2012 Route- DESTINATION BISSAU

The 2012 route is expected to be the most spectacular and most difficult route to date. The adventure and racing categories will have the same end stages, however they dont have to travel on the same route. For those in touring category will have almost 2-3 days to rest and explore in and around Noaukchott, Mauritania. With the exception of of one or possible two stages all sections can be completed by 2 wheel drive cars. For the first time in the history of the rally the finish line is not Bamako, but Bissau in Guinea-Bissau. Read more about this special country.

START – BUDAPEST 2012. JANUARY 14th, Saturday

We are planning to start the event from Budapest’s famous Hero’s Square.

EUROPE
There will be only one stage in Europe. Teams will have to get to Genova by the middle of Day 2 for 48 hour Mediterranean crossing.

MOROCCO
Spectacular mountain roads, rocky paths across the Atlas and the Sarhro will take teams to the Bani mountains and old Dakar pistes. Morocco will be demanding with its long days and complex stages. The Risani-Tata stage will be especially tough. Expect to start at 4:30AM and drive till 10-11 in the evening. Day 8 will take us through to the Mauritanian border.

MAURITANIA
Instead of the usual 5 days, we’ll spend only 2 and half days in Mauritania, but it will be pure Sahara with golden sand dunes, soft desert paths and fast salt flats. We ll pass through the Banc D’Arguin National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site and party hard at B2 Beach, named after the rally.

MALI
For the first time in the rally’s history, the Budapest-Bamako will not visit Mali. Instead teams will explore new and exciting regions of West Africa.

SENEGAL
After entering the country teams will have to drive to the Niokolo Koba National Park along dusty village roads among mud huts and millet fields. We’ll spend the night by the banks of the Gambia river among monkeys and warthogs. Lucky ones will see hippos and crocodiles.

GUINEA-BISSAU
Wetlands, jungles and authentic African villages and rich wildlife will await in this small former Portuguese colony. The rally will finish in Bissau where the electricity is still turned off after 8PM every day. A fun place to party and celebrate your arrival. (Yes, they do have generators)

2012 Official Route

Please keep in mind that the stages may change any time based on current security conditions.

START:JAN 14, 2012 Budapest, Hungary