Kenya’s iconic Safari Rally is set to roar back into action from March 12–15, 2026, marking the third round of the newly released 14-event FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar. The 2026 season will traverse four continents, blending tradition with fresh challenges as motorsport fans gear up for another thrilling year.
The championship kicks off in January with the snow-covered stages of Monte Carlo (January 22–25), followed by Sweden (February 15). Then, attention shifts to the rough, unpredictable terrain of Kenya, where the Safari Rally renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unforgiving conditions awaits.
This year’s rally holds extra weight for Kenya. Since its WRC return in 2020 under a five-year contract, later extended by one more year, 2026 could be a pivotal moment for the event’s long-term future in the global rally calendar. The country’s performance both in terms of organization and fan engagement may shape whether the Safari Rally remains a permanent fixture.
Beyond Kenya, the calendar is packed with variety. From the winding tarmac roads of Croatia and the sun-drenched hills of Portugal, to the returning routes of the Canary Islands and Paraguay, the season promises a diverse mix of rallying surfaces and landscapes. The action will wrap up in the sands of Saudi Arabia, with the final round scheduled for November 11–14.
Monte Carlo, as always, offers a dramatic opening with icy mountain roads and a Saturday night street stage that lights up downtown Monaco. It’s the perfect blend of challenge and spectacle setting the tone for a season that will see crews battle snow, gravel, and asphalt from Europe to Asia, and South America to the Middle East.
With Kenya once again in the global spotlight, all eyes will be on the Safari Rally this March not just for the racing, but for what it could mean for the future of rallying on African soil.
