How Snorkels Fitted On WRC Cars For Safari Rally Work

The highly-anticipated fifth edition of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally is here with us, running from March 20 to March 23, 2025, between the regions of Nairobi, Naivasha and Nakuru Counties. As much as it offers a thrilling experience for fans, this is the one rally in the WRC calendar that really tests the limits of competing drivers.

It is called the "World's Toughest Rally" for a reason. It takes drivers through hundreds of kilometres of some of Africa's most treacherous landscapes in courses that challenge competitors' skill and grit with its mix of mud, rocks, sand, and daunting water crossings.

The unpredictable weather adds to the challenge, with heavy rains often reducing visibility and creating slippery surfaces. As a result, this rally punishes the unwary and exposes the unprepared, forcing drivers into a mental battle of pace against preservation.

To prepare their cars to handle the difficult terrains, teams make modifications to the competing cars, unlike any other rally in the WRC calendar. One modification that has caught the eye of many is the snorkel.

A Hyundai i20N WRC rally car being serviced in Naivasha. /WRC

In past editions of the Safari Rally—before its return to the WRC in 2021—snorkels were widely used by teams to help cars tackle challenging terrain by preventing water and dust from entering the engine.

Although the device made a comeback when the Safari Rally rejoined the WRC, Rally1 cars were initially banned from using them. However, in 2024, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the world's premier motorsport governing body, revised the regulations, allowing the top-tier category to incorporate snorkels.

This rule change aligned with the Safari Rally’s return to its traditional Easter schedule, which falls during Kenya’s rainy season, unlike the June slot of the past three years.

Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport Ford had in 2024 fitted their cars with snorkels during the event, and is set to be the case this year given that the snorkels will help engines breathe during deep water crossings, a necessity in a rally spanning 384 competitive kilometres — making it the longest of the year.

With wetter conditions this time round, M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux noted that the snorkel would be "much more relevant". “We are right in the middle of the rainy season now so we can expect the places where we had the fesh-fesh [sand] in the past could be full of mud, so I don’t know what to expect to be fair, I think it will be new,” Fourmaux told Motorsport.com in a past interview.

“We can expect to pass a lot of water splashes and they will be muddy, and it will be like the old-school videos where we see the cars covered in mud and even the drivers getting stuck in some places."

The snorkels are not the only modifications made to the cars for the Safari Rally. The cars stand taller than usual, fitted with tougher suspension to handle relentless undulations (moving smoothly up and down), sharp ruts (long, deep tracks made by the repeated passage of the wheels of vehicles), and large rocks that could end a driver's rally in an instant.

The Safari Rally isn’t just a test of endurance—it’s also a speed race. Remember, to win a rally, you must complete and get the fastest cumulative time over multiple stages across various terrains as quickly as possible while adhering to regulations.

High-speed compression plays a crucial role in this event. While the terrain is unforgiving, certain sections of the course are incredibly fast. The ability to absorb impacts while maintaining stability can mean the difference between victory and failure.

The Safari Rally Kenya is held in the Naivasha region, which sits at a high altitude. Due to the thinner air, engines generate less power, prompting teams to adjust engine maps to compensate. With every bit of power crucial, drivers push their cars to the limit as they race across the stunning African plains.

Nonetheless, what makes the Safari Rally truly unique is its distinct Kenyan identity. Drivers not only face the country’s unforgiving terrain but also experience breathtaking wildlife encounters, with elephants, giraffes, and zebras often spotted along the route. The rally also boasts a rich motorsport history, making it a highly revered event among fans.

Rally Categories & Competition Format

The Safari Rally will feature several racing categories, including:

• WRC2 – A feeder series for private teams and manufacturer-backed drivers aspiring for WRC.
• WRC3 – Designed for semi-professional rally drivers.
• Junior WRC – Open to drivers under 29 years old.
• WRC Masters Cup – Reserved for experienced drivers aged 50 and above.

The winner of the rally is determined by the fastest cumulative time across all timed stages. Drivers must navigate Kenya’s rugged landscapes while minimizing time penalties, which can be imposed for infractions such as jumping the start, missing checkpoints, or receiving unauthorized mechanical assistance.

The rally also includes the Wolf Power Stage, where the five fastest drivers earn bonus points contributing to the overall WRC championship standings.

Event Kickoff & Stages

The ceremonial flag-off is set for Thursday, March 20, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. This will be followed by:

• Super Special Stage in Kasarani (4.76 km)
• Mzabibu Stage (8.27 km) – Newly introduced for 2025
• A 5 km shakedown stage on Wednesday, March 19, before the official start.

The rally will see a mix of local and international drivers competing for glory. Defending champion Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota Gazoo Racing) will face off against Elfyn Evans (current WRC series leader) and Thierry Neuville (2024 WRC champion). Kenyan drivers Carl Tundo, Karan Patel, Jeremiah Wahome, and Hamza Anwar will also be looking to make their mark. The last Kenyan to win the Safari Rally was Ian Duncan in 1994.

WRC drivers line up with the competition cars ahead of the 2025 season. /HANKOOK

Stage Breakdown

Day 2 – Naivasha’s Tough Terrain

Drivers will tackle:

• Camp Moran Stage (31 km) – A defining challenge in the Safari Rally.
• Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong Stages – Featuring rough conditions and demanding surfaces.
• Each stage will be run twice, totalling a gruelling 93.89 km.

Day 3 – The Longest & Most Challenging Day

• Sleeping Warrior Stage – Kicking off the day, with morning mist and low sun creating visibility issues.
• Elementaita Stage – Runs along Lake Elementaita, cutting through Soysambu Conservancy’s open grasslands. This year, it will be run in reverse, making grip levels unpredictable.
• Soysambu Stage – A mix of twisty sections and high-speed straights, now featuring a major spectator zone near the start.

Final Day – High Stakes & Historic Routes

• Mzabibu Stage (Morendat Farm) – A brand-new addition, just 10 km from Naivasha town, designed for optimal spectator viewing.
• Oserengoni Stage – A scenic challenge within Oserengoni Conservancy, known for frequent wildlife encounters.
• Hell’s Gate – The Grand Finale
  • Serving as the Wolf Power Stage, this rugged stretch has produced some of the most legendary moments in the Safari Rally.
  • A new change for 2025 will see cars turn right near Fischer’s Tower instead of left, adding an extra challenge to the final stretch.

With demanding terrain, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition, the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya promises to be an electrifying showdown for both drivers and motorsport fans.