More than 24 cars from five countries will take to the roads of Morogoro on Saturday for the Serengeti Rally of Tanzania 2026, with nine competitors also battling for points in the African Rally Championship (ARC).
Drivers from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and India are expected to compete in the rally, which will be staged on routes around the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS)-managed Shamba la Miti Morogoro forest.
The event was officially launched on Friday at Serengeti Breweries, with organisers and officials highlighting safety and environmental protection ahead of the competition.
Morogoro Municipal District Commissioner Mussa Kilakala urged drivers and spectators to observe safety measures during the rally, particularly because the event will take place in a forest environment.
He also called on fans and other visitors to ensure their presence does not damage vegetation or other natural resources in the forest.
The rally's location has placed environmental protection alongside motorsport as one of the key issues surrounding the event.
Assistant Commissioner from the Directorate of Tree Seed Production, Dr Hamza Kateti, said TFS would continue protecting forest areas, which support various social and economic activities.
He urged residents and visitors attending the rally to use the event as an opportunity to learn more about conservation and explore ecotourism opportunities in Morogoro.
The region has several natural attractions and forest areas managed by TFS, providing an opportunity for visitors to combine the sporting event with nature-based tourism.
For the competitors, however, attention will turn to the route and the challenge of producing competitive times.
Driver Kartik Valambia said the route had provided adequate challenges during preparations, giving drivers an opportunity to test their skills and vehicles.
He said the conditions would allow competitors to demonstrate their ability to handle demanding sections of the course.
Tufail Amin, another competitor, said the level of competition was expected to be high because of the quality and difficulty of the route.
He said every driver would enter the event with a strategy aimed at delivering a strong performance.
The participation of nine cars in the ARC is expected to add another layer of competition, as drivers seek to make an impact in the continental championship while competing against rivals from across the region and beyond.
The Serengeti Rally has become one of Tanzania's major motorsport events, bringing together local and international competitors and attracting fans interested in high-speed competition.
Saturday's action is expected to draw spectators to the designated viewing areas, with officials urging fans to follow safety instructions and remain within areas approved by organisers.
The combination of an international field, challenging terrain and the forest setting is expected to make this year's Morogoro edition a significant test for both drivers and their machines.
Organisers have also been urged to ensure that the sporting spectacle is conducted without compromising the protection of the forest and surrounding environment.