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.






CHARITY BEGINS IN YOUR HEART!

Over the past few years the Budapest-Bamako has grown into the largest charity rally in the world. We are the prime example of community to community direct giving.  You are free to create your own charity project, raise funds or donations and deliver the gifts. All middlemen are completely eliminated. We will help you to make sure that your gifts reach the right recipients. Be creative, be daring! Help us promote peace, cooperation and friendship across borders by spreading your love.

SCHOOL PROJECT GUINEA-BISSAUBAN 2012

Guinea Bissau is the world’s fourth poorest country. In some regions illiteracy rates reach as much as 90%. Help us build a school near Gabu to end the cycle of poverty. The school will be built and managed by Hungarian and Brazilian volunteers and missionaries. Collect funds and supplies!

MORE INFO ABOUT THE PROJECT

Previous projects and success stories:

VILLAGE VENTURES. DIEMA, MALI

We love to help grass roots, micro NGOs, such as Pam Young’s one woman project, Village Ventures in Diema. We dug a well, installed solar panels, brought 700 bikes, medical supplies, ambulance and solar panels to the people of Diema. Learn more about Pam’s project at VillageVentures.com
JCI NOTHING BUT NET 2011

800,000 children under five die of malaria each year in Africa. JCI’s rally teams have  delivered 10,000 mosquito nets to Mali and Senegal with the 2011 rally. Each net could save the lives of mulitple children in Africa for many years to come.
DIGGING A WELL

Participants of the rally have helped dig two wells in Mauritania and Mali. Water means life in these villages. Children often have to walk long distances to fetch water to their village. It’s always the women’s and children’s job to bring water. Digging a well can improve their lives and help power struggles between villages.
AMBULANCES TO AFRICA

West Africa is suffering from a chronic shortage of emergency rescue vehicles. Many cars that are deemed outdated or non-compliant in the Europe or North America can still serve to save lives in Africa for many years to come. CharityMarch.org collects and refurbishes such ambulances. You may find and drive your own or contact them to obtain an ambulance.

CHARITY MARCH

BUILD A SCHOOL

If you’re looking for a very ambitious project, build a school in Mali or Mauritania. In 2010 the Norwegian Bamako team raised the funds and gathered local resources to build a small school in a rural community in North Eastern Mali. The school opened for the 2010/2011 academic year.
CHARITY TRUCK
Since 2009 a huge 18 wheeler truck accompanies the rally to Africa. The truck is loaded with the donations that the teams have gathered. All items are boxed, categories, labeled and organized for cross border shipping by volunteers of the African Hungarian Union (ahu.hu). If you don’t have enough room in your car AHU will help deliver your gift. Clothes, tools, books, educational materials, medical equipment, medicine, bicycles, sewing machines, childrens toys, water purifiers, solar cells are always appreciated.

AFRIKAI MAGYAR EGYESÜLET

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