Safari Rally 2025: Your Essential Guide

If you love fast cars, dusty tracks and epic African scenery, the Safari Rally 2025 is the event to watch. This year’s edition returns to Kenya’s rugged heartland with tougher stages and a fresh line‑up of drivers. Below you’ll find everything you need to follow the rally, from dates and routes to the crews that could take the checkered flag.

When and Where is the Rally?

The 2025 Safari Rally kicks off on June 5 and runs through June 9. The base camp is set up in Naivasha, a town that offers decent hotels and a good spot for the service park. Each day features a mix of high‑speed gravel sections and tight forest trails, giving drivers a real test of skill.

Stage 1 starts early on June 5, taking competitors out of the town and onto the famous Hell’s Gate rocks. The route then heads south toward the town of Nakuru, where you’ll see the iconic flamingos on the lake‑shore as a backdrop. The middle stages cross the Great Rift Valley, so expect dramatic drops and dust clouds that can cut visibility.

All stages are timed to local sunrise, which means you’ll see the sun rise over the savanna while the cars roar past. If you’re planning to attend, bring ear protection – the engines can be deafening – and a good pair of sunglasses for the glare on the open sections.

Key Drivers and Teams to Watch

This year the rally brings a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers. Defending champion Karl Jensen (Team M-Sport) is back with a new 2025 spec Hyundai i20, and he’s looking to add another win to his resume. His main rival is Emma Larsen, who made history last season as the first female driver to finish in the top three. She’s driving for the new EcoRally squad, which uses a hybrid‑powered Subaru that promises extra torque on the climbs.

Don’t overlook the local heroes either. Kenya’s own John Karanja is a fan favourite and knows every twist of the Kenyan terrain. He’s been training on the exact stages that will be used in 2025, giving him a home‑ground advantage that often translates into fast stage times.

Team strategies matter a lot in a rally like this. Some crews focus on conserving the car for the later stages, while others push hard early to build a lead. Keep an eye on the service park announcements – a quick tire change or a change in suspension setup can swing the result dramatically.

Want to follow the action in real time? The official Safari Rally website streams live timing and offers a split‑second video feed of each stage. You can also catch highlight reels on the Duma Travel News sports page, where we post short recaps after every day.

For those who prefer radio, the local station 98.7 FM runs a live commentary from the service park. The broadcaster chats with drivers during service breaks, giving you insider insights that you won’t find on TV.

Whether you’re a longtime rally fan or just curious about why the Safari Rally is called one of the toughest events on the WRC calendar, the 2025 edition promises drama, dust and unforgettable moments. Keep checking back for updates on driver line‑ups, stage changes and weather forecasts – all of which can reshape the competition in minutes.

So mark your calendar, set an alarm for the early morning stages, and get ready for an adventure that blends speed, nature and pure African grit. The Safari Rally 2025 is coming, and you won’t want to miss a single second of the action.