History 2000s

2002 Safari Rally Kenya (Kenya)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2002 Safari Rally Kenya (Kenya)

Date: July 12–14, 2002

Start Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Finish Location: Nairobi, Kenya

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

Competitive Stages: ~1,040 km

Surface: Gravel

The 2002 Safari Rally was the last time the iconic Kenyan event featured on the WRC calendar until its return in 2021. Colin McRae delivered a resilient and measured drive to outlast his rivals and the treacherous open-road format, capturing his final WRC career victory and etching his name into the rich legacy of Safari legends.

Route

Ngong Hills: Open plains and wildlife corridors — high-speed sections with lurking hazards like livestock and deep erosion channels.

Elementaita: Long gravel straights broken by creek crossings, vegetation, and rocky outcrops.

Sultan Hamud: Rough and punishing terrain — ideal for suspension failure or overheating if pushed too hard.

The route ran across Kenya’s rugged landscapes, with massive stage lengths, deep ruts, dust clouds, wildlife encounters, and severe mechanical demands. Major sections included:

Roads were open and raw, with minimal support between stages. High ambient temperatures and dust clouds added further complexity to an already brutal challenge.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner

Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Ford Focus WRC

2nd Place

Harri Rovanperä & Risto Pietiläinen · Peugeot 206 WRC

3rd Place

Markko Märtin & Michael Park · Ford Focus WRC

McRae stayed calm and focused, avoiding punctures and major delays as rivals fell victim to breakdowns and navigation issues. Rovanperä pushed hard late but couldn’t close the gap, while Märtin impressed with his first WRC podium finish in the demanding African classic.

Navigation & Challenges

Distance and Duration: With long stages and little rest, endurance was critical for both machine and crew.
Open-Road Format: Real-world hazards like animals, public traffic, and unmarked obstacles elevated the risk beyond any other rally.
Mechanical Discipline: McRae’s balance between pace and preservation proved decisive — avoiding damage was the key to victory.

Colin McRae’s 2002 Safari Rally victory stood as a fitting farewell to the WRC’s toughest event, underscoring his reputation as one of the sport’s boldest and most versatile champions.

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