History 2000s

2001 Safari Rally Kenya (Kenya)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2001 Safari Rally Kenya (Kenya)

Date: February 23–25, 2001

Start Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Finish Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Total Distance: ~2,000 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: ~960 km

Surface: Gravel

The 2001 Safari Rally marked the end of an era, as the final time Kenya’s iconic event would appear on the WRC calendar until its return two decades later. Colin McRae delivered a heroic performance in the harshest conditions imaginable — battling deep ruts, wildlife, dust, and relentless mechanical strain to claim a commanding win for Ford in one of the toughest rallies in the world.

Route

Ngong Hills: Open plains with high-speed potential but hidden dangers — animals, washouts, and loose rock fields.
Amboseli Zone: Hot, dry, and heavily rutted — challenged cooling systems and suspension setups.
Elementaita: Fast sections with deep water crossings and unpredictable dust plumes.

Held across the wild landscapes around Nairobi, the Safari featured open-road competitive sections, long liaisons, and extreme endurance demands. Notable segments included:

The average speed was significantly higher than typical rallies, but so were the consequences of mechanical failure or missed navigation.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Ford Focus WRC
2nd Place
Harri Rovanperä & Risto Pietiläinen · Peugeot 206 WRC
3rd Place
Didier Auriol & Denis Giraudet · Peugeot 206 WRC

McRae took the lead early and maintained it through a combination of speed and careful preservation. Peugeot’s drivers pushed hard but lost time to mechanical issues and navigation troubles in the treacherous terrain.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Open Road Format: No pace notes — drivers relied on road books and co-driver guidance in real time over vast distances.
  • Wildlife & Hazards: Animals, local traffic, and terrain damage all contributed to the Safari’s unmatched unpredictability.
  • Mechanical Endurance: Punctures, overheating, and suspension failure were constant threats — only the most durable cars made it to the end.

McRae’s victory in Kenya was not just another win — it was a farewell to one of the sport’s most iconic events, and a reminder that endurance, patience, and raw skill are sometimes the only ways to conquer the wildest rally on Earth.

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