Rally fever grips Naivasha’ as Recce cars and teams arrive
By James Waindi, March 14, 2025With engines revving and excitement building, Naivasha is a hive of activity as top World Rally Championship (WRC) teams gear up for the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya.
Freight containers have been offloaded at the Service Park, setting the stage for an intense week of preparations ahead of reconnaissance slated for Monday and Tuesday.
Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsports spent the better part of the day offloading containers and ensuring that their GR Yaris reconnaissance cars are in top condition well in time.
Following the conclusion of the two-day reconnaissance schedule, crews will head to Sleeping Warrior for a 5km Shakedown stage.
Service Park Manager Joe Muchiri confirmed the arrival of Toyota and Hyundai containers at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute in Naivasha, the traditional venue of the service park.
“All the containers for Toyota and Hyundai are already at the Service Park, save for M-Sport Ford, who are on their way. By Sunday, every single structure will have been set up and the service area fully operational,” said Muchiri.
The Service Park area at WRTI is traditionally the nerve centre of the rally and will serve as the venue for the Rally Headquarters, Media Centre, and the designated scrutineering area.
He went on: “Between now and Monday, when reconnaissance starts, all teams will be working on their recce cars, carrying out thorough checks to ensure they are set up to suit weather conditions and the layout of new stages.”
After two days of reconnaissance on Monday and Tuesday, teams will head to the Sleeping Warrior Shakedown stage on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the event proper begins with the Ceremonial Start at City Hall Way.
The rally has shifted its flag-off venue from KICC to City Hall Way to allow better public access.
Clerk of the Course said KICC will this time serve as the holding area for the cars.
The rally will culminate with the second run of the Hell’s Gate speed test (10.53km), which will serve as the Power Stage on Sunday, March 23, from 14:15 onwards.
Additional championship points will be available to the fastest five crews through the stage, regardless of where they finish in the rally.
The Rally Village will be centred at Morendat Farm and will be a four-day hub, a key feature of the 2025 Safari.
The village will offer spectators a chance to meet drivers, see the cars up close, and watch the action on big screens.
This year, the Safari Rally has introduced two new stages at Mzabibu and Camp Moran, expected to spice up the competition.