The wait is over for the rally fans fraternity. The official itinerary for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya has landed, and it confirms what we all suspected: the 73rd edition will be a brutal, high-speed gauntlet through the heart of Nakuru County.
Running from March 12th to 15th, the 2026 route features 20 Special Stages (SS) covering a competitive distance of 350.52 km.
For the thousands of fans planning to trek from around the world to Naivasha, Rora Media brings you the tactical breakdown of the four days of fury.
Thursday, March 12: The Opening Salvo
The rally kicks off with a morning Shakedown (6.31 km) at the Loldia area to let the drivers find their rhythm. The real clock starts at 15:00 at the WRTI Service Park.
Key Stages: Camp Moran 1 (24.35 km) and Mzabibu 1 (8.86 km).
Fan Note: This is a “sprint” day. Expect the drivers to be aggressive early to secure a good road position for the dustier Friday.
Friday, March 13: The “Fesh-Fesh” Marathon
Friday is the endurance test that often decides the podium. Covering 137.19 km of competitive driving, it is the longest day of the rally.
The Loop: Drivers will tackle Loldia, Kengen Geothermal, and the legendary Kedong (13.79 km) twice—once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
The Challenge: Kedong’s deep volcanic ash (fesh-fesh) is a car-killer. If you’re spectating, this is where the drama happens.
Saturday, March 14: The Sleeping Warrior Awakens
Saturday takes the crews to the Elementaita region for 122.72 km of action.
Key Stages: Soysambu, Elmenteita (Live TV), and the formidable Sleeping Warrior (18.41 km).
The X-Factor: This area is notorious for “instant mud.” A ten-minute rain shower here can turn a 150 km/h straight into a skating rink.
Sunday, March 15: Hell’s Gate Finale
The final day is shorter (57.40 km) but high-stakes, concluding with the Wolf Power Stage.
The Finish: The rally wraps up at Hell’s Gate 2 at 13:15.
Podium: The winners will be crowned at the Podium Ceremony at 14:15, just in time for fans to start the long drive back toward the Ugandan border.
The 2026 Safari Rally by the Numbers:
Total Competitive Distance – 350.52 km.
Total Liaison (Transport) Distance – 877.34 km
Total Rally Distance – 1,227.86 km
Percentage of Special Stages – 28.5%
Longest Day – Friday (389.47 km total)
Fans Travel Advisory –
With the Service Park based at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) in Naivasha, fans are encouraged to book accommodation early.
