The Elmenteita stage (SS12) is a fan-favorite 18.01 km flowing gravel test around Lake Elementaita, running Saturday, March 14, 2026, after 09:35 EAT (first car).
Full Elmenteita Stage Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Stage Number | SS12: Elmenteita 1 |
| Date/Time | Sat, Mar 14 - First car ~09:35 EAT |
| Distance | 18.01 km |
| Surface | Gravel/dirt with lake views |
| Characteristics | Fast flowing sections, gentle bends, minimal rocks, spectator-friendly |
| Follows | SS11: Soysambu 1 (~09:35 start) |
| Precedes | SS13: Sleeping Warrior 1 (~10:33) |
Spectator Access & Viewing Zones
Official Viewing Areas
| Zone | Location | Ticket Price (KES) | Capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Terrace | Stage midpoint (km 9) | 1,500-2,500 | High | Elevated lake panorama, big screens, vendors |
| Farm Entrance | Km 3-5 | 1,000 | Medium | Close hairpin action, easy parking |
| Lakeside Finish | Km 15+ | 2,000 | High | Final high-speed section, photo ops |
Access Routes
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From Naivasha Town: Moi South Lake Rd → Elementaita Conservancy Rd (25 km, 30 mins)
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From WRTI Service Park: C707 towards Gilgil (18 km)
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Parking: Designated fields (KES 500/car); shuttles from Panorama Park Hotel
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Gates Open: 07:00 AM; first cars ~09:35; stage closes ~11:00
Practical Spectator Guide
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Best Arrival: 07:30 for prime terrace spots (fills by 08:30)
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Cars Through: ~50 WRC entries + support (interval ~2 mins)
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Duration: Full stage passage ~45-60 mins
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Post-Stage: Cars head to Sleeping Warrior; regroup at WRTI ~12:30
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Amenities: Toilets, food stalls (nyama choma, ugali), water stations
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Prohibited: Drones, private vehicles on stage, littering
Why Elmenteita Excels for Spectators
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Scenery: Pink flamingos, extinct volcano views, Rift Valley drama
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Action: Consistent speeds (120+ km/h straights), overtaking chances
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Accessibility: Well-signposted from main roads, family-friendly
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Weather Impact: Morning slot minimizes dust; pack rain gear for March showers
Tickets: Buy via safarirally.ke (digital delivery) or on-site (cash/card). Packages through Askwin Adventures include Elmenteita terrace access + transport (KES 5,000+).
Live Updates: WRC+ app or safarirally.ke for real-time timings. Position here for optimal Saturday viewing before the Hell's Gate finale!
