Rwanda is preparing to host a major motorsport event, the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally 2025. This rally will take place from July 4th to 6th in Bugesera District, Eastern Province. It is a key part of the African Rally Championship (ARC) series. The event is gaining attention as a showcase for Rwanda’s growing interest in car sports and its creative community.
Anticipation is high for this year’s rally. Fans and the motorsport community are keen to see who will perform best. With more teams and rising interest in local and regional drivers, the 2025 rally promises competitive action on its challenging stages.
A notable feature of the upcoming rally is the expected strong presence of female rally drivers. Following their impactful appearances last year, drivers like Sandrine Isheja, Anitha Pendo, and Queen Kalimpinya are set to compete. Their participation highlights increasing inclusivity in motorsport. Queen Kalimpinya, who was the first Rwandan woman to race in this rally in 2022, also recently won the “Sprint Rally GMT” in May 2025.
The competition will be intense, with top regional drivers aiming for victory. Kenya’s Karan Patel is a driver to watch. He won “Best Driver” in both ARC1 and ARC2 categories last year and is a strong contender. The Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally is the third of six rounds in the 2025 ARC calendar, making it a crucial event for championship hopefuls.
Beyond the competition, the rally highlights Rwanda’s growing motorsport community. Local crews, mechanics, and fans are increasingly involved, building an identity around the sport’s themes of speed, teamwork, and innovation.
