The legendary Safari Rally Kenya is back, kicking off an action packed week of motorsport as part of the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. The 2026 edition, running from March 12 to March 15, marks the third round of this year’s global rally championship.
This year’s rally introduces a major shift in format by moving the entire event away from the capital, Nairobi, and focusing all competition around the rugged terrain of Naivasha in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.
Shakedown Begins at New NAWISA Venue
The rally week begins with the traditional shakedown stage, but this time at a new venue, the Naivasha Wildlife Sanctuary. Commonly referred to as NAWISA, the sanctuary is owned by the Wildlife Research and Training Institute and sits just across from the rally service park.
The roughly 6.3 kilometer stage offers a demanding mix of sandy tracks, bumpy surfaces, and uphill climbs, allowing teams to test their rally cars under conditions similar to those expected during the main competition.
For drivers, the shakedown is an important opportunity to fine tune suspension settings, tire choices, and pace notes before the official stages begin.
Fans Get Front Row Access
Unlike some previous years, the NAWISA shakedown is open to spectators, giving fans a rare chance to see the world’s top rally drivers testing their machines up close.
Thousands of spectators are expected to gather around the sanctuary as powerful rally engines echo across the Rift Valley landscape. The unique location also adds a distinct Safari Rally touch, where spectators may occasionally spot wildlife in the distance while watching the action unfold.
A Tough Test Across Naivasha
The 2026 rally will feature roughly 350 kilometers of competitive gravel stages, spread across four intense days.
Drivers will face some of the rally’s most famous and punishing sections, including:
- Sleeping Warrior
- Camp Moran
- Kedong
- Hell’s Gate
These stages are known for their brutal conditions, including deep dust known as fesh fesh, loose rocks, mud, water crossings, and sudden weather changes that can quickly turn tracks into treacherous routes.
Star Studded Entry List
Top teams from across the world have arrived for the rally. The field is led by Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, the defending manufacturers’ champions, while Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team is expected to provide strong competition.
Fans are also excited about the return of eight time world champion Sébastien Ogier for part of the season. Meanwhile, local Kenyan driver Jasmeet Chanais is drawing attention with his debut in the WRC2 category.
One of the Toughest Rallies in the World
The Safari Rally has long been regarded as one of the most demanding events in world motorsport. Its unpredictable terrain and harsh conditions test both driver skill and vehicle durability like few other rallies on the calendar.
With the entire 2026 edition now centered around Naivasha, organizers believe the rally will deliver an even more focused and intense experience for competitors and fans alike.
As engines roar to life and dust begins to rise across the Rift Valley, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter of the iconic Safari Rally.
