The Kasarani Super Special Stage Tradition to be Dropped in the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya

The upcoming 2026 edition of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya will witness a significant change as the tradition of the Kasarani Super Special Stage will be omitted from the event’s routes. This decision marks a notable shift from the previous editions since the rally made its debut on the global calendar in 2021.

Changes in Event Format

One of the key modifications for the 2026 Safari Rally includes shortening the rally week by one day. Additionally, the shakedown stage, which was previously scheduled for Wednesday, has been rescheduled to Thursday morning. The official shakedown will now take place at Nawisa, a five-kilometer stretch, preceding the competitive race.

New Route Highlights

The 2026 WRC Safari Rally will kick off on a Thursday afternoon, with drivers navigating through Camp Moran and the Mzabibu Stage located in Naivasha. Friday’s itinerary will feature eight stages, including Lodia, Kengen Geothermal, Kedong, and Camp Moran, covering a total distance of approximately 136.55 kilometers.

Saturday’s challenges will encompass six stages, such as Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, each to be completed twice, totaling 123 kilometers. The final day, Sunday, will see competitors taking on four stages, including repeat runs of Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate, with the Hell’s Gate power stage determining the ultimate standings.

Event Logistics

The rally headquarters and service park will remain in Naivasha for the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya. Scheduled as the third round of the 2026 WRC season, the event will run from March 12 to March 15, 2026, covering approximately 350 kilometers across about 20 special stages.

The 2026 WRC season commences with Rallye Monte-Carlo from January 22 to 25, followed by Rally Sweden from February 12 to 15. The WRC Safari Rally Kenya is set to take place from March 12 to 15, 2026, marking an exciting chapter in the global rally calendar.