After returning to the World Rally Championship in 2021, Kenya once again played host to over 30,000 WRC Safari Rally fans from East Africa and beyond. Famed as the ultimate test of endurance, the Safari Rally delivered a front-row seat to adrenaline-pumping action, roaring engines, billowing dust trails, and breathtaking landscapes that could challenge even the most seasoned rally driver.
For adventurers, the March 20th-23rd Safari Rally also offered an opportunity to experience Kenya’s beautiful culture and stunning wildlife. Many who traveled from far and wide came for the high-speed action, but stayed for the magic of the Kenyan safari.
The thrill of the race
Unlike other WRC circuits held on tarmac or predictable gravel roads, the Kenya Safari Rally is a wonder to behold. Drivers face unpredictable weather, water crossings, and the ever-present dust clouds that rise like ghosts in the wake of their cars.
This year’s race took us through the wild terrains of Naivasha, Elementaita, and Kedong, where the rally cars charged past yellow-backed acacia trees and open savannahs. Fans gathered at prime viewing points like Hell’s Gate National Park, where sheer cliffs and winding dirt roads made for dramatic turns and heart-stopping moments.
Wildlife encounters that stole the show
Only in Kenya could you be watching a high-speed rally one moment and spotting giraffes and zebras the next. The Safari Rally had a way of blending sport and nature so seamlessly that it felt like a documentary in motion. Photographers reveled in the event, their drones capturing breathtaking aerial footage that perfectly framed the magic of the moment.
And let’s not forget the helicopter pilots, who put on a spectacle of their own; chasing the cars and delivering a show beyond our wildest expectations!
For our travelers, the proximity to Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, and Lake Nakuru National Park meant that a game drive was always just a short drive away. Many visitors took breaks between stages to head out for a sundowner over drinks, with sunset views stretching across the horizon.
Food and festivities
Throughout the rally weekend, Naivasha transformed into a festival of flavors, music, and culture. Food trucks and pop-up restaurants served everything from smoky nyama choma to rich, spicy biriani, while vendors sold a variety of snacks by the roadside.
And when the engines went silent for the night, the real celebration began. Live performances, DJ sets, and bonfire gatherings created an electric atmosphere, as rally fans and locals danced under the African sky.
Luxury lodges and camping under the stars
Travelers had a range of accommodation options to choose from—whether they wanted to indulge in a luxury stay or embrace the rally spirit with camping near the action. Many opted for lakefront lodges, where the sounds of nature provided a peaceful retreat after a day of high-speed thrills.
The verdict
At Kendirita Tours, we were so proud to take our clients to the WRC Safari Rally 2025—a spectacular reminder of why Kenya remains one of the world’s most thrilling destinations. It was fast, it was wild, and it was unmistakably Kenyan; a blend of motorsport and adventure that left every traveler with a heart full of memories and a little bit of dust in their shoes.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa