The just-concluded 2025 edition of the Safari Rally did not disappoint. Safari Rally is renowned for its challenging rally stages and the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and unparalleled hospitality of the Kenyan people. It is truly a remarkable experience that combines the best of motorsport with the unique beauty of Kenya.
Here are 12 mind-blowing facts about the legendary Safari Rally—the ultimate test of man, machine, and Mother Nature! If you’re a rally fan, you know this is not just a race; it’s survival!
1. Born to Be Wild (1953)
The Safari Rally kicked off in 1953 as the East African Coronation Safari, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension. What started as a road endurance test soon became the toughest rally on the planet!
2. Brutal Conditions, No Mercy!
Rain? Mud? Scorching heat? Wildlife? The Safari Rally throws everything at the drivers. It’s where legends are made and egos are crushed. No wonder it’s called “The Car Breaker!”
3. 5,000 KM of Pure Madness
Back in the day, this rally stretched over 5,000 km (3,100 miles) across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It wasn’t just about speed—it was about keeping your car alive!
Nelson Jeremy: Safari Rally 2023 through my lens
4. The Epic Comeback (2021)
After 19 long years, the World Rally Championship (WRC) finally brought back the Safari Rally in 2021. And guess what? It still delivered the unpredictable chaos we love!
5. Wildlife on the Track!
Where else do rally cars have to dodge elephants, zebras, giraffes, and even rhinos? Forget chicanes—this is a real-life safari at 200 km/h!
6. Toyota: Kings of the Safari
Toyota has dominated the Safari Rally, thanks to beasts like the Celica GT-Four, Corolla WRC, and now the GR Yaris Rally1. If there’s one brand that thrives in the wild, it’s Toyota!
7. Fastest Safari Rally Win!
In 1994, Didier Auriol (Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD) clinched victory in just 12 hours, 52 minutes, and 47 seconds—an insane record for such a brutal event!
8. Shekhar Mehta: The King of Safari
This Kenyan rally hero won the Safari five times (1973, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982)—a record that still stands! His skill and resilience made him a true rally legend.
9. Only the Strong Survive (1972)
The 1972 Safari Rally was so tough that only 7 cars finished out of 91 starters. That’s right—just 7 survivors! Imagine the heartbreak of the 84 who never made it.
10. Mud, Mud, and More Mud!
One minute, you’re flying at full speed; the next, your car is buried in a mud pit! Safari Rally rainstorms turn the course into a swampy, tire-eating nightmare.
11. Kenya’s Biggest Motorsport Festival
If you’ve ever been to a Safari Rally stage, you know the vibes are electric. Thousands of fans line up along the route, cheering, waving flags, and celebrating every dust cloud!
12. A Rally Like No Other
The Safari Rally isn’t just about winning—it’s about surviving. It’s where modern rally meets the raw, untamed spirit of Africa. If you can conquer the Safari, you can conquer anything!
Who’s your favorite Safari Rally driver or moment? Let’s talk rally madness.
