Safari Rally Kenya Hit by Stage Cancellation Due to Extreme Conditions
The 2026 Safari Rally Kenya experienced an early setback on Friday, March 13, as organizers were forced to cancel Stage Three (SS3), Camp Moran, due to rapidly deteriorating road conditions. The decision came after heavy overnight rain transformed the already challenging stage into a treacherous mud bath, impacting safety and accessibility for support crews.
Deteriorating Conditions Force Cancellation
Crews were preparing for a second pass through the 24.35km Camp Moran stage when the FIA confirmed the cancellation. A statement from the FIA explained that “substantial rutting” had developed along the route, rendering a section of the stage inaccessible to both technical and medical intervention vehicles [Source: Motorsport.com]. The severity of the deterioration too posed extremely challenging conditions for competitors.
Camp Moran Proves Difficult From the Outset
The Camp Moran stage had already tested drivers on Thursday afternoon, with heavy rain quickly turning the terrain into a muddy and waterlogged challenge. Visibility was significantly reduced as windscreens became covered in mud and misted up [Source: Motorsport.com].
Solberg Leads After Challenging First Stage
Despite the difficult conditions, Toyota’s Oliver Solberg set a blistering pace on the initial run through Camp Moran, finishing 30 seconds ahead of teammate Elfyn Evans. The extreme conditions created a significant gap throughout the Rally1 field, with two-time Safari Rally winner and reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier trailing Solberg by over a minute, and Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville more than two minutes behind [Source: Motorsport.com].
Rally Continues with Stage Four
Following the cancellation of SS3, the rally is set to continue with Stage Four, Loldia (18.95km). Solberg currently leads, with Evans in second place, 33.3 seconds behind, and Ogier in third, 1 minute and 5.1 seconds off the pace [Source: Motorsport.com].
The Safari Rally Kenya is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, and this year’s event is already living up to its reputation. Organizers will continue to monitor conditions closely as the rally progresses.