History 1990s

1996 Safari Rally (Kenya)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1996 Safari Rally (Kenya)

Date: April 10–14, 1996

Start Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Finish Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Total Distance: 2,047 km (competitive stages)

Surface: Gravel

The 1996 Safari Rally was one of the toughest editions in recent memory, testing both endurance and strategy in the unforgiving Kenyan terrain. Yoshio Fujimoto and Arne Hertz secured victory in their Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205, overcoming extreme conditions including dense forests, rocky paths, and hot, dusty stages. Their performance was marked by a strategic balance between speed and reliability, ensuring they finished ahead of the fierce competition.

Route

Rift Valley: The rally passed through the Rift Valley, with rocky roads and long, tough sections that tested both vehicle durability and driver stamina.
Mount Kenya Region: The route ascended into the mountainous terrain, where steep climbs and unpredictable weather posed significant challenges for the competitors.
Lake Victoria: The final sections along Lake Victoria were sandy and uneven, requiring careful tire management and precise navigation to avoid costly mistakes.

The route of the 1996 Safari Rally spanned Kenya’s diverse and challenging landscapes, including rugged gravel paths, sandy stretches, and mountainous terrains:

Tire choice was critical, with competitors having to adjust their setups to handle everything from sharp rocks to loose sand. Mechanical reliability was also key, as the rally's grueling terrain put significant strain on the vehicles.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Yoshio Fujimoto & Arne Hertz · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
2nd Place
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Impreza 555
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205

Fujimoto’s steady pace and impeccable tire management throughout the event allowed him to maintain his lead over McRae and Sainz, who both showed speed but faced several issues along the way. The victory was a testament to Fujimoto’s experience and strategic approach in the face of challenging conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Endurance: The rally required mental and physical stamina to endure the long stages across tough terrain, with drivers having to stay focused for multiple days in difficult conditions.
  • Mechanical Reliability: Given the harsh conditions, teams had to ensure their cars were mechanically sound, as any breakdowns could lead to time losses.
  • Tire Strategy: Tire wear was a major issue, and choosing the right tires for different sections of the course was a key part of the strategy throughout the rally.

The 1996 Safari Rally proved to be an extreme test of both driver and vehicle. Fujimoto’s victory was a result of excellent strategy, tire management, and exceptional control of his Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205, which allowed him to triumph on one of the toughest rallies in the world.

← Previous Event 1996 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)
Back to Events Index
1996 Tour de Corse – Rallye de France (Corsica) Next Event →

Watch rallies anywhere — bypass region blocks with NordVPN.

Fast servers for HD streams Servers in 60+ countries 30-day money-back

Unblock coverage — Save up to 77% + 3 months free

Sponsored link. Using our partner links helps support Compromised Internals at no extra cost to you.