Saturday's action in the third round of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) in Bugesera District. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Day 2 of the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally attracted 34 drivers and hundreds of rally enthusiasts from Rwanda and across the region.
The three-day competition continued on Saturday along the dusty road stages in Bugesera District, covering more than 120 competitive kilometres.
Defending champion Karan Patel strengthened his grip on the rally by extending his overall lead to nearly five minutes after 11 special stages. While the Kenyan moved closer to retaining his title, the battle for the remaining podium places remained intense, with Tanzania's Ahmed Huwel and Manveer Singh Birdi separated by less than 20 seconds.
Rwandan Christian Kanangire delivered a standout performance by leading the ARC2 category and winning the national category. The rally concludes on Sunday with six special stages, including the decisive Ruhuha Power Stage.
The New Times photographer Olivier Mugwiza covered Day 2 of the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally and brought highlights.
Fans watching Saturday stages in Bugesera District.
Kalimpinya's car before the race. She is among women drivers who are competing at Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally 2026.
A motorsports enthusiast watches the race in Bugesera District.
Day 2 of the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally attracted 34 drivers and hundreds of motorsport enthusiasts from Rwanda and across the region.
The 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally attracted 34 drivers and hundreds of motorsport enthusiasts from Rwanda and across the region.
The three-day competition continued on Saturday along the dusty road stages in Bugesera District, covering more than 120 competitive kilometres.
The 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally attracted 34 drivers and hundreds of motorsport enthusiasts from Rwanda and across the region.
Saturday stages held in a dusty road in Bugesera.
Motorsports enthusiasts follow the race in Bugesera.
The rally concludes on Sunday with six special stages, including the decisive Ruhuha Power Stage.
The rally concludes on Sunday with six special stages, including the decisive Ruhuha Power Stage. The rally concludes on Sunday with six special stages, including the decisive Ruhuha Power Stage.