Inside the 2025 Safari Classic Rally route

With just days to go before the engines fire up in Diani, organisers of the East Africa Safari Classic Rally 2025 say the route is ready for one of the most-anticipated man versus machine battles.

Safety measures are locked in, and the entire organising team is on high alert for what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the world's greatest classic rally.

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This year's route will take crews from the coast to the savannah from Friday, 5 December, moving through Diani, Voi, and Amboseli, before returning to Diani for the grand finish on Saturday, 13 December.

"We think about the competitors, other road users, and the villagers who line these routes every year. Every kilometre has been designed with their safety in mind. This includes dedicated slow zones through villages, stricter marshal deployment, and close engagement with local boda boda riders who help manage junctions and support officials on the ground," Deputy Clerk of Course Riyaz Ismail noted.

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Riyaz speaking ahead of the start of the grand adventure, said that the team has intentionally selected roads that capture the rugged beauty and challenge of classic rallying without compromising the well-being of spectators and residents.

"We always try to scout interior roads, away from large populations. But some villages you simply cannot avoid, and those end up being the most memorable. Entire communities come out cheering, children running alongside the cars. It's part of the magic of Safari Classic Rally, and we must protect it," Ismail added.

Over the course of nine days and roughly 4,000 km in total distance (with a competitive route covering over 2,000 km), this edition promises to test both man and machine across varied terrain and unpredictable weather.

Riyaz said the 2025 edition has been built to stand up to any weather the season may offer. "Whether it rains or it stays dusty, the roads will give drivers a proper challenge. If I was a competitor, I'd be very happy. These are lovely stages, tough enough to demand respect, but rewarding for those who drive smart."

Behind the route lies an enormous operational effort. The event will be supported by more than 135 officials spread across various sections, ensuring timing accuracy. safety oversight, communications, technical checks, and community coordination.

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"Rallying is always a team sport," Riyaz says. "Not just for the drivers and co-drivers, but for organizers too. You can't run an event like this alone. It takes an army of officials, volunteers, and well-wishers to keep the Classic at a world-class standard."

With final checks underway and anticipation rising across the motorsport community. Riyaz says the organizers are ready. "On the morning after the rally ends, I want everyone, competitors, crews, fans, to wake up and say, that felt like a dream. Can we do it again? That's the experience we're working to deliver."

Riyaz also acknowledged the vital support of MRF Tyres, the event's new Title Sponsor for the 2025 edition, known globally for strength, durability, and high-performance engineering, MRF's involvement aligns perfectly with the character of the Safari Classic.

The rally is built on long, punishing stages that demand resilience from both man and machine, and those same qualities define MRF's tires.

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Rally Route & Key Dates

Start: 5 December 2025, at Diamond Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Diani

Legs 1-3: Diani (Day 1) Voi (Legs 2 & 3 via Taita Hill Safari Resort & Spa)

Legs 4-6: From Voi onward to Amboseli Sopa Lodge, including a scheduled rest day on 9 December in Amboseli..

Final Day / Finish: 13 December, returning to Diamond Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Diani.