History 1980s

1987 Safari Rally (Kenya)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1987 Safari Rally (Kenya)

Date: April 9–13, 1987

Start Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Finish Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Total Distance: 4,100 km

Surface: Gravel

The 1987 Safari Rally reaffirmed its reputation as the WRC’s ultimate test of endurance and vehicle preservation. Hannu Mikkola and Arne Hertz navigated vast dust clouds, mechanical hazards, and unpredictable African weather to guide their Audi 200 Quattro to victory. In a year that saw Group A solidify its place in the championship, Mikkola proved that experience and reliability were the keys to conquering the savannah.

Route

Amboseli Plains: Flat, fast, and dusty stretches with wildlife hazards and blinding visibility.
Mount Kenya Region: Rocky ascents and muddy descents with heavy vegetation and elevation changes.
Lake Naivasha & Nakuru: Deep ruts and water-logged segments that threatened cooling systems and electronics.

The Safari’s marathon stages covered rough gravel, deep water crossings, and long transport sections with minimal service:

Teams relied heavily on local assistance crews and strategic pacing to minimize breakdowns across Kenya’s punishing terrain.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Audi 200 Quattro
2nd Place
Mike Kirkland & David Williamson · Nissan 240RS
3rd Place
Shekhar Mehta & Yvonne Mehta · Peugeot 504 Pickup

Mikkola’s win marked his final WRC victory—an emotional and fitting result for one of rally’s all-time greats on one of the sport’s most legendary events.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Extreme Distances: Some stages stretched over 300 km with almost no external support.
  • Weather Hazards: Torrential rain, deep water crossings, and dust storms could appear without warning.
  • Mechanical Preservation: Suspension and cooling systems were constantly at risk—driving too hard almost guaranteed retirement.

The 1987 Safari Rally proved once again that the toughest car doesn’t always win—the smartest driver does. Hannu Mikkola’s triumph was a masterclass in rally endurance and discipline.

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