From the moment Kenyan rally sensation Tinashe Gatimu and her mother, Caroline Gatimu, touched down in Kigali for the ARC Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, they were met with the warmth and stunning hospitality synonymous with the Land of a Thousand Hills. Their journey, however, proved to be a test of endurance and camaraderie.
“It was an honour to be part of the iconic Mountain Gorilla Rally – an event that not only challenged us but also reminded us why we love this revered sport,” quipped Tinashe, who made her Rwanda debut behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza.
The rally stages in Rwanda’s Eastern Province district of Busegera presented a thrilling mix for the competitors. “They were fast and flowing in some sections, then suddenly rough and deeply rutted in others,” Tinashe recounted, highlighting the demanding nature of the terrain.
On Saturday, the Kenya Airways-sponsored mother-daughter crew was performing admirably, even reaching third overall in the National Category at one point. But disaster struck when their rally car suffered a significant setback.
“It was on one of the rugged stretches that we encountered a major setback: a fuel tank failure that forced us out of the day’s competition,” explained Caroline Gatimu, Tinashe’s co-driver and mother. In a heartwarming display of motorsport spirit, Team Simba 600B from Rwanda promptly came to their aid with a replacement tank. “Their generosity and hospitality were unmatched – and we are deeply grateful,” Caroline added.
Thanks to the timely assistance from Team Simba 600B, the Gatimus were able to rejoin the event on Sunday under Super Rally rules, fueled by renewed hope and determination. However, their spirited campaign was again cut short.
“Unfortunately, our run was cut short again when the engine overheated in the third stage,” Tinashe highlighted. “Despite the challenges, the experience was rich with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories.”
The Gatimu duo etched their names in history as the first-ever mother-daughter crew to finish the fabled Safari Rally, widely regarded as the world’s toughest motor rallying fixture, under KCB Bank sponsorship. In Rwanda, they had hoped to repeat this feat by becoming the first mother-daughter crew to finish an international rally, but their valiant efforts were ultimately thwarted.
The Gatimus were part of a strong three-car Kenyan contingent in the Rwanda event, alongside reigning ARC champion Karan Patel and 2014 Kenya Motorsport Personality of the Year Nikhil Sachania.
“We extend heartfelt thanks to the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) for the invitation and for making us feel so welcome. A special thank-you to Kenya Airways, whose sponsorship made this journey possible,” Tinashe said, expressing her gratitude. “We’re also incredibly grateful to the people and teams who stood by us throughout this journey: 7-70 Motorsports, Shift Auto Ambulance, Pro Motor Works, PN Tuned, Marvel Africa Technologies, Imprimature, and Lawyer Wangu – your support carried us through every bump in the road.”
Tinashe emphasized that the Mountain Gorilla Rally was more than just a competition. “It was about community, resilience, and the love of the sport,” she concluded. “We may not have finished the way we hoped, but we leave Rwanda with heads held high and hearts full of gratitude – already looking forward to the next chapter.”
