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.
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.
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
2011 Route- BACK TO MALI
The 2011 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.
With the exception of of one or possible two stages all sections can be completed by 2 wheel drive cars.
START - BUDAPEST 2011. JANUARY 15th 9:00AM
We are planning to start the event from Budapest's famous parlaiment building.
Teams in touring and racing will start together from one of the nicest parts of the Hungarian capital sorrounded by cheering fans.
EUROPE
The goal is to get out of Europe as quickly as possible and show up at the first African finish line in Morocco. A three day Super Marathon will start in Genova on the 16th.
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. 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.
SENEGAL
After tackling the sand dunes of the Pink Lake (Lac Rose) teams will have to drive to the Niokolo Koba National Park along dusty village roads among mud huts and millet fields.
A half rest day will allow teams some time to discover local wildlife before continuing onto the final push across the Senegal river to Mali.
MALI
More savannah driving and red clay roads will see the teams along to Diema, where a truly authentic African village experience awaits before crossing the finish line in Bamako.
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