The Safari Rally is one of the most challenging events on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, known for its punishing terrain and changeable conditions. This year’s edition should make for a riveting show, mixing the fast-paced competition of modern rallying with the endurance and sport of the classic rallying.
Drivers and co-drivers from across the globe are taking their final steps, tweaking their wheels and tactics, for what should be a grueling and challenging rally. The event will take riders through the stunning yet unforgiving grounds of Naivasha, from fast straight sections to rocky trails and unpredictable weather conditions.
2025 WRC Safari Rally Program
Action officially starts on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with a shakedown session which allows teams to shake down their vehicles prior to actual competition starting. On the next day, ceremonial flag-off from KICC in Nairobi will start the rally which would be capped by the adrenaline-packed Super Special Stage (SSS) at Kasarani, this is a highly-anticipated opening stage that promises to excite fans.
The real challenge starts on Friday, March 21st, as drivers enter Naivasha for a punishing set of stages featuring the famous Camp Moran, Geothermal, and Kedong stages. For the competitors, these sections offer varying terrains including deep sand and rocky outcrops, which require extreme focus. Multiple service stops will punctuate the day, with teams allowed to work on and adjust their cars under the time constraints before heading out back into the action.
Another, similarly punishing test will come Saturday, March 22, with long stages like Sleeping Warrior and Soysambu punctuating the itinerary. With the rally reaching its conclusion, drivers need to find a risk versus reward balance, fighting to stay in the mix without throwing their chances at the latest run on Sunday away.
Sunday, March 23 — The last day sees those still standing the decisive stages, including the legendary Hell’s Gate stage, famed for its beautiful landscape and grueling conditions. The rally will end with the podium ceremony at 3:30 PM as the champions of the 2025 WRC Safari Rally will be celebrated.
Kinoti & Kibuuka Ready For WRC Debut
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| Timothy Kinoti |
One of the biggest highlights this year is the entry of Timothy Kinoti, a well-known name in the Kenyan rally scene who is set to make his WRC debut. Kinoti, who will partner with Uganda’s Mildred Kibuuka in a Toyota RunX two-wheel-drive car.
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| Mildred Kibuuka |
Kinoti is a new entry to the WRC but has shown his pace in local rally events and is ready to make an impact internationally on WRC 3. Among his sponsors are Galana Energies, Precision Automotive and Enoc Lubricants. Kinoti and his team are also preparing for the upcoming Rift 100 rally in Voi, on top of the Safari Rally.
Look For Key Drivers in WRC2 & WRC3
There is a sizeable list of contenders in both the WRC2 and WRC3 categories, where a number of Kenyan and regional drivers will be seeking a podium finish. Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan are both expected to be in Škoda Fabia R5s in the WRC2 category. Carl Tundo and Tim Jessop in a Ford Fiesta R5, Jeremiah Wahome and Victor Okundi in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 and Hamza Anwar with Adnan Din (also in Ford Fiesta R5) will join them.
Meanwhile, in WRC3, Nikhil Sachania and Deep Patel will be driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3 as they represent Kenya in the highly subscribed class. But their performance will be closely watched as they make their way through the tough Kenyan terrain.”
Expectations for the 2025 WRC Safari Rally
So there you have it, folks: the 2025 Safari Rally promises a time like no other — a rage of speed, endurance, and utter chaos. The rowdy Kenyan terrain, along with changing weather patterns, will be a central factor in how the contest plays out. The teams will have to be on their very best, balancing raw speed and tire and suspension management.