The iconic Safari Rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2021. Since then, the event has traditionally begun in the country’s capital, Nairobi, but next year this custom will change.
In previous years the rally opened with the Kasarani super special stage in Nairobi, run as a head-to-head format. For the 2026 edition, no super special will be held, meaning the rally will not visit the capital at all.
The rally week has also been shortened by one day, as the shakedown stage has been moved from Wednesday to Thursday morning. Next year the five-kilometre Nawisa test will serve as the shakedown.
The competitive action begins on Thursday afternoon with the Camp Moran and Mzabibu stages, both familiar from last season. The remainder of the route also largely follows last year’s format.
Friday features two runs each of Loldia, Kengen Geothermal and Kedong, as well as repeat runs of Camp Moran and Loldia. The eight-stage Friday is the longest day of the rally, totalling 136.55 competitive kilometres.
On Saturday the crews tackle six stages across the savannah: Soysambu, Elmenteita and Sleeping Warrior, each run twice. Saturday covers 123 kilometres of stages.
The final day includes four stages – Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate, both repeated. The ten-kilometre Hell’s Gate test will once again serve as the rally-ending Power Stage.
The service park and rally headquarters remain in the town of Naivasha, located roughly 100 kilometres from Nairobi.
Safari Rally Kenya will be the third round of the season, taking place from 12–15 March. The itinerary comprises 20 special stages totalling 350 kilometres.
