Rwanda is once again set to welcome some of Africa's finest rally drivers when the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, a round of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC), takes place from July 10 to 12. The three-day event will bring together continental champions and rising stars from across Africa to battle for valuable ARC points on Rwanda's demanding gravel stages. The rally begins on Friday, July 10, with a ceremonial start at the Kigali Convention Centre before crews head to the shakedown and qualifying stage, which will determine the starting order. According to the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), the competition will then move to Bugesera District, where crews will tackle Leg One on Saturday and Leg Two on Sunday before the winners are crowned later that afternoon. Strong local and continental field Rwanda will field several crews familiar with the terrain, led by Queen Kalimpinya, who recently claimed victory in the ARC2 category at the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally. The host nation will also be represented by Christian Kanangire and co-driver Kevin Mujiji, as well as Claude Gakwaya and co-driver Claude Mugabo. ALSO READ: Kalimpinya secures ARC2 podium finish at Pearl of Africa Uganda rally They will face stiff competition from some of Africa's top rally crews, including reigning Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally champion Karan Patel and co-driver Tauseef Khan. Defending African champion Yasin Nasser returns with the Moi Rally Team, while Aakif Virani will represent Kenya Motorsport. Tanzania will also be represented by Ahmed Huweel, the reigning Mkwawa Rally champion, among other competitors. The event will feature multiple categories, including the FIA African Rally Championship, the Rwanda National Rally Championship (RNRC) and the two-wheel-drive (2WD) class, giving both international and local crews the opportunity to compete for honours. Rwanda's roads provide the ultimate test The Mountain Gorilla Rally has earned a reputation as one of the championship's toughest events. Drivers must contend with changing grip levels, narrow roads, blind crests and technical corners while maintaining maximum speed. Unlike circuit racing, every second counts, and even the smallest mistake can cost valuable championship points—or end a rally altogether. Success depends not only on driving ability but also on seamless communication between driver and co-driver, whose pace notes guide every corner of the route. Home crews aiming to shine Local fans will once again have plenty to cheer for as Rwandan drivers look to challenge some of the continent's best. While the ARC title remains the main attraction, domestic crews will also be chasing crucial points in the Rwanda National Rally Championship. ALSO READ: Giancarlo Davite 2026 GMT Musha Rally Kanangire believes his team is well prepared for the challenge. We've done some tests with the car and it felt really good. There are still a few adjustments to make so that both my navigator and I can have even more confidence, he told Times Sport. Racing on familiar roads gives the Rwandan crew added confidence, although Kanangire expects fierce competition. We're used to these roads, so we'll be pushing from the very first stage. But there will be some very competitive cars in both the ARC and ARC2 categories. The competition will be very tough. He plans to adopt an aggressive approach from the outset. I'll be a little more aggressive from the start to try and set good times and create a buffer as early as possible. Hopefully, the car will hold up until the very end. Final preparations complete With only days remaining before the first competitive stage, organisers say preparations have entered the final phase. RAC Secretary General Ange François Cyatangabo said all logistical arrangements have been completed ahead of the championship. Everything is in place. From July 8, several drivers from other countries will be arriving for scrutineering and the final administrative procedures, he said. Cyangatabo added that the rally stages have been fully prepared and comprehensive safety measures put in place for competitors, officials and spectators. The roads are ready, and all the necessary safety arrangements have been implemented to ensure the rally runs smoothly. As the engines prepare to roar, all eyes will be on Rwanda for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the FIA African Rally Championship.
