Queen Kalimpinya: Rwanda's Rising Star Raring to Go at Safari Rally

As engines roar and the dust settles at the legendary Safari Rally in Kenya, one name is quietly commanding attention in African motorsports, Queen Kalimpinya.

The Rwandan rally driver has steadily carved a path in the sport, rising from local competitions to the international stage with determination, resilience, and an undeniable passion for speed.

Born and raised in Kigali, Queen describes her early years as adventurous and full of energy. “I grew up in a lively neighbourhood with lots of children,” she recalls.

Much of her childhood was spent outdoors, playing football, performing bicycle tricks, and joining her older brother and his friends in various challenges.

These formative experiences helped shape the competitive spirit and curiosity that would later define her approach to rallying.

Even before stepping into motorsports, Queen had tasted the public spotlight. After high school, she competed in the prestigious Miss Rwanda pageant, finishing as the 3rd Runner-Up in 2017.

“The experience was transformative,” she says. “It emphasised intelligence, culture, and social responsibility.” During this time, she also collaborated with organisations focusing on empowering women, teenagers, and children, all while continuing her studies.

Queen’s journey into motorsports began almost by chance. What started as curiosity soon evolved into a full-blown passion.

“At first, it was simply about trying something new and having fun,” she recalls. “But the more I learned about the sport and experienced the adrenaline of rallying, the more determined I became to pursue it seriously.”

Her entry into rallying, like that of many drivers, was not without hurdles. Her first rally ended in disappointment after a mechanical failure forced her team to finish last.

But rather than deter her, the experience fueled her commitment. Through careful preparation, learning, and persistence, her performance steadily improved.

Initially competing as a co-driver, Queen began securing podium finishes before making the bold transition to driver. Even her first rally in the driver’s seat was plagued by mechanical challenges, yet the setbacks only strengthened her resolve.

Over the following seasons, podium finishes became more frequent, culminating in her current status as defending champion of the Rwanda National Rally Championship, a testament to years of discipline, teamwork, and relentless perseverance.

Until now, Queen’s racing experience has primarily been within Rwanda’s national championship circuit. That is about to change as she prepares for her first international competition at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya, one of the most challenging and historic events on the global rally calendar.

The opportunity comes through the KCB Racing Team, a platform that has supported numerous drivers in the rally. Queen describes receiving the call as “both emotional and inspiring.”

“When I received the call, I honestly couldn’t believe it,” she says. “Competing in the Safari Rally and other international events has always been a dream. Motorsport requires significant financial resources, and opportunities like this don’t come easily. Thanks to KCB Racing Team, that dream is beginning to take shape.”

For the Safari Rally, Queen will be partnered with her long-time co-driver, Olivier Ngabo. Ngabo is not only an experienced co-driver but also a professional mechanic and mechanical engineering specialist with extensive experience in transportation and car hire services.

His accolades include being part of the 2025 Rwanda National Rally Championship-winning crew and winning Best Co-Driver of the Year in 2019.

The duo have collaborated for three years, developing a rhythm and trust critical in rallying, where precise communication between driver and co-driver can mean the difference between victory and failure.

For the upcoming Safari Rally, the team upgraded their vehicle from a Subaru GC8 to a Subaru Impreza WRX STI GVB, extensively tested across various terrains to ensure reliability.

“The car feels great, and the team has worked extremely hard on the preparation,” Queen says. “We believe it is ready for the challenge ahead.”

As a first-time participant in the Safari Rally, Queen’s immediate goal is to finish the rally cleanly while competing at a strong level. But she admits that chasing trophies would make the experience even more meaningful.

Behind Queen’s pursuit of motorsport excellence lies a strong support system. She credits her family for standing by her in a sport that demands time, focus, and resilience.

Beyond her personal achievements, Queen hopes her journey will inspire young women to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

“To every young girl who dreams of doing something different, your gender should never define the size of your dream,” she says. “Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t be afraid to pursue what excites you.”