• “I am proud to announce that this year’s event has attracted the largest number of entries ever; which is a testimony of the endeavours of the management team,” said Ghose.
• Defending champion Baldev Chager aka Boldy has not been behind the wheel of his Porsche 911 for a while but believes he still has his energy levels intact.
Image: SAMSON ATEKA
Ever wondered why the East African Safari Classic Rally attracts large numbers of foreign entrants?
Well, the answer is simple. The demanding Safari routes of the old and the need for exceptional navigation skills have had foreign legions and locals return to this world-famous event time and time again.
Unlike the WRC Safari which presents short speed tests, the endurance format of Safari Classic is an energy-sapping adventure featuring a mammoth 4000km over 10 days.
To succeed, drivers and their co-drivers must work seamlessly in navigating the course accurately and efficiently.
“The Safari Classic is unique; it always has been, it always will be. The roads up there are extremely tough. An amazing bunch of clients including many debuting not only in rallying terms but also in Safari has led to a team atmosphere which was and remains very, very special,” said Richard Tuthill, a Director at Tuthill Porsche.
Tuthill Porsche will service the biggest entry on this 11th edition of the Classic which revs off on December 9 and runs until December 18.
And as EASCR chairman Joey Ghose would put it, the navigational challenges in the Classic are unlike any other.
“I am proud to announce that this year’s event has attracted the largest number of entries ever; which is a testimony of the endeavours of the management team,” said Ghose.
Image: SAMSON ATEKA
“A total of 63 entries are expected to bring in a total of over USD 40 million (Sh6.1bn) in foreign exchange into the country and a further Sh250m to be spent by local entrants.”
“All these monies will be spent in Kenya, boosting economies across the 11 counties where the rally will pass through, from Kilifi to Nakuru through Nairobi and to Mombasa. This event will also be ‘giving back to our community’ where teams like Tuthill Porsche, Team Tido, Equatorial Classic Rallying have their individual CRS events already scheduled,” Ghose continued.
The Safari Classic, he added, also showcases the hidden aspects of Kenya’s beautiful upcountry, which is not offered on normal tourist trips.
Ghose quipped: “You see the real Kenya and East Africa through the EASCR.”
Clerk of the course Renzo Bernardi reiterated Safari Classic’s international attachment: “We have 44 foreign entries while 19 are locals, a clear indication that it's truly an international event.”
But as opposed to previous events, this year’s edition will only be held in Kenya.
“We have lots of new roads and new sections and it will be very interesting, but the conditions will be pretty tough. There is no point calling it the toughest rally if it's not going to be tough. It’s the tradition of the Classic whether it's dry or wet, it has to be tough. And it will be tough this year, especially with the rains.”
Image: SAMSON ATEKA
The Course
Renzo said the route is now complete and recces have been ongoing constantly, to ensure things are as they should be.
“We have been constantly checking the condition of the routes, especially with the ongoing rains. We will continue doing this until the eve of the event. We can’t rule out last-minute changes, especially if we have stages that are rendered completely impassable by the rains,” explained Renzo.
There are a lot of first-time entrants, whom Renzo cautioned ahead of the race.
“They (newcomers) may not have an idea of what’s going to hit them, but that’s the spirit of the event,” he said.
The year’s event will cover vast distances across rugged landscapes, including dense forests, treacherous river crossings, and vast savannahs.
Navigating through these diverse terrains will require a keen sense of direction, a thorough understanding of the route, and excellent communication between the driver and co-driver.
Defending champion Baldev Chager aka Boldy has not been behind the wheel of his Porsche 911 for a while but believes he still has his energy levels intact.
“We’ve not even managed a test yet as it’s been a little busy for me. But the Menengai boys in Nakuru have had the car up and running and we should manage a shakedown just to get a feel of the car and a little seat time," he said.
"I am not sure what to expect in this event, to be honest after all the rain we have had. As the route is always a secret. But it’s the same for everyone so we have to take the bull by the horns and take it as it comes.”
Image: SAMSON ATEKA
Veteran Brothers
Navigator Assad Mughal said: “It’s all systems go from ALS Motorsports for this year’s Classic. This also marks 50 years in rallying for our senior teammates and brothers Aslam and Arshad Khan.”
“We have three entries this year; a Porsche 911 of Aslam and Arshad, a Ford Escort of Farhaaz Khan and Keith Henrie, and another Ford featuring Shakeel Khan and myself. A lot of time and effort has been put into preparations by Arshad. He has rebuilt all the cars perfectly,” added Mughal.
As a navigator, Mughal carries a lot of excitement into the event.
“We still have a lot of ongoing work, and with the ongoing rains, it's going to be a challenging event,” he added.
