The 2025 East Africa Safari Classic Rally officially flagged off today, Friday, December 5th, launching a nine-day test across 4,000 kilometres of Kenya’s most punishing terrain.
The rally will see experienced rally drivers battle across stages in Kajiado County, which will host the critical rest day at Amboseli, alongside the other host counties that include Taita Taveta and Kwale, where the rally begins and ends.
A total of 59 international and local entries, driving two-wheel-drive classic cars, are set to tackle over 2,000 kilometres of competitive sections, confirming the event’s status as the “Everest of competitive historic rallying.”
All eyes are on Eugenio Amos, the Italian driver, who won the 2023 edition in a Porsche 911. Eugenio has admitted the terrain presents a significant challenge, confessing that their short-term goal is simply to reach the rest day on December 9th in Amboseli in one piece. The rest day provides a critical pause before crews navigate the brutal return legs.
The rally schedule includes a complex itinerary starting and finishing at the Diamond Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani, Kwale County.
Leading the Kenyan charge is former champion Baldev ‘Boldy’ Chager, a formidable competitor in his reliable Porsche 911.
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The first three legs will see crews move from the coast through the Diani area and towards Voi in Taita Taveta County, followed by the demanding push to Amboseli in Kajiado County for the mid-rally rest.
While speaking to the media, Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, emphasized that hosting the iconic event is a strategic move to leverage motorsport for national economic growth. He highlighted the extensive global viewership and the opportunities it presents for the host counties.
“Through this rally, Kenya is powerfully positioning sports tourism and expanding infrastructure to attract international visitors, professional training camps, and global investment in sports in the host counties,” said Mvurya.
The final five legs will see the competitors reverse course through the same demanding counties before the official finish back at the coast on December 13th, showcasing why the East African Safari Classic Rally remains one of the world’s most demanding motorsports challenges.
By Masaki Enock
