WRC Safari Rally: Stage by Stage guide for World's Toughest Rally

The Safari Rally 2025 zooms off in Nairobi on Thursday with the opening ceremony in Nairobi. The rally will be flagged off by President William Ruto at the Kenyatta international Convention Centre.

Traditionally, the race has always been flagged off by the President and this year will be no different, as the Safari makes its fourth appearance in the World Rally series since a return to the championship in 2021.

There will be 33 drivers flagged off at the opening ceremony. They will immediately head out to Kasarani for a special four kilometre stage.

Thanks to the WRC, below we have a detailed description of all the stages in this year's rally.

Summary

1 SS1 – Super Special Stage Kasarani (4.76km)

2 SS2/17 – Mzabibu (8.15km)

3 SS3/7 – Camp Moran (32.20km)

4 SS4/8 – Loldia (19.11km)

5 SS5/9 – Geothermal (13.12km)

6 SS6/10 – Kedong (15.10km)

7 SS11/14 – Sleeping Warrior (26.88km)

8 SS12/15 – Elmenteita (17.31km)

9 SS13/16 – Soysambu (29.32km)

10 SS18/20 – Oserengoni (18.33km)

11 SS19/21 – Hell’s Gate (10.53km)

01 SS1 – Super Special Stage Kasarani (4.76km)

Located in Nairobi, this dual-lane, head-to-head stage at Kasarani Stadium will run in reverse direction compared to previous years. Two cars will race side by side on the compact, mixed-surface track, setting the tone for the rally in front of thousands of spectators.

02 SS2/17 – Mzabibu (8.15km)

A brand-new stage set in the Morendat Farm vineyards, Mzabibu is designed with fans in mind, offering great viewing points just 10km from Naivasha town. This tight, technical test on mixed surfaces will challenge drivers as they push through the winding farm roads.

03 SS3/7 – Camp Moran (32.20km)

A new addition for 2025, Camp Moran is a classic Safari Rally test, combining narrow, technical tracks, fast dips, jumps, and rocky outcrops. Running along the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, this stage demands precision and endurance, with shifting road surfaces and little room for error.

04 SS4/8 – Loldia (19.11km)

This familiar stage now runs in reverse compared to previous years. The route cuts through lush green landscapes before transitioning into fast, rolling plains. The twisty nature of Loldia rewards technical driving, while the new direction presents fresh challenges.

05 SS5/9 – Geothermal (13.12km)

A short but high-speed blast through the Olkaria Geothermal fields, this stage retains the same direction as 2024 but with a new start location on the Tarmac for better traction. Expect a mix of fast straights, sweeping bends, and tight technical corners.

06 SS6/10 – Kedong (15.10km)

Although shortened for 2025, Kedong still retains its famous Miti Mbili jump and sections of deep fesh-fesh sand that will test both car reliability and driver stamina. The reversed route adds a fresh challenge to this fan-favourite stage.

07 S11/14 – Sleeping Warrior (26.88km)

Now the first stage on Saturday, Sleeping Warrior runs early in the day, potentially with morning mist and low sun adding an extra test of visibility. This rolling, open stage mixes fast plains with tighter sections winding through the hills, making for breathtaking action.

08 SS12/15 – Elmenteita (17.31km)

This stage follows the shores of Lake Elmenteita before cutting across the open grasslands of Soysambu Conservancy. Running in reverse direction for 2025, the changing grip levels will keep crews on their toes.

09 SS13/16 – Soysambu (29.32km)

A long and demanding test, Soysambu combines tight, twisty sections with high-speed open straights, running in reverse for the first time. The stage will again feature a major spectator zone near the start, making it a key viewing location.

10 SS18/20 – Oserengoni (18.33km)

One of the most scenic stages of the rally, Oserengoni winds through the private Oserengoni Conservancy, featuring twisty wooded sections, deceptive straights, and vast open plains. Wildlife is often spotted along the route, adding to its uniqueness.

11 SS19/21 – Hell’s Gate (10.53km)

A fan-favourite stage known for its stunning scenery; Hell’s Gate will be the Wolf Power Stage - running over the same rugged tracks that have produced some of the most iconic images of the Safari Rally. A new tweak for 2025 sees cars turn right near Fischer’s Tower instead of left, adding a new dynamic to the finishing stretch.