Navigating the rugged terrain
Mughal reiterates that a symbiotic relationship between driver and co-driver, mutual trust, and the ability to adapt to challenging conditions define the success and excitement of the rally.
“Navigation is a critical element. The rally demands drivers and co-drivers to demonstrate exceptional skills, from reading and interpreting road books to utilising modern navigation technologies. Their seamless coordination, accurate decision-making, and ability to navigate the demanding course are essential.”
The Legends
The Classic Safari has, since its inception in 2003, offered spectators some unforgettable moments through some legendary including former world champions Stig Blomqvist and Bjorn Waldegard as well as Kenya’s duo of Rob Collinge and Ian Duncan.
Waldegard, from Sweden, left an indelible mark in Kenyan rallying after winning the 1984, 1986, and 1990 editions of the WRC Safari, and claiming two Safari Classic wins in 2007 and 2011.
Ian Duncan (the last Kenyan to win a WRC Safari — in 1994) has also made his presence felt.
His victories in 2009 and 2013 showcased his exceptional driving skills and deep understanding of the challenging routes.
Image: SAMSON ATEKA
Tourism and local economies
The Safari Classic attracts participants, support teams, and spectators from around the globe, who come to experience the breathtaking landscapes and thrilling competition on offer.
This influx of international visitors provides a significant boost to the tourism industry, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. The revenue generated by the rally helps support the local economy and contributes to the overall development of the region.
Employment opportunities
The organisation and execution of the Classic Rally require a considerable amount of labour, from route planning and logistics to safety and security measures.
As a result, the event creates numerous employment opportunities for residents, who work in various capacities to ensure the rally’s success. These opportunities not only provide a source of income but also help build valuable skills and experiences that can be applied in other sectors.
The event also supports local schools and educational initiatives to help improve access to education for children in remote communities and contribute to long-term social development.
It also seeks to promote environmental conservation as well as fostering cultural exchange and community engagement. All these facets make the Safari Classic an event of choice for both locals and foreigners.
The night stops
December 9: Prologue (Vipingo Ridge)
December 10: Day 1: Mombasa to Voi (Voi Wildlife Lodge)
December 11: Day 2: Voi to Amboseli (Amboseli Sopa Lodge)
December 12: Day 3: Amboseli to Naivasha (Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort)
December 13: Day 4: Naivasha to Nairobi (Tamarind Tree Hotel)
December 14: Day 5:: Rest Day (Tamarind Tree Hotel)
December 15; Day 6: Nairobi to Amboseli (Amboseli Sopa Lodge)
December 16: Day 7: Amboseli (Amboseli Sopa Lodge)
December 17: Day 8: Amboseli to Voi (Voi Wildlife Lodge)
December 18: Day 9: Voi to Ukunda (Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort)
East African Safari Rally 2023 Entry List
1 ALS Aslam Khan Arshad Khan Kenya / Kenya Porsche 911
2 ALS Farhaaz Khan Keith Henrie Kenya / Kenya Ford Escort MK1
3 ALS Shakeel Khan Assad Mughal Kenya / Kenya Ford Escort MK1
4 Equatorial Classic Rallying Raaji Raaji Singh Bharij Rajay Sehmi Kenya / TBA Ford Escort Mk2
5 Equatorial Classic Rallying Anthony Nielsen Amaar Slatch Kenya / TBA Ford Escort Mk2
6 Ian Duncan Rallying Ian Duncan Jaspal Matharu Kenya / Kenya Datsun 280Z
7 Viking Motorsport Steve Parkinson Russell Parkinson Kenya / Kenya Ford Escort Mk2
8 Robert Calder Robert Calder Gavin Laurence Kenya / Kenya Datsun 280Z
9 Terra Safi Eco Nish Lakhani Teeku Patel Kenya / Kenya Datsun 1600 Sss
10 Rommy Bamrah Rommy Bamrah Harvey Jutley Kenya / Kenya Datsun 280Z
