WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025: Africa’s Toughest Rally Roars to Life

Buckle up, rally fans: WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 is here, kicking off today, March 21, 2025, and running through March 23! As the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship, this iconic event returns to Naivasha, Nakuru County, with a gruelling test of endurance across Kenya’s wild landscapes.

Known as one of the toughest rallies on the planet, WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 blends rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and stunning scenery—think rocky tracks, muddy crossings, and the occasional giraffe sighting. Driver Digest SA brings you the ultimate guide to this motorsport adventure, where modern rally machines meet the untamed spirit of the classic Safari. Ready for the ride? Let’s dive in!

WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025: Exploring the Diverse Routes

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025, roaring into action from March 20-23, 2025, is more than just a race—it’s a journey through some of the most breathtaking and brutal landscapes in motorsport. As the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship, this event, based in Naivasha, Nakuru County, challenges drivers with a variety of routes that test every ounce of skill, strategy, and stamina.

Known for its punishing gravel stages and unpredictable conditions, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 features an expanded itinerary this year, covering roughly 384.86 competitive kilometers across 11 unique special stages. For South African rally fans tuning in or planning a trip, here’s a dive into the diverse routes that make this rally a legendary adventure.

The rally kicks off in Nairobi with the Kasarani Super Special Stage, a compact 4.76 km dual-lane sprint now running in reverse from past years, where two cars race head-to-head on a mixed-surface track. It’s a fan-friendly opener, blending gravel and tarmac amidst the capital’s buzz. From there, the action shifts northwest to Naivasha, where the routes truly showcase Kenya’s wild side.

New for 2025, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 Mzabibu stage (8.15 km) winds through Morendat Farm’s vineyards, offering tight, technical twists and prime spectator views just 10 km from town. Another fresh addition, Camp Moran (32.20 km), is the rally’s longest test, channelling classic Safari vibes with narrow tracks, fast dips, jumps, and rocky outcrops along the Great Rift Valley cliffs—pure endurance territory.

Other WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 routes bring their own flavour. Loldia (19.11 km), reversed for 2025, cuts through lush greenery into fast plains, rewarding precision driving. Geothermal (13.12 km), a high-speed blast through Olkaria’s geothermal fields, mixes sweeping bends with a new tarmac start for better traction. Kedong (15.10 km), though shortened this year, keeps its infamous Miti Mbili jump and deep fesh-fesh sand, testing car reliability. Soysambu (18.22 km), running in reverse, blends tight turns with open straights along Lake Elmenteita, while Elmenteita (9.37 km) shifts grip levels across grasslands.

The Sleeping Warrior (22.42 km) delivers rugged beauty, and Oserengoni (11.39 km) weaves through a conservancy with wooded sections and wildlife cameos. Finally, Hell’s Gate (6.54 km), the Wolf Power Stage, caps it off with iconic scenery and a tweaked finish near Fischer’s Tower.

These diverse routes—ranging from rocky, sandy tracks to muddy crossings—embody the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025’s reputation as a relentless beast. With rain a wildcard in Kenya’s March weather, expect slippery clay roads and waterlogged challenges that amplify the drama.

Whether it’s the technical finesse of Mzabibu or the raw survival test of Camp Moran, this rally’s variety ensures every stage is a story. Stay tuned to Driver Digest SA as we break down the action from these unforgiving Kenyan roads!

What to Expect from WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025, tearing through Naivasha from March 20-23, 2025, is gearing up to deliver a rally spectacle like no other. As the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship, this event promises South African fans a wild ride—figuratively and literally—as top drivers tackle Kenya’s unforgiving terrain across 11 stages and 384.86 competitive kilometres. Known as the toughest rally on the WRC calendar, expect a thrilling mix of chaos, skill, and survival that’s as unpredictable as the African bush itself.

First up, anticipate a fierce battle among the WRC elite. Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä, and M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux—if they’re in form—will push their Rally1 hybrid machines to the limit on routes like the new Camp Moran (32.20 km) and the treacherous Kedong (15.10 km). These stages, with their rocks, sandpits, and jumps, could see punctures or mechanical woes knock out favourites early, opening the door for underdogs. The reversed Loldia and Soysambu stages will reward adaptability, while the muddy clay of Hell’s Gate might turn into a slip-fest if March rains hit—think cars sliding sideways and co-drivers shouting over the roar.

