Safari Rally Kenya 2026 kicks off with mud and speed

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026 is officially underway, bringing the excitement, chaos and thrill that rally fans always look forward to. The event, which is the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, is happening from March 12 to March 15 in Naivasha, Nakuru County. This year’s rally marks the 74th edition and is being held fully in the Great Rift Valley, with no Nairobi start, meaning drivers are facing pure gravel roads and unpredictable conditions across 20 special stages.

The service park is based at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute in Naivasha, while famous stages such as Camp Moran, Mzabibu, Loldia, Kedong, Kengen Geothermal and the popular Sleeping Warrior are part of the route. These stages are known for rocky roads, narrow trails, high speed sections and sudden weather changes that make the Safari Rally one of the toughest events in the world.

By the end of Day 2 on March 13, Oliver Solberg driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing was leading the rally after a dramatic start. Heavy rains on the opening day turned the roads into thick mud, making driving extremely difficult. Several drivers struggled with spins, delays and mechanical problems. Solberg handled the tough conditions well and finished the day with about a 30-second lead over his teammate Elfyn Evans, while Sébastien Ogier was in third place. Toyota drivers took the top positions early in the rally, showing strong performance.

The rally continues today with more challenging stages including Camp Moran, Loldia, Kengen Geothermal and Kedong. Drivers are expected to face more rain, difficult roads and tough competition as they push to stay in the race. Large crowds have already gathered in Naivasha and the surrounding areas, bringing excitement and boosting tourism in the region.

This year’s Safari Rally is also important for Kenya as it could be the final one under the current hosting agreement, making the stakes even higher.