Preps in top gear for East African Classic Safari Rally

By Feverpitch Reporter

Preparation for Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic rally is gathering momentum with rains being the biggest scare.

Event Director, Surinder Thatthi said the weather in Kenya and Tanzania is threatening to recreate the wet Safari Rally of 1977. Reports indicate that almost all the sections are wet and muddy.

Organisers have been keeping their fingers crossed hoping that the rains would subside by the start of the event on November 19, but if the conditions remain the same, then it should be the wettest Classic Safari Rally.

Heavy rains have pounded the northern regions of Kenya and have washed away all the top soil in many sections, exposing big rocks and making the roads much rougher that the last route survey three months ago.

A lot of water is still flowing in rivers and Day seven roads which traverse through Liboi, Maji ya Moto, Marigat, Kabarnet and Eldama Ravine areas will be much rougher during the rally for the rains are still very heavy so repaired might be delayed.

On November 19, cars will head in convoy from Sarova Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa to the ceremonial start under the Moi Avenue elephant tasks. Top government officials will be present at the start.

On November 20, cars leave Sarova Whitesands via Mombasa to Mazeras, Mariakani and Mackinnon Road with the night stop designated at Amboseli Kilima Camp.

The following day will see the cars restart from Amboseli through to Loitoktok border post and crossover to Tanzania. The night stop will be at Mt Meru Hotel in Arusha also for November 22. On November 23, cars will arrive at Namanga border post to cross back into Kenya and onward to Kajiado, Ndialongoi, Seklengai, Lengisam and back to Amboseli. Thursday November 24 is rest day at the Amboseli Ol Tukai Lodge.

On November the 25th, the restart from Ol Tukai leads crews to the Lengisam regions, Selenkai, Mashuru, Olepolos, Kimuka Ntulele, Mai Mahiu and onward rto the day’s night stop at Naivasha Sopa Lodge.

The hills around Naivasha, Gilgil, Nakuru, Solai, Marigat, Loboi, Kabarnet, Fluorspar mines and Eldama Ravine will reverberate with the roar of vintage car engines on November 26 before stopping over in Naivasha.

The route for November 27 passes through Naivasha, Mai Mahiu and the East African Portland cement quarry where Nairobi fans can catch rally action. The cars will then proceed to Emali, Makindu, Mtito Andei, the Sagala Hills and over to the nightspot at Voi Wildlife Lodge.

On November 28, the cars finish at the Whitesands after a run through Shelemba, Wundanyi, Mwatate, Kisigau, Samburu, Matumbi, Majengo Mazeas and Nyali.