Stage 3 Cancelled at 2026 Safari Rally After Heavy Rains

Officials have cancelled Stage 3 of the Safari Rally Kenya after heavy overnight rains. The affected stage, SS3 Camp Moran 2, measured 24.35 kilometers.

It was scheduled to begin early Friday morning, March 13, 2026. However, worsening road conditions forced organizers to halt the stage. Officials prioritized the safety of drivers, crews, and spectators.

The decision followed inspections by rally stewards and technical teams. Consequently, organizers adjusted the competition schedule for the day.

Officials Confirm Safety Concerns

The cancellation was confirmed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. Additionally, Clerk of the Course George Mwangi issued an official statement.

He explained that heavy rainfall made the Camp Moran section impassable. Mud and damaged roads created dangerous conditions for rally cars.

Therefore, organizers cancelled the stage to prevent accidents. Safety remains a top priority in the championship.

Rally Action Resumes With SS4 Loldia 1

Despite the cancellation, rally competition continues across other stages. The next competitive section began with SS4 Loldia 1. This stage started at 9:11 a.m. local time.

Drivers then proceeded to additional morning stages in the Rift Valley. These include SS5 Kengen Geothermal 1, covering approximately 13.16 kilometers. Afterward, crews tackled SS6 Kedong 1, measuring nearly 13.79 kilometers.

Organizers adjusted the itinerary to bypass the damaged Camp Moran section. As a result, rally cars traveled through liaison routes toward Gilgil and Eburru.

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Revised Friday Rally Schedule

The revised Friday program includes both morning and afternoon stages. Following the morning stages, teams regrouped at the Naivasha Service Park.

Technicians used the break to repair and adjust rally vehicles. Later, drivers returned to action for the afternoon loop.

The afternoon stages included SS7 Kedong 2, followed by SS8 Kengen Geothermal 2. Competitors then faced SS9 Loldia 2 before finishing with SS10 Mzabibu 2.

These stages maintain the rally’s signature mix of speed and endurance.

Weather Continues to Affect Rally Conditions

Weather remains a major challenge throughout the rally weekend. The Kenya Meteorological Department warned of additional heavy rainfall. Such conditions often transform rally roads into slippery mud tracks.

Nevertheless, these unpredictable conditions define the Safari Rally’s reputation. Drivers must adapt quickly to survive the demanding terrain.

Key Weekend Stages Still Ahead

The rally continues through the weekend with major stages ahead. Saturday will feature the challenging Sleeping Warrior and Soysambu sections. Both stages test drivers across rugged Rift Valley landscapes.

Meanwhile, Sunday will host the famous Hell’s Gate Power Stage finale. This closing stage awards bonus championship points to top finishers.

Ultimately, despite weather disruptions, the rally remains one of the toughest events in the World Rally Championship calendar.