WRC 2026 Roars Into Naivasha With New Routes and Global Stars
The Safari Rally Kenya returns in 2026 with major changes and renewed excitement. This year marks the 74th edition of the legendary rally.
Additionally, the event serves as the third round of the World Rally Championship. The rally will take place from March 12 to March 15, 2026.
Unlike previous editions, the entire rally will unfold in the Great Rift Valley. Consequently, organizers removed the traditional ceremonial start in Nairobi.
Major Changes to the Safari Rally Format
For the first time since the rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2021, Nairobi will not host stages. Instead, the rally will focus on a compact, high-intensity schedule in Naivasha.
This decision follows new WRC rules requiring a strict four-day rally format. Therefore, organizers reduced long travel sections between stages.
Key event details include:
- Rally Base: Naivasha in Nakuru County
- Total Distance: 350.52 kilometers of competitive gravel stages
- Special Stages: 20 challenging stages
- Shakedown Stage: New Nawisa venue near the service park
As a result, teams will enjoy faster transitions between stages.
Star Drivers and Teams Competing in 2026
The 2026 rally features a competitive field of 46 crews. Importantly, 10 elite Rally1 cars will compete for overall victory.
Defending champions Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT field five GR Yaris Rally1 machines. Their lineup includes nine-time champion Sébastien Ogier and defending Safari winner Elfyn Evans.
Meanwhile, championship contender Oliver Solberg also joins the Toyota lineup. Drivers Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari complete the team roster.
Additionally, Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT seeks its first Safari Rally victory. The team fields champion Thierry Neuville, Adrien Fourmaux, and Esapekka Lappi. Furthermore, M-Sport Ford enters two Puma Rally1 cars.
Kenyan Drivers Ready to Shine
Local drivers will also compete strongly in the rally. Five-time champion Carl Tundo leads the Kenyan lineup. Meanwhile, reigning African rally champion Karan Patel also joins the competition.
Additionally, the mother-daughter duo Caroline and Tinashe Gatimu compete in the Rally4 category. Consequently, Kenyan fans will closely follow their home heroes.
READ ALSO: Kenyan Photographer Mwangi Kirubi Wins WSPA Gold Award
Four Days of Intense Rally Action
The rally features four action-packed days across iconic savannah landscapes.
Thursday, March 12:
Shakedown begins at Nawisa before the opening stages at Camp Moran and Mzabibu.
Friday, March 13:
Drivers tackle the longest day, covering 136.55 kilometers of racing. Key stages include Loldia, Geothermal, Kedong, and Camp Moran.
Saturday, March 14:
Competitors race through fast savannah tracks and forest sections. Stages include Soysambu, Elmenteita, and Sleeping Warrior
Sunday, March 15:
The rally concludes with the famous Power Stage at Hell’s Gate National Park.
Spectator Experience and Travel Information
Fans can watch the shakedown stage for the first time since the rally’s WRC return. Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority warns of heavy traffic on the Nairobi–Naivasha highway.
Tour operators now offer rally packages combining motorsport and wildlife experiences. Many spectators also camp near the Wildlife Research and Training Institute in Naivasha.
Additionally, global audiences can follow the event on DAZN or the official WRC website. Ultimately, the 2026 Safari Rally promises thrilling competition and unforgettable Great Rift Valley scenery.
