AAT set for EA Safari Rally

THE Tanzania Automobile Association (AAT) is gearing up to host the East African Classic Safari Rally that has attracted 60 cars.

AAT spokesperson Yusuph Ghor told the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam over the weekend that the competition that last took place in 2013 will be held from November 19-27 covering Kenya and Tanzania.

“We’ve so far received entries from 18 countries and preparations are in top gear,” he said.

He added that the vehicles will enter Tanzania on November 22 through Namanga/Tarakea border and the event in Tanzania will run for five days covering Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro and Simanjiro regions.

Ghor said on day one – November 22 -- the race will start at Oldonyo Sambu/Longido and finish at Mto wa Mbu (Manyara), an overnight stop from Mombasa, Kenya.

November 23 will be a rest day when the vehicles will prepare to flag off the following day from Nsya Logde at Mto wa Mbu to Makuyuni, Jeshini, Nanja, Monduli and the day’s last competitive stage in Longido before proceeding to Mt. Meru Hotel in Arusha.

Ghor said on November 25 the rally will start at Oldonyo Sambu and proceeds to Longido, Monduli, Panone and Arusha.

The following day, the cars will depart from Mt. Meru Hotel and head towards TPC in Moshi to start their last day of rallying in Tanzania which will be around Msitu wa Tembo, Nyumba ya Mungu Reservoir, Mwanga, Same and the North Pare Mountains after which they will proceed to the Holili border, cross into Kenya and drive to Taita Hill. The rally will end at White Sand Hotel in Mombasa on November 27.

According to Ghor, Tanzania’s top classic drivers participating in the event are veteran Jayant Shah, owner of A TO Z Textile who is driving Porsche 911, and Sopa Lodges chairman Karim Wissanji in Ford Escort Mk1 are among the participants.

Some of the world’s leading drivers Ian Dancan, 2013 winner with Amaar Slatch, Alistair Cavenagh, Jonathan Savage, Quentin Savage and Joakim Roman are also in the race.

AAT President Nizar Jivani has welcomed all the participants – crew and spectators – to Tanzania to promote sports tourism.

He also thanked the ministries of tourism and sports as well as customs, immigration, police, National Sports Council (NSC) and regional authorities for the cooperation and easy facilitation provided since 2013.

The 2015 event director is Ashok Bhalla, who is assisted by AAT and Arusha-based AAT affiliated club chairman Viren Shah. “About 250 vehicles of the international press, officials, service crew and spectators totalling more than 500 people will cross into Tanzania with almost all the guest houses and hotels in Arusha already booked,” said Ghor.

“They include Mt. Meru Hotel, Kibo Palace Hotel, African Tulip Hotel, Serena, Nsya Lodge and others,” he added.

He said the country, besides having an international rally, will earn foreign exchange in terms of accommodation, park fees, fuel, food, transport, visa and border fees all of which will boost international tourism and bring Tanzania tourist potential to the outside world as the international press will cover the event.