WRC Safari Rally Kenya: Preview, Main Drivers, Key Stages, Time and Where to Watch

The world of motorsport turns its eyes to the stunning Kenyan savanna as over 40 of the World Rally Championship's biggest stars prepare for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya.

Set to be one of the most thrilling events on the global calendar, the rally promises four days of intense competition from March 12-15.

Known for its breathtaking landscapes and unforgiving terrain, the Safari Rally is a unique challenge.

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Drivers will battle across dusty, muddy, and rocky tracks, where the threat of heavy rain can instantly transform the course into a treacherous mud bath. High temperatures and deep water crossings add to the difficulty, forcing teams to balance outright speed with crucial car preservation.

For the fourth consecutive year, the event holds a March slot in the WRC schedule, marking the third round of the 2026 season after Monte Carlo and Sweden.

This edition is particularly significant as it is the sixth and final rally under the current contract. Based in the lakeside town of Naivasha, about 90 kilometres north of Nairobi, the event also serves as a round for both the Kenyan National and FIA African Rally Championships, offering a vital platform for local talent to shine on the world stage.

Organisers have implemented several key changes for the 2026 rally. In a major shift, the ceremonial start and the Kasarani Super Special stage in Nairobi have been removed. Instead, the entire itinerary will be based in Naivasha.

The shakedown has been moved to Thursday morning at the new Nawisa test site. In a historic first since the rally's return to the WRC, this pre-event practice session will be open to spectators, having previously been held behind closed doors.

The competitive action, featuring 46 drivers including 17 from Kenya, runs from Thursday, March 12, to Sunday, March 15. The rally officially revs off with the shakedown on Thursday morning, followed by a ceremonial flag-off at the Wildlife Research Training Institute, which also hosts the service park.

The event concludes on Sunday with two runs through the iconic Hell’s Gate stage, which will serve as the Wolf Power Stage against the dramatic backdrop of the Rift Valley.

The 46-car entry list is headlined by the reigning constructors' champions, Toyota Gazoo Racing. The Japanese manufacturer, which has dominated every Safari Rally since its 2021 WRC return, fields a formidable five-car team. World Drivers' champion Sebastien Ogier and last year's Safari winner Elfyn Evans will lead the charge.

They are joined by current championship leader Oliver Solberg, two-time Safari podium finisher Takamoto Katsuta, and rising Finnish star Sami Pajari. The local contingent features prominent names such as two-time African Rally Champion Karan Patel, junior ARC champion Samman Singh Vohra, and 2025 WRC3 winner Nikhil Sachania.

The 2026 Safari Rally will challenge crews with 20 special stages over four days. The route consists of 10 unique stages, each run twice, demanding maximum focus from the start. The longest test is the 25.6 km Loldia stage, while the shortest is the 8.27 km Mzabibu stage.

Fans worldwide can follow the action live on Rally.TV and Red Bull TV. In Africa, regional broadcasters include Canal+ and SuperSport. Coverage will also be available on Fox Deportes in the Americas, Sony Sports Network and beIN SPORTS in Asia, Stan and TVNZ in Australasia, and various channels across Europe, including ITV, Sky, and Canal Plus.