Safari Rally Kenya returns with its challenging dirt roads, breathtaking scenery, and majestic African wildlife.

This year’s rally promises to be just as exhilarating as ever, with a few additional challenges thrown into the mix.

Safari Rally route

Spanning a distance of 356.98 kilometres across 19 gruelling stages in the picturesque Great Rift Valley, the 70th edition of Safari Rally Kenya will largely follow a similar route to last year.

However, minor tweaks have been incorporated to keep the competitors on their toes and ensure an element of surprise.

The rally kicks off on Thursday at Uhuru Gardens in the heart of Nairobi, with the presence of President William Ruto adding to the excitement.

The first stage, the Super Special Kasarani, covers a distance of 4.84 kilometres and takes place in the vicinity of Naivasha.

From there, the competitors embark on a nearly 100-kilometre journey back to the Kenya Wildlife Training Institute service park.

Friday’s leg takes the rally around the northern and southern sides of Lake Naivasha. The action starts with the Loldia stage, spanning 19.17 kilometres, followed by Geothermal, a challenging 13.12-kilometre stage introduced in 2022.

The loop concludes with the Kedong stage, covering 30.48 kilometres. After a service break, all three stages are repeated, totalling 125.54 kilometres for the day.

Saturday’s route ventures further north around Lake Elmenteita, offering a monstrous 150.88-kilometre challenge-the longest leg of the weekend.

The day commences with the Soysambu stage, stretching 29.32 kilometres, followed by a thrilling run through Elmenteita’s oft-used tracks in the Delamere Estate, covering 15.08 kilometres.

The trio concludes with the Sleeping Warrior stage, set against the backdrop of a hill that resembles a reclining Masai warrior. Once again, all three stages are repeated after service, intensifying the competition.

WRC routes on Sunday

Sunday’s final day features three stages, each run twice, covering both sides of Lake Naivasha. The day begins with the reintroduction of the Malewa stage, spanning 9.0 kilometres.

Next up is the Oserian stage, covering 18.33 kilometres, followed by the Hell’s Gate stage, totalling 10.53 kilometres.

The second pass through Hell’s Gate, culminating at Fischer’s Tower amidst stunning scenery, serves as the Wolf Power Stage, offering bonus points to drivers and manufacturers. The surviving competitors then return to Naivasha for the afternoon finish ceremony.

As the rally unfolds, participants must not only navigate the challenging dirt roads but also brace themselves for the unpredictable weather.

Thunderstorms are forecasted from Tuesday onwards, and if they materialize, the typically dry and dusty trails will transform into treacherous mud baths, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already demanding race.

Safari Rally Kenya is renowned for its unique blend of adrenaline-pumping action, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the spirit of adventure.

With every twist and turn, the competitors will push their limits in pursuit of victory, while fans and spectators will be treated to a spectacle like no other.