage. However, it is a mental trap of this section. 

First, because it is very narrow, and even a tiny error can make the game over. The Hell’s Gate doesn’t have as many turns as Oserian, but many trees on the route are placed near the road. 

The second one is gravel sand, as the dust climbing out of the car immediately reduces the visibility. Furthermore, the weather forecast promises the sun on Sunday.

So, yes, the stage is as fast as slippery. 

The third thrill of the scene are animals. So, less than at Soysambu, but still meeting with any one of them on the route will be a stroke of bad luck due to the lack of visibility. Therefore, keeping the mind cold to slow down the speed is crucial for the drivers. 

Rally Safari takes a special place in the FIA World Rally Championship , and Africa’s rally adventure 2024 is no exception. A tough challenge sets in top alongside Greece’s round at the top of the most difficult rallies. 

So, among the special stages of Safari Rally Kenya 2024, there are a few that are most exciting for spectators as well as for the drivers. Two for each day of competitions, except Thursday. 

Thus, I highly recommend you pay attention to the following. 

Super special stage Kasarani, which kicks the event on Thursday as SSS1. 

Geothermal (SS3, SS6) and Kedong (SS4, SS7) add the tension to Friday’s leg. 

Soysambu (SS8, SS11) and Sleeping Warrior (SS10, SS13), you cannot miss out on Saturday because those provide the most terrific racing challenge of the event. The iconic Sleeping Warrior most likely decides the winners and losers.  

On Sunday, get ready to see the epic rallying racing at Oserian (SS15, SS16) and Hell’s Gate (SS18, SS19), which forms the final Wolff Power Stage. 

As you see, it is for a reason that Safari Rally is worthy of being the WRC’s crown jewel.

• The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile  (March 22, 2024)’ WRC – Africa Awaits As Th Competition Goes on Safari In Kenya ‘ https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-africa-awaits-competition-goes-safari-kenya  
• DirtFish on YouTube  (June 24, 2022) ‘ Safari Rally Kenya 2022 – SS3/6 Geothermal Stage Preview ‘ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo-OjIT-j3Q
• AccuWeather (2024)  Nairobi City Weather https://www.accuweather.com/en/ke/nairobi/224758/weather-forecast/224758  
• FIA World Rally Championship  (March 26, 2024) ‘ Live Stream Schedule – Safari Rally Kenya’    https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w27549_LIVE-STREAM-SCHEDULE—Safari-Rally-Kenya

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