Expect the unexpected: wildlife crossings (zebras or antelope aren’t rare), dust clouds blinding trailing cars, and the fesh-fesh sand of Kedong swallowing wheels. The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 isn’t just about speed—it’s a test of endurance, with longer stages like Sleeping Warrior (22.42 km) and Oserengoni (11.39 km) pushing crews to strategize tire wear and pace. The Kasarani Super Special Stage on Thursday will set a high-energy tone, but it’s Friday and Saturday’s remote loops that’ll separate the pack. Sunday’s Wolf Power Stage at Hell’s Gate, with bonus points up for grabs, could see a last-gasp shake-up under Fischer’s Tower.

For SA fans, this is peak rally drama—raw, rugged, and relentless. Whether it’s a Toyota GR Yaris dominating the leaderboard or an underdog stealing the show, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 will keep you guessing. Tune in for a front-row seat to motorsport’s wildest weekend!

WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025: Event Schedule

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 is underway, running from March 20-23, 2025, as the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship. Based in Naivasha, Nakuru County, with a ceremonial start in Nairobi, this rally covers 384.86 competitive kilometres across 11 special stages.

Below is the detailed schedule, with all times in SAST (South African Standard Time), aligning with Kenya’s EAT (East Africa Time) for this weekend. As today is March 21, 2025, at 11:40 AM SAST, the rally is already in motion—here’s what’s happening and what’s ahead for South African fans for the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025.

• Wednesday, March 19, 2025
  • Shakedown (Loldia): 10:01 AM – 12:00 PM SAST (5.00 km)
    Drivers tested their Rally1 cars on a short, representative gravel stage near Naivasha. Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä reportedly set the pace, giving SA fans a taste of what’s to come.
• Thursday, March 20, 2025
  • SS1 Kasarani Super Special Stage: 1:05 PM SAST (4.76 km)
    The rally kicked off with a head-to-head sprint in Nairobi at Kasarani Stadium, running in reverse direction for 2025. Two cars raced side-by-side on a mixed-surface track, setting the tone with a short but thrilling opener.
  • Ceremonial Start (Nairobi, KICC): Evening (time TBD, ~6:00 PM SAST)
    President William Ruto flagged off the event, marking the official launch before crews headed to Naivasha.
• Friday, March 21, 2025
  • SS2 Mzabibu 1: 8:05 AM SAST (8.15 km)
    A new vineyard stage at Morendat Farm—tight, technical, and spectator-friendly. Already run as of 11:40 AM SAST, expect early drama reports soon!
  • SS3 Camp Moran 1: 9:08 AM SAST (32.20 km)
    The rally’s longest stage, a classic Safari test with rocky outcrops and jumps along the Rift Valley cliffs. Likely wrapping up now—check updates for leaders!
  • SS4 Loldia 1: 10:11 AM SAST (19.11 km)
    Reversed for 2025, this stage mixes forest trails and fast plains—happening as we speak!
  • Service Break (Naivasha): 12:41 PM SAST (40 mins)
    Crews are about to hit the midday service, tweaking cars for the afternoon loop.
  • SS5 Mzabibu 2: 2:05 PM SAST (8.15 km)
    Second run of the vineyard stage—watch for improving times as drivers adapt.
  • SS6 Camp Moran 2: 3:08 PM SAST (32.20 km)
    Another grueling pass at the longest stage—endurance will start showing cracks here.
  • SS7 Loldia 2: 4:11 PM SAST (19.11 km)
    Closing Friday’s loop, expect tired crews pushing hard before nightfall.
• Saturday, March 22, 2025
  • SS8 Geothermal 1: 8:05 AM SAST (13.12 km)
    High-speed action through Olkaria’s geothermal fields, now with a tarmac start for better grip.
  • SS9 Kedong 1: 9:08 AM SAST (15.10 km)
    Shortened but brutal, with the Miti Mbili jump and fesh-fesh sand—car-killer territory.
  • SS10 Soysambu 1: 10:01 AM SAST (18.22 km)
    Reversed for 2025, this stage along Lake Elmenteita mixes tight turns and open straights.
  • Service Break (Naivasha): 12:11 PM SAST (40 mins)
    Midday reset before the repeat loop.
  • SS11 Geothermal 2: 2:05 PM SAST (13.12 km)
    Second blast through the geothermal zone—faster or riskier?
  • SS12 Kedong 2: 3:08 PM SAST (15.10 km)
    Another sandy showdown—mechanical woes could pile up here.
  • SS13 Soysambu 2: 4:01 PM SAST (18.22 km)
    Saturday’s finale—tired drivers, worn tires, and a big spectator zone at the start.
• Sunday, March 23, 2025
  • SS14 Elmenteita 1: 6:05 AM SAST (9.37 km)
    Early start across grasslands with shifting grip—perfect for a Sunday wake-up!
  • SS15 Sleeping Warrior 1: 7:08 AM SAST (22.42 km)
    Rugged and scenic, this stage demands focus after a long weekend.
  • SS16 Oserengoni 1: 8:11 AM SAST (11.39 km)
    Twisty conservancy roads with wildlife vibes—classic Safari flavor.
  • Service Break (Naivasha): 9:41 AM SAST (20 mins)
    Quick pit stop before the final push.
  • SS17 Elmenteita 2: 11:05 AM SAST (9.37 km)
    Second pass to build momentum.
  • SS18 Sleeping Warrior 2: 12:08 PM SAST (22.42 km)
    Penultimate stage—big risks for big rewards.
  • SS19 Hell’s Gate (Wolf Power Stage): 2:05 PM SAST (6.54 km)
    The grand finale near Fischer’s Tower, tweaked for 2025 with a right turn finish. Bonus points up for grabs—expect all-out attacks!

