Hundreds of Motorsport enthusiasts watch a Super Stage held at Kigali Heights Roundabout as the 2023 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally kicks off on Friday, September 22. All Photos by Dan Gatsinzi
The 2023 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally is finally here as East Africa’s elite drivers and their co-pilots convene in the country for the car racing fiesta.
The 2023 edition of the car race is hosted by the Rwanda Automobile Club, and it is a 348.18 km stretch which has six stages that will run from September 22-24 in Kigali and in Bugesera District.
This year’s edition has attracted 30 drivers including 23 national drivers and seven who are battling for points in the penultimate round of the African Rally Championship.
The Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally is a flagship event of Rwanda Motorsport Club. It is an event of the African Rally Championship which is run under the auspices of the International Federation of Automobiles (FIA).
The rally was officially opened by Sports Minister Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju at Kigali Convention Centre on Friday September 22.
On the opening day, hundreds of Motorsport enthusiasts turned up for a Super Stage held at Kigali Heights Roundabout that left the likes of defending champion Karan Patel leading the classification with Ugandan duo Jas Mangat and Yassin Nasser following the way in second and third position respectively.
Patel and his co-pilot Taussif Khan will be looking to chase yet another glory away from home when the race shifts to Bugesera on Saturday starting with Day 1 race which will see drivers competing at the Gako-Gasenyi-Nemba-Ruhuha itinerary.
The New Times photographer Dan Kwizera Gatsinzi covered the opening of this annual race and brought some pictures for the highlights.
This year’s edition has attracted 30 drivers including 23 national drivers and seven who are battling for points in the penultimate round of the African Rally Championship.
Queen Kalimpinya, a fast-rising rally driver and former finalist in Miss Rwanda beauty pageant
Queen Kalimpinya, a fast-rising rally driver and former finalist in Miss Rwanda beauty pageant, poses for a photo with other female participants
A traditional ballet entertaining the audience during the official launch of this year’s edition that has attracted 30 drivers.
Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju addresses participants during the official launch of the 2023 edition
A traditional ballet entertaining the audience during the official launch of this year’s edition that has attracted 30 drivers.
President of the federation Christian Gakwaya delivers his remarks at the opening of Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally in Kigali on Friday, September 22. All photos by Dan Gatsinzi
Rob Kucera, the District Director of East Africa, Complex General Manager - Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre
The 2023 edition of the car race is hosted by the Rwanda Automobile Club
This year’s edition has attracted 30 drivers including 23 national drivers and seven who are battling for points in the penultimate round of the African Rally Championship.
Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju and President of the federation Christian Gakwaya officially open the 2023 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally in Kigali on Friday, September 22. All photos by Dan Gatsinzi
Defending champion Karan Patel's car during stage 1
Some of Motorsport enthusiasts turned up for a Super Stage held at Kigali Heights Roundabout
Defending champion Karan Patel's car during stage 1
The 2023 edition of the car race is hosted by the Rwanda Automobile Club, and it is a 348.18 km stretch
Some sports lovers watch the race at Kigali Convention Centre
The race has six stages that will run from September 22-24 in Kigali and in Bugesera District.
Hundreds of fans watch the race at Kigali Heights Roundabout that left the likes of defending champion Karan Patel leading the classification
Sina Gerard, known as Nyirangarama at the opening of the 2023 edition
This year’s edition has attracted 30 drivers
The 2023 edition of the car race is hosted by the Rwanda Automobile Club
This year’s edition has attracted 30 drivers
Christian Gakwaya, President of the Federation interacts with Patience Mutesi, BPR Rwanda boss during the opening of the race at Kigali Convention Centre on Friday, September 22. All photos by Dan Gatsinzi
Hundreds of fans watch the race's stage one at Kigali Heights Roundabout that left the likes of defending champion Karan Patel leading the classification