Taita Taveta is set to host one of Kenya’s most demanding rally events as the Equatorial Rally 2026 takes place from May 1 to 3, featuring 70 percent of its 1,005-kilometre route as competitive stage distance.
During preparations for the much-anticipated event, Clerk of the Course Riyaz Ismail described what participants and attendees can anticipate during the four-day competition.
Pre-event activities commence on April 29 at noon with vehicle inspections and documentation, continuing on April 30 from 8am to 4pm. The evening concludes with a Shamba-style gathering, bringing teams together for competitor briefings in an atmosphere that embodies the event’s essence.
Organized by Equatorial Classic Rallying, the main competition begins on Friday, May 1 at 9am at Mwatunge Grounds in Mwatate, marking a new phase for the event’s public profile and establishing the foundation for a weekend combining both entertainment and serious racing.
Vehicles will navigate the initial stages during daylight hours before returning to the Langa Langa Circuit, functioning as the rally headquarters and primary service area.
Langa Langa offers an excellent environment for spectators to unwind, with food services, camping options, shower facilities, and proper amenities. The event is designed to be spectator-friendly and family-oriented.
Day two commences at approximately 11am with an extended daylight stage. Teams then return to Langa Langa for maintenance before the nighttime segments begin, with the first vehicle scheduled to depart around 7pm.
Two consecutive nighttime stages will be conducted in total darkness, with teams anticipated to stay on the courses until nearly midnight.
The previous event included one nighttime segment of 29 kilometers.
This year, participants confront two consecutive stages exceeding 50 kilometers and 40 kilometers respectively, substantially increasing the difficulty.
Day three represents the rally’s longest distance, spanning 450 kilometers across three daylight segments. The day begins at 9am and is projected to finish by 5pm.
The same stages are not repeated during the rally, but attendees will have the opportunity to watch at least two segments daily.
Challenging global economic conditions notwithstanding, the entry list for Equatorial Rally 2026 is developing favorably, with nearly 30 teams already registered and four international competitors adding a competitive dimension that highlights the event’s expanding global recognition.
Additional entries continue to arrive despite the current financial situation, but we have secured approximately 30. Among these are about four international participants. The Triple S Motorsports Team is entering with two vehicles. Giancarlo Davide from Rwanda has confirmed his involvement. Michael Zoll has also committed and will lease a car from Equatorial Classic Rallying.
Inaugural Edition Established Standard
The initial edition of the Equatorial Rally presented an intense competition that established the event’s benchmark.
Piers Daykin and Lloyd Destro secured victory with their Datsun 280Z, achieving a time of 7:13:37 at an average speed of 85.6 km/h across the demanding landscape.
They were trailed by Farhaaz Khan and Tauseef Khan in a Porsche 911, who completed the course over 40 minutes later, demonstrating the substantial time differences this rally can produce.
Jonathan Somen and Richard Hechle rounded out the podium in a Ford Escort MK2, with a competitive lineup showcasing classic rally vehicles such as various Datsun models and Escorts navigating challenges and time penalties.
The rally is led by Equatorial Classic Rallying with substantial backing from the Taita Taveta County Government and seven host partners whose properties constitute the foundation of the courses.
Partners include Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy, Lualenyi Ranching Company Limited, Choke Conservancy, Kutima Ranch, Mgeno Conservancy, Mgeno Community, and Gicheha Farm.
Collectively, these partners deliver courses that are both visually impressive and physically rigorous, immersing participants in some of the area’s most unique and difficult landscapes.