Naivasha was electric this past weekend as thousands of motorsport fans flocked to witness the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, and what a show it was! After four days of battling through the unforgiving terrain, Elfyn Evans finally claimed his first Safari Rally title, steering his Toyota Yaris Rally1 to victory in 4:20:03.8.
The Welshman had come close before—finishing second in 2022 and third in 2023—but this time, he left nothing to chance, holding off Estonia’s Ott Tänak (Hyundai) by 1:09.9 seconds. Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville (Belgium, Hyundai) settled for third in 4:23:35.8.
While the Safari is known for its unpredictability, defending champion Kalle Rovanperä had a particularly rough outing. Hoping for a third win, his campaign came to an abrupt end in Stage 18 (Oserengoni 1) when his Toyota suffered mechanical issues, forcing him to retire.
Twende Vasha: A Festival Like No Other
But beyond the thrilling race, the true magic was in the crowd. Kenyans showed up in record numbers, turning Naivasha into a sea of excitement, music, and celebration. The Twende Vasha spirit was alive and well, with fans camping out, creating makeshift party zones, and cheering on their favorite drivers from every corner of the course.
Even more special was the presence of fans from Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond, who traveled to be part of the iconic event. The mix of cultures, the roaring engines, and the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Rift Valley made this edition one for the books.
For Evans, this victory was not just another win—it was a dream realized. And for the fans? It was a weekend they’ll be talking about for years to come.
Safari Rally 2025 wasn’t just a race; it was an experience
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