19-05-2025
First ever Safari Rally kicks off in South Africa: here's what to expect
International rally stars, including Carlos Sainz, will be competing on local turf this week.
The long-anticipated Safari Rally kicks off on Monday, marking the first time that South Africa has ever hosted a round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
Based around Sun City in the North West, the gruelling rally will see crews cover a distance of 2,641km, of which 1,222km is timed.
The prologue is set to kick off on Monday afternoon, ahead of Tuesday's Stage 1.
The top-tier 'Ultimate' class currently has 36 entries, with top local competitors set to compete with international rallying stars, including nine-time WRC champion Sébastien Loeb and multiple Dakar winner Nasser Al Attiyah, in their Dacia Sandriders.
Al-Attiyah currently leads the Rally-Raid Championship, with a 23-point advantage over Yazeed Al-Rajhi, who remains on the sidelines after injuring his back at the Jordan Baja in April.
Fellow former Dakar victors Carlos Sainz and Nani Roma will also be aiming to tame the African terrain in their M-Sport Ford Raptors.
