The Safari is no longer a thousand-mile marathon, but its soul remains unchanged: it is the most punishing gravel event on the planet.

For 2026, the route undergoes its most significant transformation since returning to the calendar, with the ceremonial start and the Kasarani Super Special in Nairobi being removed in favour of a Naivasha-only itinerary. This shift moves the Shakedown to Thursday morning at the new Nawisa test, with competitive action beginning immediately that afternoon.

The Hankook Dynapro gravel tyres face their sternest test here, battling razor-sharp rocks and the infamous “fesh-fesh” sand that can swallow a car whole. Friday stands as the rally’s marathon day, featuring a gruelling eight-stage loop that includes a reversed run of the punishing Camp Moran.

The rally concludes on Sunday with the repeat runs of the iconic Hell’s Gate, which serves as the Wolf Power Stage against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rift Valley’s towering cliffs.