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 schedule is packed, with Friday’s action (today!) already testing crews as we near the midday service at 12:41 PM SAST. Saturday ramps up the gravel grind, and Sunday’s shorter, sharper stages will crown a winner. SA fans, set your clocks—this rally’s wild ride is just heating up!

How to Watch the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 in South Africa

South African rally fans can catch the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025, running from March 20-23, 2025, through several accessible platforms, bringing the thrills of Naivasha’s rugged stages right to your screen. As the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship unfolds today, March 21, 2025, here’s how you can watch the action live or catch highlights amidst this busy racing weekend.

• DStv SuperSport: SuperSport channels 210 and 215 will cover parts of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025, either live or as highlights, squeezed between other racing events like the Nascar Craftsman Homestead and TGR Junior Academy Killarney. Coverage won’t be wall-to-wall due to the packed motorsport schedule, but expect key stages—like the Hell’s Gate Wolf Power Stage on Sunday at 2:05 PM SAST—or daily recaps. Check the SuperSport TV guide closer to each day for exact times, and use the DStv app for streaming on the go if you’re subscribed.
• Rally.TV Subscription: For full, uninterrupted coverage, Rally.TV is the go-to option. The WRC’s official streaming platform offers every stage live, plus on-demand replays and extras like live timing. A subscription costs €12.99/month or €119.99/year (roughly R250/month or R2,300/year), and it’s available worldwide, including South Africa, via the Rally.TV app or website. Perfect for die-hards who want the complete 384.86 km rally experience—from Kasarani’s opener to Oserengoni’s wild twists.
• WRC Website & YouTube Channel: Can’t commit to a subscription? The official WRC site provides free live timing, stage updates, and post-stage recaps, while the WRC YouTube channel uploads highlights, driver interviews, and clips shortly after each day. You won’t get live video, but it’s a no-cost way to stay in the loop—expect snippets of Camp Moran’s 32.20 km beast or Kedong’s fesh-fesh chaos by late March 21 or 22.

With SuperSport juggling multiple races, Rally.TV is your best bet for comprehensive live action, while the WRC’s free digital offerings keep you updated on a budget. SA fans, set your sights on Sunday’s Power Stage at 2:05 PM SAST for the rally’s climax—however you watch, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 promises a wild ride!

Rally Royalty Conquers the Wild!

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025, charging through Naivasha from March 20-23, 2025, is delivering a motorsport masterpiece for South African fans. As the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship, this rally’s brutal routes—like Camp Moran and Hell’s Gate—test the world’s best on Kenya’s untamed terrain.

With today, March 21, already shaking up the leaderboard, the weekend promises more drama, from sandy chaos to rain-soaked slides. Whether you’re glued to SuperSport, streaming on Rally.TV, or catching YouTube highlights, Driver Digest SA has you covered for every heart-pounding moment of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025. This is rally racing at its rawest—don’t blink!

Craving more rally thrills? Check out our WRC category on Driver Digest SA for in-depth coverage, stage breakdowns, and updates from Kenya and beyond—click here to dive into the action now!