Few events in motorsport command attention quite like Safari Rally Kenya. The sight of WRC machines, reinforced with bull bars and snorkels, powering through fesh-fesh sand, deep river crossings, and rocky terrain, has captivated rally fans for decades. This year’s edition promises to be just as unpredictable, with the battle for victory expected to be as fierce as Naivasha’s wild landscape.
The Safari Rally is arguably the most demanding event on the WRC calendar. This year drivers and co-drivers will be navigating 384 kilometres of brutal terrain, ranging from vast plains to treacherous rocky tracks and thick mud. Taking place at the onset of Kenya’s rainy season, the unpredictable weather will add another layer of complexity. Mastering the treacherous topography and reading the skies correctly will be crucial for any crew aiming for victory.
The season has begun with Toyota Gazoo Racing asserting its dominance, with Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans securing wins in Monte Carlo and Sweden, respectively. Evans’ perfect run in Sweden and his runner-up finish in Monte Carlo have placed him at the top of the driver standings, boasting a 28-point lead over Ogier. However, Ogier’s part-time campaign means he will not be competing in Kenya, leaving Evans to lead Toyota’s charge.
Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston nearly snatched victory from Evans in Sweden, proving they are serious contenders for their maiden WRC win. With three podiums from four starts in the Kenya Safari Rally, Katsuta has the experience and confidence to challenge for the top spot.
Meanwhile, last year’s Safari Rally winner, Kalle Rovanperä, has yet to rediscover the pace that made him a world champion. However, he has always been quick in Kenya, and with Toyota’s technical competence which has seen them win every Safari Rally since 2021, Rovanperä could return to the top step of the podium. Adding to Toyota’s lineup, Sami Pajari is set to make his debut at this event, aiming to gain valuable experience at the sport’s highest level.
Hyundai Motorsport’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster of brilliance and bad luck. Defending world champion Thierry Neuville recovered from a slow start with a strong podium finish in Sweden, but history is not on his side in Kenya, where his best result is fifth place. With a tough track record, Neuville will be keen to turn the tide and build momentum for his title defense.
Teammate Ott Tänak has had a turbulent history with Safari Rally Kenya, suffering from a misting windscreen (2021), a broken prop shaft (2022), and a heartbreaking loss of second place after hitting a rock last year. Despite his struggles, the 2019 world champion has displayed flashes of blistering speed, securing five stage wins so far this season. He will be pushing hard for a long-overdue podium finish.
Meanwhile, Adrien Fourmaux, in his third Hyundai, remains hungry for his first WRC victory. The Frenchman showed he had the pace to challenge Ogier and Evans in Monte Carlo and was battling for the lead in Sweden before an unfortunate helmet issue took him out of contention. His podium finish in Kenya last year proves he can thrive in these conditions.
For M-Sport Ford, Josh McErlean has made a solid start to his rookie Rally1 season, finishing as the top M-Sport driver in Monte Carlo and showing impressive consistency in Sweden. However, a snowbank mishap on the final day cost him a strong result. Kenya will be his first attempt at the Safari Rally, but his pace suggests he could be a dark horse in the unpredictable conditions.
Grégoire Munster, who took his first points of 2025 in Sweden, has yet to find his rhythm this season, but the mixed terrain of Kenya could suit him better. Last year, he had a strong start at the Safari Rally before broken suspension on Day 3 ended his campaign.
The Safari Rally is unlike any other event on the WRC calendar. The unforgiving conditions demand that teams make crucial modifications, including higher ride heights, softer suspension setups, and reinforced underbody protection. Some sections require full attack mode, while others demand tactical patience to avoid mechanical failure.
The potential for heavy rains and deep water crossings adds to the challenge. The 2023 Sleeping Warrior stage is a prime example of how the rally can turn from dusty plains to a mud bath within minutes. Success in Kenya will not just be about raw speed, but mechanical endurance and driver resilience.
In WRC2, Oliver Solberg was untouchable in Sweden, securing a hat trick of wins at his home rally. This has placed him joint top of the championship alongside Yohan Rossel. Solberg has come close to victory in Kenya before but has been plagued by mechanical failures.
Meanwhile, Gus Greensmith is eager to make his 2025 points-scoring debut. He won last year’s Safari Rally in WRC2 and has previously shown strong performances in Rally1 machinery on this terrain.
Other key names to watch include 2019 Junior WRC champion Jan Solans, two-time Safari winner Kajetan Kajetanowicz, and reigning WRC3 champion Diego Dominguez, who is launching his WRC2 campaign in Kenya.
Safari Rally Kenya remains one of the few events that harken back to rallying’s golden era, where endurance and mechanical reliability are just as vital as outright pace. With unpredictable conditions, wild landscapes, and a grid of top-class competitors, this year’s edition promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the history of this legendary event.
