The Safari Rally is one of the most legendary and challenging motorsport events in the world. Held in Kenya, it is part of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and is known for its extreme conditions, unpredictable terrain, and breathtaking African landscapes.
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History of the Safari Rally
First held: 1953, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
Originally called the East African Coronation Safari, it later became the Safari Rally and covered Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
It was a part of the World Rally Championship (WRC) from 1973 to 2002 before being dropped due to logistical challenges.
In 2021, the Safari Rally made a historic return to the WRC calendar, thanks to efforts by the Kenyan government and FIA.
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Why is the Safari Rally Unique?
1. Toughest Rally in the World – The event is famous for its rough roads, mud, dust, river crossings, and unpredictable weather.
2. African Wildlife & Scenic Landscapes – Drivers race through stunning locations like Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, and the Great Rift Valley, often spotting elephants, giraffes, and zebras along the way.
3. Long and Demanding Stages – Unlike European rallies, Safari Rally stages are longer, requiring endurance and strategic driving.
4. Unpredictable Weather – Sudden rainstorms can turn dry roads into slippery mud traps, making the rally even more challenging.
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Notable Safari Rally Champions
Many legendary drivers have won the Safari Rally, including:
Juha Kankkunen (Finland) – 1985, 1991, 1993
Colin McRae (Scotland) – 1997
Carlos Sainz (Spain) – 1992
S̩bastien Ogier (France) Р2021 (when it returned to WRC)
Kenya’s Shekhar Mehta holds the record for the most Safari Rally wins (5 times).
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Safari Rally Today
The rally is based in Naivasha, Kenya.
It is a key event in the WRC calendar, attracting top teams like Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford.
The 2024 edition promises high-speed action with challenging gravel tracks and iconic rally cars.
The cost for Kenya to host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally has significantly decreased over recent years:
2023: The government spent Ksh 2.1 billion.
2024: Expenditure was reduced by Ksh 800 million to Ksh 1.3 billion.
2025: Further reductions brought the cost down by Ksh 320 million to Ksh 980 million.
President William Ruto has emphasized the importance of increasing private sector involvement to further reduce government spending on the event. He expressed his aspiration for the Safari Rally to eventually be fully funded by private entities, eliminating the need for public expenditure.
In line with this vision, corporate sponsors have begun to play a more significant role. For instance, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) contributed Ksh 209 million to the 2025 Safari Rally, supporting both the event and local drivers.
The government's strategy aims to balance the promotion of international sporting events with prudent financial management, ensuring that such events continue to thrive while reducing the fiscal burden on public resources.
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Why You Should Watch the Safari Rally
✔️ Exciting off-road racing with high-speed action.
✔️ Breathtaking African scenery and wildlife encounters.
✔️ Unpredictable weather and terrain make it one of the most thrilling races.
✔️ Rich history and legendary winners add to its prestige.
