- The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026 will take place from Thursday, March 12 to Sunday, March 15.
- This marks the fifth and final year under the current contract since the rally returned to the championship in 2021.
- More than 40 FIA World Rally Championship stars and their machines will tackle 20 special stages spread across four days.
The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026 will see over 40 World Rally Championship stars and their machines gear up for the stunning Kenyan savanna, with the stage set for the most thrilling motorsport event globally.
From the breathtaking untamed landscapes to the adrenaline-pumping battles on dusty, muddy and unforgiving terrain, the WRC Safari Rally has always delivered, and the 2026 edition promises even more excitement from March 12-15.
This week’s Kenyan event marks the third stop of the WRC season in 2026, following Monte Carlo (January 22-25) and Rally Sweden (February 12-15).
Safari Rally Kenya occupies a March slot for the fourth consecutive year, having taken place in June when it returned to the championship in 2021 after a 19-year hiatus. This will be the sixth and final year under the current contract.
Although classified as a gravel rally, heavy rain remains a constant threat and can rapidly transform the low-grip clay roads and infamous fesh-fesh tracks into treacherous mud baths while exposing unforgiving rocks.
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Water crossings and high ambient temperatures further elevate the challenge, often forcing crews to switch from full attack mode to careful car preservation.
Based in the lakeside town of Naivasha, roughly 90 kilometers north of Nairobi, the Safari Rally Kenya also counts as a round of the Kenyan National Rally Championship and the FIA African Rally Championship.
This gives local drivers and teams an opportunity to showcase their talent while gaining invaluable experience on the global stage.
Ahead of its start on Thursday, March 12, SportPesa Blog breaks down everything you need to know about the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026.
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What’s new for WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026?
Organizers have introduced several changes for the 2026 edition.
The most significant transformation since the rally’s return sees the ceremonial start and Kasarani Super Special in Nairobi dropped in favour of a Naivasha-only itinerary.
The Shakedown now moves to Thursday morning at the new Nawisa test, with competitive action kicking off that afternoon.
For the first time since the Safari Rally rejoined the WRC calendar, spectators can attend the shakedown – a historic move as the session was traditionally held behind closed doors.
When does WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026 start?
The 46 rally drivers, including 17 Kenyans, will tackle the stages from Thursday, March 12, to Sunday, March 15, in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
The rally begins with a shakedown on Thursday morning at the Nawisa Spectator Arena, followed by the ceremonial flag-off at the Wildlife Research Training Institute which also serves as the service park.
It all wraps up on Sunday with repeat runs of the iconic Hell’s Gate, serving as the Wolf Power Stage against the stunning backdrop of the Rift Valley’s towering cliffs.
Who’s competing in WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026?
Reigning Constructors’ champions Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team headline the 46-car entry list.
World Drivers’ champion Sebastien Ogier and last year’s Safari winner, Elfyn Evans, lead a stacked five-car squad for the Japanese brand, which has won every Safari edition since its WRC return in 2021.
Current championship leader Oliver Solberg, fresh off his opening win at WRC Rallye Monte Carlo, joins twice Safari podium finisher Takamoto Katsuta and rising Finnish star Sami Pajari to round out the formidable Gazoo Racing lineup.
Notable Kenyan entries include two-time Africa Rally Champion Karan Patel, current junior ARC champion Samman Singh Vohra, and last year’s WRC3 winner Nikhil Sachania.
Leading online gaming firm SportPesa has also made a motorsport comeback, fielding drivers Leonardo Varese and his long-time navigator Kigo Kareithi.
The duo is buzzing ahead of their Safari Rally debut since the event regained WRC status six years ago, piloting an impressive Toyota GR Yaris Rally3 machine.
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How many stages does WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026 have?
The rally features 20 special stages spread over four days, demanding maximum commitment from the very first kilometre. Drivers will tackle 10 stages in double passes to reach the total.
The Loldia route is the longest at 25.6 km, while Mzabibu is the shortest at 8.27 km.
Summary of 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya stages
- Camp Moran: 24.5 km
- Mzabibu: 8.27 km
- Loldia: 25.6 km
- Geothermal: 13.12 km
- Kedong: 13.17 km
- Sleeping Warrior: 18.4 km
- Elmenteita: 17.8 km
- Soysambu: 25.2 km
- Oserengoni: 18.3 km
- Hell’s Gate: 10.53 km (Wolf Power Stage)
Where to watch the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya
The Safari Rally will air on various TV platforms, including GoTV, DSTV, and Rally TV.
Fans can catch all the action globally on Rally.TV and Red Bull TV, while regional broadcasters include Canal+ and SuperSport across Africa.
Meanwhile at Fox Deportes throughout the Americas, Sony Sports Network and beIN SPORTS across Asia, Stan and TVNZ in Australasia, and channels like ITV, Sky, and Canal Plus across Europe.
Schedule for WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026
Kick off at East African Time/EAT
Thursday, March 12
- 8:01 am – Shakedown – Nawisa Spectator Arena
- 4:03 pm – SS1 Camp Moran 1
- 5:21 pm – SS2 Mzabibu 1
Friday, March 13
- 8:03 am – SS3 Camp Moran 2
- 9:06 am – SS4 Loldia 1
- 10:24 am – SS5 Geothermal 1
- 11:17 am – SS6 Kedong 1
- 2:00 pm – SS7 Kedong 2
- 2:58 pm – SS8 Geothermal 2
- 3:56 pm – SS9 Loldia 2
- 4:59 pm – SS10 Mzabibu 2
Saturday, March 14
- 8:35 am – SS11 Soysambu 1
- 9:35 am – SS12 Elmenteita 1
- 10:33 am – SS13 Sleeping Warrior 1
- 3:05 pm – SS14 Soysambu 2
- 4:05 pm – SS15 Elmenteita 2
- 5:03 pm – SS16 Sleeping Warrior 2
Sunday, March 15
- 8:09 am – SS17 Oserengoni 1
- 9:35 am – SS18 Hell’s Gate 1
- 10:38 am – SS19 Oserengoni 2
- 1:15 pm – SS20 Hell’s Gate 2 (Wolf Power Stage)
