It is another time for cars to meet wildlife in pursuit of Safari Rally glory
The wildlife are always forced to run for dear life, and the sound of the rally cars interferes with the peace they have always enjoyed in their habitat...
✨ Key Highlights
The 2026 WRC Safari Rally kicked off in Naivasha on Thursday, with drivers navigating routes shared with wildlife, and thankfully, no incidents were reported on the opening day.
- Wildlife, including zebras, antelopes, and warthogs, were spotted crossing rally routes before or after the cars passed.
- French driver Adrien Fourmaux and his co-driver Alexandre Coria participated in the shakedown session.
- Unlike past incidents, such as Hyundai driver Ott Tanak's encounter with zebras in 2022, the 2026 rally saw a harmonious coexistence between cars and animals.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from Standard Sports
Part of the Day's Coverage
Safari Rally Kicks Off in Naivasha With Drivers Wary of Tough Conditions - March 2026
The 2026 WRC Safari Rally officially kicked off in Naivasha on Thursday with a thrilling shakedown and official flag-off, but drivers are already expressing caution due to challenging and wet conditions. Sudden downpours are drastically altering stage conditions, turning what is typically a dusty event into a muddy ordeal. The third leg of the rally is set for an intense challenge with the introduction of the longest competitive section, Loldia, spanning 25.04 kilometres. Japanese rally driver Takamoto Katsuta has navigated a challenging path to become a globally recognized motorsports competitor, driven by a deep-rooted family passion for racing. Meanwhile, Kenya's government will continue paying affiliation and related fees for the WRC Safari Rally, signaling ongoing support for the event as a major sports tourism driver. On the opening day, drivers navigated routes shared with wildlife, and thankfully, no incidents were reported.
