Foreign drivers attest to Safari Rally beauty as curtains come down

Foreign drivers attest to Safari Rally beauty as curtains come down

The WRC Safari Rally isn’t just loved for its difficult, sand and gravy roads but also for its beautiful nature, hence the name Safari Rally.

The 2022 WRC Safari Rally which culminated on Sunday evening has served both the usual test and punishment as well as its magical beauty. 

Most of the drivers who stream into the country for the annual event, not only come to compete against their peers for top honors, but also to experience the magic of Kenya’s beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Majority of the foreign drivers have expressed their joy and satisfaction of driving in the beautiful Kenyan sites. 2021 WRC Safari rally winner Sebastian Ogier noted at some point he had to slow down to allow the Zebras to cross as he tackled the sleeping warrior stage.

“Sleeping warrior was okay. I’ve seen a lot of Zebras so it was like a nice scenery but not so good for the time because I had to slow down and let them pass basically,” A smiley Ogier recalled the special moment.

Despite encountering a myriad of challenges in the Safari, Gus Greensmith still had lots of beautiful memories to take home as he enjoyed the warm reception from enthusiastic Kenyan rally fans.

“It’s a beautiful place, the people are very warm and welcoming which is not something we always get. Sometimes we travel to different places and continent and we don’t get quite the same vibe but here, everyone is very welcoming so it’s nice to be here and for sure the wildlife is always great to see. On Friday we were driving down straight and there was about 4 or 5 giraffes running alongside the car and I slowed everything I was doing and I was like, Hi Giraffe,” a beaming Gus reflected. 

Current World Rally Championship leader Kalle Rovanpera might have been beam-focused on extending his lead at the top and winning his maiden Safari title, but he still had time to notice the huge number of rally fans who made it to various spectator stages to witness this unique spectacle.

“It’s really nice to see all these people; lots of fans on the stages and everyone on the road sections where we drive people are really happy to see us and of course it’s really nice.”

Most of the drivers have vowed to come back next year not just for the thrill of driving in the Safari rally but to once more savor the beautiful Kenya.  

Tags:

WRC Safari Rally Kalle Rovanpera Sebastian Ogier Gus Greensmith

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