F1 Is Coming to Africa: A Kenyan Fan's Guide to the Road to Kigali
Formula 1 is coming to Rwanda, a short, visa-free flight from Nairobi. Here's what Kenyan fans need to know, plus the Kigali event weekends you can book while you wait.
We've been waiting a long time to say this: Formula 1 is coming to Africa.
On 13 October 2026, Formula 1 and the Government of Rwanda announced a 10-year deal for the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda. For Kenyan fans, the continent's first Grand Prix in more than 30 years will be just a short flight away.
Part 1: The road to the African Grand Prix
What we know so far
Where: a new purpose-built circuit about 40km south of Kigali, next to the new Bugesera International Airport, which is under construction.
When: the first race is expected in the early 2030s, possibly as early as 2030, depending on when the track is finished.
How long: the deal runs for 10 years, so the race will be on the calendar for a decade.
Why it matters: it is Africa's first Formula 1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
The exact date and ticket details will come later. We'll share them with our F1 interest list first (see the end of this post).
How Kenyans will get there
Most F1 trips involve visa applications, long-haul flights and a lot of planning. Kigali needs none of that:
No visa needed. Kenyans travel to Rwanda visa-free.
Under two hours in the air. There are several Nairobi to Kigali flights every day.
A long weekend is enough. You can fly in on Friday, watch qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday, and be back at your desk on Monday.
"I've been to Silverstone, and I know how much planning it takes for a Kenyan to get to a Grand Prix. Kigali changes that. For the first time, Africa's biggest motorsport weekend will be just a short, visa-free flight away." Kui Muriithi, Head of Marketing and Operations, ViuTravel
What to do while you wait
The race is still a few years away, so here's how to make the most of the wait:
Get to know Kigali. Visit the city before race weekend, so you'll know your way around when the circuit opens.