The WRC Safari Rally stands as one of the most iconic and enduring events in motorsport history. First held in 1953, this Kenyan rally has evolved from a regional celebration into a global spectacle, earning a reputation as the toughest round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Spanning over seven decades, its journey reflects a blend of adventure, innovation, and resilience, culminating in its prominent place in the 2025 WRC season, scheduled for March 20-23. This article traces the rally’s rich history, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day triumphs, offering a comprehensive look at its legacy and evolution.
The Birth of a Legend: 1953–1972
The Safari Rally began as the East African Coronation Safari on May 27, 1953, a motoring event organized to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Conceived by Eric Cecil, Neil Vincent, and Eric Tromp over drinks in Limuru, the rally traversed Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika (now Tanzania), covering 5,160 kilometers of open roads. With 57 local drivers in showroom-condition cars, no official winner was declared—finishing was the triumph. The route’s hostile terrain, amid Kenya’s Mau Mau uprising, set the tone for its “toughest rally in the world” slogan.
Initially an annual Easter event, it gained international attention by 1957, drawing drivers from beyond East Africa. Renamed the East African Safari Rally in 1960, it became a proving ground for endurance. Early winners like Vic Preston Sr. (Ford Zephyr, 1955) and Joginder Singh (Volvo PV544, 1965) showcased its growing prestige. By 1972, Finnish duo Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm claimed the first overseas victory in a Ford Escort RS1600, signaling its readiness for the global stage.
Joining the World Rally Championship: 1973–2002
In 1973, the Safari Rally joined the newly formed WRC, elevating its status as a manufacturer’s battleground. The inaugural WRC event saw Kenyan driver Shekhar Mehta triumph in a Datsun 240Z, marking the start of his legendary run. Mehta went on to win five times (1973, 1979–1982), a record matched only by fellow Kenyan Carl Tundo in later years. The rally’s 5,000+ kilometer open-road format, with fesh-fesh sand, rocky trails, and unpredictable weather, tested cars and crews like no other.
The 1970s and 1980s were dominated by European marques—Ford, Mercedes, Peugeot—and later Japanese giants like Datsun/Nissan and Toyota. Standout moments included Bjorn Waldegård’s 1977 Peugeot 504 win and Juha Kankkunen’s 1985 Toyota Celica victory, cementing Toyota’s early dominance (12 all-time wins). The rally’s brutality was legendary: in 1986, only 11 of 67 starters finished. Kenyan Ian Duncan’s 1994 Toyota Celica GT4 win was the last local WRC victory before financial and safety concerns led to its exit in 2002.
Hiatus and Revival: 2003–2020
After leaving the WRC, the Safari Rally joined the African Rally Championship (ARC) in 2003, adopting shorter, closed-road stages to modernize the event. Carl Tundo dominated this era, winning five ARC titles (2004, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2018). A classic version, the East African Safari Classic Rally, launched in 2003 to mark the 50th anniversary, kept its heritage alive biennially.
The push for a WRC return intensified in 2013 under President Uhuru Kenyatta. A successful 2018 candidate event paved the way, and on September 27, 2019, the rally secured a 2020 WRC slot. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed this comeback, canceling the event, but the stage was set for a triumphant return.
Back in the WRC: 2021–2024
The Safari Rally rejoined the WRC from June 24-27, 2021, based in Naivasha, Nakuru County. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia won in a Toyota Yaris WRC, navigating a condensed 320.19 km route. Toyota’s dominance continued with Kalle Rovanperä’s victories in 2022 and 2024, alongside Ogier’s 2023 win, extending their record to four consecutive triumphs since the return. The rally’s modern format—shorter stages, hybrid Rally1 cars, and a service park in Naivasha—retained its rugged essence, with stages like Sleeping Warrior and Hell’s Gate thrilling over 124 million viewers in 2024 (Business Daily).
Local drivers like Onkar Rai (2021 WRC3 winner) and Karan Patel kept Kenya competitive, while the event boosted tourism, drawing 10,000+ international visitors annually (safarirally.ke). Its contract extends to 2026, ensuring its WRC future.
The 2025 Edition: A New Chapter
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally, set for March 20-23, marks its 72nd running and third round of the 14-event season. With a 384.86 km route—the longest in recent WRC history—it introduces new stages like Mzabibu (vineyard-lined, 12.36 km) and Camp Moran (32.2 km, a classic endurance test). The shakedown shifts to Sleeping Warrior, and the Hell’s Gate Power Stage doubles as the prize-giving venue. Starting with a ceremonial flag-off at Nairobi’s KICC and the Kasarani SSS, the rally blends tradition with innovation.
Top drivers like Rovanperä (61 points post-Sweden), Elfyn Evans (current leader), and Thierry Neuville (2024 champion) will battle locals like Tundo and Patel. Toyota’s unbeaten streak since 2021 faces challenges from Hyundai and M-Sport Ford on Hankook tires and revised Rally1 rules (wrc.com).
The Safari Rally’s history is a testament to its adaptability. From a 1953 coronation tribute to a WRC cornerstone, it has shaped motorsport with its unique challenges—wildlife crossings, dust storms, and mud baths. Kenyan drivers have won 18 times, with Mehta and Tundo leading the pack. Economically, it generates millions, spotlighting Naivasha and Nairobi as tourism hubs.
In 2025, as it celebrates over 70 years, the rally remains a global draw, blending heritage with modern competition. Its cultural significance endures, from Joginder Singh’s “Simba ya Kenya” nickname to Tinashe Gatimu’s 2025 WRC3 run, symbolizing the next generation.
