The 2025 WRC Safari Rally is set to deliver an enhanced experience for fans, with organizers implementing several initiatives to make the event more accessible and engaging. Scheduled for March as the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, the rally aims to bring the excitement closer to the public.
According to WRC Safari Rally CEO Charles Gacheru, a key feature will be the establishment of a Public Rally Village at Morendat Farm, located approximately 4 kilometers from the Delamere Shop en route to Nakuru. This village will serve as a central hub where fans can immerse themselves in the rally atmosphere.
Throughout the four-day event, spectators will have opportunities to interact with World Rally Team stars, with rally cars present daily for either competition or autograph sessions. Large screens will also be installed to allow fans to follow the rally action in real-time.
In addition, the prize-giving ceremony has been relocated to Hell’s Gate, enabling fans to celebrate alongside the winners—a change inspired by a successful trial last year.
Organizers are prioritizing both safety and enjoyment for spectators. While efforts are being made to bring fans closer to the action, safety remains paramount. Discussions are underway with the WRC to broadcast event feeds on free-to-air television across East Africa, further extending the rally’s reach.
The 2025 Safari Rally introduces two new stages: Morendat Farm in Naivasha and Camp Moran. Additionally, the Shakedown stage has been moved from Loldia to Sleeping Warrior in Naivasha.
This year’s rally will also serve as a round of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) and the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC), alongside the WRC support categories (WRC2 and WRC3), which will feature Kenyan drivers.
For safety reasons, entries have been capped at 50 cars, primarily due to the limitations of nighttime air support. All works teams have confirmed their participation, and there is strong interest from smaller teams in the WRC2 and WRC3 categories.
The rally is expected to attract top drivers, including reigning world champion Thierry Neuville, two-time WRC champion and Safari winner Kalle Rovanpera, and Sebastien Ogier, who recently won the Monte Carlo Rally. Additionally, four KCB-sponsored Kenyan rally drivers—Nikhil Sachania, Evans Kavisi, Tinashe Gatimu, and Karan Patel—are confirmed to be on the lineup. KCB has also confirmed its sponsorship of the event to the tune of Ksh. 209 million.
The 2025 Safari Rally promises to be a memorable event, combining world-class motorsport with the stunning backdrop of Kenya’s landscapes.
