The WRC Safari Rally Kenya, scheduled for March 20-23, 2025, is set to deliver an exhilarating four-day motorsport spectacle as the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Based in Naivasha and kicking off in Nairobi, this iconic event will challenge drivers with its rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and diverse stages spanning 384.86 competitive kilometers across 21 special stages. Known as one of the toughest rallies in the world, the 2025 edition introduces new routes and promises a blend of high-speed action and Kenya’s stunning landscapes. Below is a detailed schedule to help fans and enthusiasts plan their viewing or attendance.
Overview of the 2025 WRC Safari Rally Kenya
Returning to the WRC calendar in 2021 after a 19-year hiatus, the Safari Rally has reestablished itself as a highlight of the championship. The 2025 event, running from Thursday, March 20, to Sunday, March 23, builds on its legacy with a longer route than the 367.76 km of 2024, featuring two new stages—Mзабibu and Camp Moran—and a refreshed itinerary. Centered around Lake Naivasha, with a ceremonial start in Nairobi, the rally will test the endurance of Rally1, WRC2, and WRC3 competitors while showcasing Kenya’s natural beauty to over 124 million global viewers, as seen in 2024 (Business Daily, 2025).
Full Schedule for WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025
All times are listed in East Africa Time (EAT), aligning with Kenya’s local time zone (UTC+3). The schedule is sourced from official WRC announcements and safarirally.ke, with distances and stage details reflecting the latest updates as of March 18, 2025.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – Pre-Rally Preparation
- Shakedown: Sleeping Warrior SEZ
- Time: 10:01 AM
- Distance: 5.00 km
- Details: Held near Naivasha, this pre-event test allows crews to fine-tune their cars on a short, representative gravel section. Expect top teams like Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsport to optimize setups for the rally’s rocky conditions.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 – Rally Kickoff
- Ceremonial Start: Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi
- Time: 11:26 AM
- Details: The rally officially begins with a flag-off in Kenya’s capital, drawing crowds and dignitaries to celebrate the event’s cultural significance.
- SSS 1: Kasarani
- Time: 1:05 PM
- Distance: 4.52 km
- Details: This super special stage at Kasarani Stadium runs in reverse direction for 2025, featuring a dual-lane, head-to-head format on a mixed-surface track. It’s a fan-friendly opener with jumps and tight corners.
- SS 2: Mzabibu 1
- Time: 4:43 PM
- Distance: 12.36 km
- Details: A brand-new stage set in Morendat Farm’s vineyards, 10 km from Naivasha. Its tight, technical layout and spectator-friendly design make it a highlight of Day 1.
Friday, March 21, 2025 – First Full Day
- SS 3: Loldia 1
- Time: 7:28 AM
- Distance: 19.17 km
- Details: A classic stage with rocky sections and open plains near Lake Naivasha, demanding precision.
- SS 4: Kengen Geothermal 1
- Time: 8:31 AM
- Distance: 18.56 km
- Details: Known for its volcanic ash and fast straights, this stage tests speed and durability.
- SS 5: Kedong 1
- Time: 9:34 AM
- Distance: 17.24 km
- Details: Shortened from 30 km, this stage features the infamous Miti Mbili jump and rocky outcrops.
- Service Break: Naivasha (midday)
- SS 6: Loldia 2
- Time: 1:09 PM
- Distance: 19.17 km
- SS 7: Kengen Geothermal 2
- Time: 2:12 PM
- Distance: 18.56 km
- SS 8: Kedong 2
- Time: 3:15 PM
- Distance: 17.24 km
- Details: The afternoon loop repeats the morning stages, with potential weather shifts adding complexity.
Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Longest Day
- SS 9: Sleeping Warrior 1
- Time: 8:35 AM
- Distance: 36.08 km
- Details: The rally’s longest stage, featuring deep sand, ruts, and stunning views of the Rift Valley.
- SS 10: Elementaita 1
- Time: 9:38 AM
- Distance: 15.08 km
- Details: Running in reverse, this stage skirts Lake Elementaita with changing grip levels.
- SS 11: Soysambu 1
- Time: 10:41 AM
- Distance: 20.42 km
- Details: A reversed route blending twisty sections and high-speed straights, with a major spectator zone.
- Service Break: Naivasha (midday)
- SS 12: Sleeping Warrior 2
- Time: 2:03 PM
- Distance: 36.08 km
- SS 13: Elementaita 2
- Time: 3:06 PM
- Distance: 15.08 km
- SS 14: Soysambu 2
- Time: 4:09 PM
- Distance: 20.42 km
- Details: Saturday’s grueling repeat loop challenges car reliability and driver stamina.
Sunday, March 23, 2025 – Final Showdown
- SS 15: Mzabibu 2
- Time: 7:05 AM
- Distance: 12.36 km
- Details: A second pass through the vineyard stage, offering early drama.
- SS 16: Camp Moran 1
- Time: 8:08 AM
- Distance: 32.20 km
- Details: A new, classic Safari test with narrow tracks, jumps, and rocky outcrops—the longest stage of the day.
- SS 17: Oserengoni 1
- Time: 9:11 AM
- Distance: 18.33 km
- Details: Winds through Oserengoni Conservancy, with wooded sections and open plains often dotted with wildlife.
- Service Break: Naivasha (midday)
- SS 18: Camp Moran 2
- Time: 11:19 AM
- Distance: 32.20 km
- SS 19: Oserengoni 2
- Time: 12:22 PM
- Distance: 18.33 km
- SS 20: Hell’s Gate 1
- Time: 1:25 PM
- Distance: 10.53 km
- Details: A scenic, rugged stage setting the stage for the finale.
- SS 21: Hell’s Gate 2 (Wolf Power Stage)
- Time: 2:15 PM
- Distance: 10.53 km
- Details: The rally’s climax, offering bonus points and a dramatic prize-giving at Hell’s Gate National Park.
Total Distance and Logistics
- Competitive Distance: 384.86 km across 21 stages.
- Total Distance (including liaisons): Approximately 1,259 km, mirroring past years’ layouts.
- Service Park: Located in Naivasha, with daily breaks for repairs and refueling.
Key Features of the 2025 Schedule
- New Stages: Mzabibu (spectator-friendly) and Camp Moran (endurance-focused) add 44.56 km of fresh challenges.
- Route Evolution: The shakedown moves to Sleeping Warrior, and Hell’s Gate hosts the prize-giving, enhancing the event’s finale.
- Spectator Access: Stages like Mzabibu and Soysambu offer designated viewing zones, while Kasarani and KICC provide urban excitement.
How to Follow the Rally
- Live Streaming: Rally.TV offers full coverage (subscription) and free highlights.
- TV Broadcasts: KBC Channel 1 will air select stages for free in Kenya.
- Social Media: Track #WRCSafariRally2025 on X and YouTube for real-time updates.
- On-Site: Visit safarirally.ke for spectator zone details and safety guidelines.
The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 schedule promises a relentless test of skill and machinery, from Nairobi’s ceremonial start to Hell’s Gate’s thrilling finish. Mark your calendars for March 20-23, whether you’re watching from home or cheering trackside. Stay updated via wrc.com, share your excitement with fellow fans, and immerse yourself in Kenya’s motorsport masterpiece. Who will conquer the wild this year?
