20 Drivers Set Off for the 2025 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally
A total of 20 drivers have officially begun their journey at the 2025 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, marking the start of an intense competition that will test their skills on some of the most challenging terrains in the region. Among these drivers, five are competing for points in the 2025 FIA African Rally Championship (ARC), adding an extra layer of significance to this year’s event.
The flag-off ceremony took place on Friday, July 4, with participants navigating the intersection of the Kigali Convention Centre and Kigali Heights roads across two rounds. This initial stage served as a classification round before the main competition begins in the Bugesera District. The rally is set to cover a total distance of 239 kilometers, with the dusty roads of Bugesera providing the ultimate test for the drivers.
Among the notable competitors in the ARC category are three Kenyan drivers: Sachania Nikhil and Patel Deep, who are driving Ford Fiesta models, and Semman Vohra and Drew Sturrock, who are piloting Skoda Fabia R5 vehicles. Additionally, Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan are also part of the competition, both driving Skoda Fabia R5 models. Two other drivers from Uganda, Yassin Nasser and Ali Katumbai, are also participating, with Nasser and Katumbai currently leading the ARC rankings. From Tanzania, Prince Charles Nyerere and Rwandan Fernand Rutabingwa, who are driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, are also part of the race.
Qualification Stage Sets the Stage for Competition
The first day of the rally focused on the qualification stage, which involved a 2.3-kilometer drive that determined the drivers’ rankings ahead of the more demanding challenges on Saturday. The results of this stage were crucial in setting the pace for the rest of the event.
On Saturday, the top performers included Karan Patel, who secured first place by completing the course in three minutes and 25 seconds. Samman Vohra followed closely behind, finishing in three minutes and 39 seconds, while Yassin Nasser came in third with a time of three minutes and 52 seconds. These results highlighted the competitive nature of the event and set the tone for the upcoming stages.
Challenges Ahead in Bugesera District
After the qualification stage, the drivers moved to the Bugesera District for a 145.62-kilometer challenge on the Gako-Gasenyi-Nemba roads. This section of the rally is known for its tough conditions, making it a critical phase for determining the overall standings.
The final leg of the rally will take place on Sunday, July 6, when drivers tackle the 94.2-kilometer route through the dusty roads of Kamabuye-Gako-Ruhuha. This stage will be the last opportunity for drivers to gain valuable points and secure their positions in the rankings.
Goals and Ambitions of Top Competitors
For Karan Patel, the rally represents another chance to claim his third consecutive victory in Rwanda, a feat that would solidify his reputation as one of the top drivers in the region. Meanwhile, Yassin Nasser is determined to maintain his lead in the ARC rankings by outperforming his rivals throughout the event.
The remaining 15 drivers in the competition are vying for points in the Rwandan Championship, adding another dimension to the event. Their participation highlights the growing interest in rallying across East Africa and the importance of such events in promoting motorsport in the region.
As the rally progresses, fans and spectators can expect high levels of competition, thrilling moments, and unforgettable performances from some of the best drivers in the region. With the final stages approaching, the race for glory is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
