The countdown to the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally is nearly over, with more than 35 crews from seven countries set to converge in Rwanda from July 10-12 for the third round of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC).
Drivers will battle across 18 special stages covering a total distance of 397.52 kilometres, including 252 kilometres of competitive racing, as Rwanda hosts reigning African champions, former title winners and some of the continent's brightest emerging talents.
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The Mountain Gorilla Rally has evolved from a local competition into one of Africa&039;s premier motorsport events.
Organisers say Rwanda's successful hosting of the 2024 FIA General Assembly and Awards further strengthened the country's reputation as a trusted destination for international motorsport.
Speaking during the official launch in Kigali on Wednesday, Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) president Christian Gakwaya said the event continues to grow both on and off the rally stages.
"We want everyone joining us this weekend not only to enjoy the racing, but also to help us inspire more young people and more women to join the sport so that, in the coming years, we have a larger and more diverse pool of drivers," Gakwaya said.
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This year&039;s entry list features reigning ARC champion Yasin Nasser, two-time African champion Karan Patel, as well as competitors from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Africa and India.
"It is an honour to welcome returning champions as well as new drivers, new cars and new machines. We are expecting a great and safe rally," Gakwaya added.
Beyond the competition, RAC believes the rally continues to promote tourism, create opportunities for young people and enhance Rwanda's profile as a sporting destination on the continent.
Champions ready for another battle
Three-time Mountain Gorilla Rally winner Karan Patel returns determined to extend his impressive record in Rwanda after last year's campaign ended prematurely following a crash.
"We hope and expect to win. Last year taught us many lessons and this year we're better prepared. Every rally teaches you something, and we're expecting a strong result," Patel said.
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Asked about changes made to his Škoda Fabia Rally2, Patel said the team had focused on refining the car rather than making major upgrades.
"We're experimenting with small changes. Nothing spectacular, but we're always trying to improve.
"The level of competition keeps getting higher every year because every driver is constantly improving. You can never underestimate anyone."
Kenya's Tinashe Gatimu, who will compete in the women's category, also returns after retiring from last year's event. She believes this year's field is among the strongest the rally has seen in recent years.
"There are a lot of very good drivers this year. Queen has upgraded to a Subaru GVB, Karan is here, and there are many strong Kenyan and Rwandan crews. The competition will be very high," she said.
"I don't think there's one particular stage that stands out as the most difficult. Once the rally begins, every stage presents its own challenge. From what I've seen during reconnaissance, the stages are fast and flowing, but they demand total concentration. The competition is very strong this year, so we'll have to be at our best from the very first stage."
After last year's disappointment, Gatimu has set herself a clear target.
"Last year we had an accident and couldn't finish. Reaching the podium this year would mean everything because we've prepared for this rally for a long time."
Three days of action
The rally gets underway on Friday, July 10, with free practice, the shakedown and the qualifying stage in Kigali, giving crews the opportunity to fine-tune their cars before the competitive stages begin.
Action intensifies on Saturday, July 11, as competitors tackle 12 special stages across Nemba, Gasenyi and Gako, with each stage run three times in what is expected to be the longest and most demanding day of the rally.
The event concludes on Sunday, July 12, with six more special stages through Nemba, Kamabuye and Gako B before the decisive Ruhuha Power Stage, where bonus championship points will be awarded to the fastest crews.
Over the three-day event, competitors will cover 397.52 kilometres, including 252 kilometres of competitive stages, as they battle for valuable FIA African Rally Championship and Rwanda National Rally Championship points.