Kenya will host the 2025 East Africa Safari Classic Rally from December 5th to 13th , expected to attract at least sixty international rally drivers in one of the most revered classic endurance motorsport events.
The rally will traverse Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Makueni and Kajiado counties over a distance of more than 3,000 kilometres.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya welcomed participants, officials and fans to the event, describing the 12th edition as a celebration of Kenya’s long heritage in rallying and its global reputation for endurance motorsport.
“We welcome the world to the 2025 East Africa Safari Classic Rally; this rally celebrates our rich rallying heritage while offering Kenya and the counties along the route an unparalleled opportunity to shine on the international stage,” Mvurya said.
The CS said the Classic Rally, which features historic vehicles manufactured before 1985, remains a powerful reminder of the original Safari Rally’s iconic place in global motorsport.
“Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to rugged hinterlands, continue to provide an unrivalled stage for motorsport. Our reputation for endurance racing excellence is long-standing and globally recognised,” he said.
Mvurya added that the presence of international crews, media teams and support personnel will give Kenya broad global exposure.
“As we celebrate 75 years of motorsport excellence, we warmly welcome all participating teams, partners, officials, media representatives and fans. Karibuni Kenya and Twende Classic,” he said.
East African Safari Classic Rally Chairman Joey Ghose said the 2025 edition reinforces the event’s standing as a true test of endurance rather than speed, noting that competitors must be ready for varying landscapes and unpredictable conditions.
“This is not a sprint but an endurance event. It will not be the fastest who will win, but the most consistent; competitors have to be well-prepared to drive in mud, dust whatever conditions there are out there,” Ghose said.
Ghose said car eligibility remains unchanged and strictly limited to pre-1985 models, preserving the authenticity of the Classic.
“We are still at pre-1985. We haven’t increased that,” he said.
He highlighted a “very unique entry” for this edition, a Citroën driven by Francis Abrial with renowned Dakar co-driver Michael Perrin—which will appear in Africa for the first time.
The chairman also noted strong participation from manufacturers such as Porsche, Datsun, Citroën and Ford Escorts, alongside several GT-class cars.
Ghose, who will participate as a competitor this year, said his involvement will help him better understand competitor experiences for future improvements.
“We bought this rally in the year 2000 because we felt it was dying. There were only about 16 entries, the event is getting from strength to strength. It is considered the world’s toughest classic rally today,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the organizational team led by Clerk of the Course Andy Gilmour and Deputy Clerk Riyaz Ismail, noting the event is managed by a small but highly experienced core group.
“I do think in the next couple of years we will bring best practices here to the Classic Safari and make it the best rally in the world,” Ghose said.
“If you haven’t done the Classic Safari, then you haven’t lived. It is for every petrol head,” he added.
Deputy Clerk of the Course Riyaz Ismail outlined the rally route and operational format, confirming that full documentation will be published on the event’s digital noticeboard.
“For now, what I can tell you is that on the 5th of December, it is going to be a day of Diani-Diani action. On the 6th we go from Diani into Voi. The 7th is going to be Voi-Voi. The 8th is going to be Voi to Amboseli, and after four days of grueling stages, you need a rest day,” Ismail said.
“After the rest day, we complete the remaining four legs back in reverse, but on different sections, and the rally concludes back in Diani on the 13th of December,” he added.
Ismail said the 2025 rally will feature the longest competitive mileage in the event’s history, with more than 2,000 kilometres of timed stages, subject to weather.
“In terms of uniqueness, this year we shall have the longest ever competitive mileage, fingers crossed Mother Nature also blesses us,” he said.
He said there are new logistical limits of one service car, one management car and one auxiliary car per competitor adds to the difficulty.
“It’s definitely not a sprint, more of a marathon rally this year,” he said.
Ismail highlighted strong local participation, including Baldev Chaga, Peas Daikin and Jeff Bell.
He also noted a record entry from the Tatil team, which is fielding more than 22 cars. Other notable participants mentioned include Josh Westhampton, South Africa’s Mr. Zwart, defending champion Eugenio Amos driving a Ferrari assigned door number one UK driver Malcolm Rich, Australia’s Tim Wilkins, and U.S. competitors.
He said team BMA will enter five cars.
Ismail added that high-profile guests are expected, including a rally leader currently competing in Saudi Arabia who confirmed attendance.
“This is classic expect the unexpected. Whatever Mother Nature has to give, they have to go through it,” he said.
by Naif Rashid
