Budapest Bamako
  • In 2011 – Bamako Or Bust

    After deciding not to enter the Dakar Rally in 2004, I started seeking a kinder, gentler, more liberal way to experience a trans-Saharan rally to West Africa.I couldn’t find an alternative. So I created the Budapest-Bamako. - Learn more. Andrew G. Szabo, Founder

  • The Adventure Continues

    The Budapest-Bamako is a minimal assistance adventure and orientation race from Europe to Africa. The B2 is not an easy Sunday drive or picnic in the park. We have no rescue helicopters, tow trucks, translators, lawyers, tour guides. You must rely on your own luck, resources and skills. One thing is certain on the Budapet-Bamako: uncertainty. You never know what’s going to happen next. That’s adventure. The B2 is a huge community event across two continents over two weeks.

  • Race and adventure

    You can enter the event in touring or racing categories. In racing you’ll have to collect points by passing navigational checkpoints. The winner will have to show consistent driving and strong navigational skills under harsh conditions. In touring you have to race against time and battle the elements.

  • We Love Junk

    The 2011 Budapst-Bamako proudly embraces the global economic crisis. We believe that if you can’t afford a decent car, you can’t afford the entry fee. So if you drive industrial trash or any old beat up jalopy, you are in for free. Drive a funny car, an ambulance, a fire engine, a car/motorcycle that’s older than 30 years and is generally unsuitable for such a journey and you are in for free. Send us an email about why you should enter for free and we’ll get back to you promptly.

  • Like Us On Facebook Too

    Click here to join the 2011 Budapest-Bamako Facebook Group too.






SMS Wall

Facebook Group

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 driving adventures alive. The start is not Paris, the finish is not Dakar, the costs are not the same, but the experience and the spirit of adventure has not changed. 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. Year after year, the Budapest-Bamako is a demanding epic adventure. Read about the dangers by clicking here.

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. Watch the video of the planned  2011 route.

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 is about destroying stereotypes. It is also about having a good time. In 2010 don’t miss our Star Wars Theme Party and and annual B2 Beach Party.

Caravane Humanitare.
 The Budapest-Bamako is the biggest charity rally in Africa. In 2009 and 2010 we delivered close to 700,000 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 erected solar panels in villages, gave bicycles to women who have no transportation. 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.

.