11 Tym - Motorsport Glen Edmunds Lloyd Destro Kenya / Kenya TBA
12 Viking Motorsport / Team Usn Rajesh Maini Devan Bhundia Kenya / Kenya Ford Escort MK1
14 Rocca Rally Team Piers Daykin Tariq Malik Kenya / Kenya Datsun 280Z
15 Eric Bengi Rallying Eric Bengi Tony Gikuhi Kenya / Kenya TBA
16 Brf Rally Team Kyle Lucas Imran Ahmed Kenya / Kenya Ford Escort Mk2
17 Kabras Sugar Baldev Baldev Singh Chager Gareth Dawe Kenya / Kenya Porsche 911
18 Dansport Andrew Siddall Gary McElhinney British / Irish Datsun 240Z
19 Rallyraid Uk Andrea C. Bonomi Andrew Doig Swiss / TBA Morgan Plus 8
20 Rallyraid Uk Carlo Alessandro Bonomi TBA Swiss / TBA Morgan Plus 8
21 Automotive Events Inc. Iain Dobson Harry Stubbs USA / British Ford Escort Rs1600
22 Emile Breittmayer Emile Breittmayer Alexis Thomas Belgium / France Porsche 911
23 Olivier Breittmayer Olivier Breittmayer Eric Forney France / France Porsche 911
24 Accr Racing 21 Team Vojtech Stajf Jan Bejvl Czech / Czech Porsche 911
25 Accr Racing 21 Team Olga Lounova Lilia Khousnoutdinova Czech / France Opel Ascona
26 Malcolm Rich Malcolm Rich Adrian Cavenagh British / British Ford Escort MK1
27 Jakub Grochola Jakub Grochola Michal Jucewicz Poland / Poland Opel Manta 400
28 Classiccarsandorra Pons Jordi Maria Teresa Armadans Vidal Andorra / Spain TBA
29 Asm Motorsport Ferran Font Claudi Leites Andorra / Andorra Ford Escort Mk 2
30 Comlux Krontec Rexteam Josef Jobst TBA Germany / TBA Porsche 911
31 Comlux Krontec Rexteam Joseph Huber Yves Huber Swiss / Swiss Porsche 911
32 Bentleys On Safari Mark Bentley Ed Bentley British / British Ford Escort MK1
33 Geoffrey Page Morris Geoffrey-Page Morris Dez-Page Morris British / Kenya TBA
34 Freestone Rally Services Arron Banks Peter Banks British / British Ford Escort MK1
35 Freestone Rally Services Tim Chesser Jack Chesser British / British Ford Escort MK1
36 Sss Motorsport Garry Bimler Allan Cullen New Zealand / Canada Datsun Violet Gt
37 Verlaque Lola Verlaque Edward Verlaque S. African / S. African Datsun 260Z
38 Tuthill Porsche / Team Tido 1 TBA TBA TBA / TBA Porsche 911
39 Tuthill Porsche / Team Tido 2 TBA TBA TBA / TBA Porsche 911
40 Tuthill Porsche Bonamy Grimes Martin Rowe British / TBA Porsche 911
41 Tuthill Porsche Evgeny Kireev Per Gunnar Andersson Russian / TBA Porsche 911
42 Tuthill Porsche Kris Rosenberger Nicola Bleicher Austria / Germany Porsche 911
44 Tuthill Porsche Michael Holmqvist Emil Axelsson Sweden / TBA Porsche 911
45 Tuthill Porsche Eugenio Amos Paolo Ceci TBA / TBA Porsche 911
46 Tuthill Porsche Glenn Janssens Conrad Janssens TBA / TBA Porsche 911
47 Tuthill Porsche Remon Vos Stephane Prevot TBA / TBA Porsche 911
48 Tuthill Porsche TBA TBA TBA / TBA Porsche 911
49 Tuthill Porsche TBA TBA TBA / TBA Porsche 911
50 Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy / Tuthill Porsche TBA TBA TBA / TBA Porsche 911
51 Johnny Gemmell Johnny Gemmell TBA S. African / TBA Datsun 280Z
52 Bart Vanhaverbeke Bart Vanhaverbeke Steven Vyncke Belgium / Belgium Mercedes 500 Slc
53 Bma Vintage Patrice Perche Julien Saunier France / France Porsche 911
54 Bma Vintage Jourdan Serderidis Gregoire Munster Greece / Luxemburg Porsche 911
55 Bma Vintage Philippe Vandromme Fred Vivier France / France Porsche 911
56 Bma Vintage Francis Heyse Charles Munster Belgium / Luxemburg Porsche 911
57 Bma Vintage Philippe Dubaere André Leyh Belgium / Belgium Porsche 911
58 Pawel Molgo Pawel Molgo Maciej Marton Poland / Poland Porsche 911
59 Soleil Filant Frederic Rosati Phillippe Marchetto France / France Porsche 911
60 Soleil Filant Frédéric Comtet Ludivine Marquiset France / France Porsche 911
61 Soleil Filant Masaomi Suzuki Philippe Bouvier Japan / Japan Porsche 911
62 W.a.m.m Toby Wright Douglas Rundgren Irish / Kenya Ford Escort MK1
63 Mika Motorsport Michael Kahlfuss Ronald Bauer Germany / Germany Trabant P60
64 Dansport Geoff Bell Tim Challen S. African / Kenya Datsun 240Z
65 Africa Eco Services Asad Anwar Rob Warmisham Kenya / British TBA