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 | | The true African Rally experience
Just like the Olympics, the famed Paris to Dakar rally has in recent
years become a venue for well-financed professional racers, shutting the
door on the regular guy who wants to experience the thrills and adventure
of a Europe-to-Africa rally. The Budapest-Bamako has been created with
these "regular" adventurers in mind. Feel the Dakar experience for a
fraction of the cost.
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| | Destination Bamako 2009
The touring category is already full for 2009. Join the event along the more interesting racing route. Compete for points or just come for the ride and enjoy the scenery. The race will start in Budapest, but you may join us anywhere in Europe or North Africa. If you have no money at all, but want to come enter the Bamako Spirit category free of charge.
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| | The legend continues
From its humble roots the Budapest-Bamako has grown into a major international sporting and cultural event. Hundreds of drivers and adventurers set out each winter for Africa bringing direct aid to the world's poorest communities.In 2005 only 45 teams lined up at the start line. In 2008 over 400 people made the journey. As the event constantly evolves the spirit remains the same: Anyone, By anything, By any means.
Daily coverage of the 2007 run
Daily coverage of the 2008 run
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Where the Dakar left off...
The once legendary Dakar Rally has left one spiritual heir in Africa. The Budapest-Bamako keeps the flame of trans-Saharan racing alive. The start is not Paris and the finish is not Dakar, but the experience is the same. Bump along the teeth rattling roads of Morocco. Tackle the golden dunes of Mauritania. Dash through the red clay roads of Mali under ancient baobab trees. The 2009 racing category will be tough and demanding. However anyone can do it if you skip some of the more dangerous stages by taking detours. Read about the dangers by clicking here. |
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Rocky roads. Sahara. Savannah.
The start in Budapest is a major event with thousands lining the streets of the Hungarian capital. The route takes you through Austria, Italy, France and Spain along the coast. Teams drive on paved and offroad sections through Morocco, Mauritania and Mali before reaching Bamako. No one has to go home for not being able to complete a stage. There are shortcuts and detours along the way so everyone can make it Bamako. |
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Friends. Parties. Deserts.
The Budapest-Bamako is about community. It�s about meeting new people. It�s about sharing meals, drinks and stories at the end of each day. It�s about visiting local villages in Africa bringing gifts and learning about each other. It�s about destroying stereotypes. It�s also about having a good time. In 2009 don�t miss our Star Wars Theme Party on Planet Tatooine and the big Tropic Of Cancer Bash where we will erect a sign marking the Tropic of Cancer in Western Sahara. |
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Caravane Humanitare.
The Budapest-Bamako is the biggest charity rally in Africa. In 2008 we delivered close to 500,000 Euros worth of aid. We dug a fresh water well in a Mauritanian village. We gave an incubator, sterilization equipment and other medical supplies to a free clinic that operated with pre-historic tools in a Bamako slum. We support the work of schools that rescue childred from day labor. Several teams gave their cars as ambulances to villages, One car donated their van to the Institute For The Blind as a school bus. Charity begins in your heart. Be creative. Be generous. Each year the team performing the most outstanding charity work receives the Mother Teresa Charity Award.
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