When Queen Elizabeth the 2nd found out that her father had passed and that she was now queen the first of Safari Rallies was held. To be considered as the most difficult rally in the world made Kenyans proud as the worlds best set foot on Kenyan soil and mapped the East African route.
For many a generation this spectacle was the highlight of the year. The drivers became legendary as the skillfully turned sharp bends and weaved through winding paths where one would never have thought a car could pass leave alone fly past.
The road was and to this day mostly is a dusty orange track of sand but to make the adventure a little more interesting the route would take drivers through volcanic rock where ones back and suspension would both take a beating. This was not match for the treacherous black cotton soil though, seemingly harmless this soil has properties that make it hold water for long periods of time and driving through it is like driving through snow but with the opposite set of rules.
Drivers now in there mid 50's and early 60's are known by children born far after the drivers themselves stopped rallying. Drivers such as Bjorn Waldergard who won 3 times and Joginder Singh who completed the rally driving in reverse for almost 200 miles after his gearbox jammed and only reverse would engage.
Today modern legends are born in the wake of a new era and Ian Duncan is a favorite but over 30 competitors are registered.
The rally this year is especially interesting as it passes a scenic route and through bush country where the Maasai roam free amongst their cattle and hundreds of wild animals including the great big 5 (the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo & Rhino) The route is still treacherous and the adventure exhilarating.
Another aspect making the rally unique is that only classic vehicles that are between 30 and 50 years old are allowed and that the great drivers of days gone by are returning for one last race.
The adventure begins at the coast the safari has come home. 23rd November 2007 is the start. I will keep updating all on the progress of the rally as we zoom through the low lying altitude start line and onto the highway for an hour then drivers turn into the Taita hills through bush country and the most rugged of terrains from temperatures in the mid 30's to temperatures under 10.
The rally will have many dimensions from the utter thrill of the adventure itself to the pampering of the lodges, in 5* luxury comfort you will hear of it all but for first hand experience join us and experience the thrill & adventure.
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