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
Routes:
In 2009 there will be two completely separate routes. The touring and Bamako Spirit categories will take drivers on a lighter less demanding route. The racing category's route will be tough and spectacular at the same time. It will be a classic Saharan rally route. With the exceptions of 2-4 stages it can be completed by any vehicle. The hard stages can be avoided by taking a paved detour.
START - BUDAPEST 2009. JANUARY 17th 7:30AM
This will be the grandest departure party of all car races. There will be an all night party and music festival the night before the race featuring European and African Djs and musicians. Teams in touring and racing will start together from one of the nicest parts of the Hungarian capital sorrounded by cheering fans.
The European stage will feature several geo-challenges and special stages. Teams will have to find castle ruins, abandoned quarries and solve mysteries.
This is mostly a warmup for Africa. The race will not be decided in Europe. After Day 1 a three day super marathon stage will begin with the start in Bresica, Italy and the finish in Merzouga, Morocco.
MOROCCO
From day 1 in Africa special and liason stages will alternate. After crossing the Mediterranean teams take paved and unpaved roads to dunes of Erg Chebbi. Day two will feature barren, lunar landscape and rocky dirt roads along the coast of Lake Iriki to the oasis town of Foum Zgid. From here a long liason stage and a hard dry river lake run will take us to Tadalt. The Tadalt-Smara section will pass by some rally ruins from the 1991 Dakar. This will be the longest special of the Moroccan leg. For security reasons, the last two days in Morocco will travel along paved roads to the Mauritanian border.
MAURITANIA
Teams have to complete the 480 km section From Bou Lanoar to Atar along the desert railroad tracks in Norther Mauritania. From Atar to Tidjikja and Kiffa only experienced desert drivers should dare to drive. These stages could be skipped by the faint of heart. After Kiffa we turn East and start driving towards Mali.
MALI
Mud huts, baobab trees and dustclouds will mark our way through friendly villages and endless savannahs in Mali. The roads will not be as demanding as in Mauritania, but endurance and skill will earn points. The Banamba-Bamako stage is the last hurrah before reaching the Malian capital.
After crossing the Apls and Northern Italy teams will catch a glimpse of the sea and continue along the coast to Gibraltar. There will be time for sightseeing in Monte Carlo or enjoying fresh seafood in Cannes. Take the opportunity for a good meal in France before you cross into the culinary wastelands of Africa.
Teams will cross in Gibraltar or Tarifa to Morocco.
MOROCCO
Tanger, Casablanca, Marakech and Fes will be along the route of the first Moroccan stage. After Markech you can take the faster Atlantic route or venture into small Berber villages by the curvy roads of the Atlas mountain range. In Planet Tatooine we'll have the 2nd annual Star Wars Theme Party. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and watch the movie on the big screen under the stary sky. From here we'll arrive at Tropic Of Cancer where a TOC sign will be erected in Western Sahara.
MAURITANIA
The real Sahara will begin in Mauritania. Teams will spend the first night near Bou Lanoar in the desert then enter the UNESCO World Heritage site, Parc National Banc D Arguin. The parc is home to millions of piscivorous birds and marine life. This will be the place of the traditional Bamako Beach Party. After so much partying a day of rest will be given to participants to regain their strength.
MALI:
Mud huts, baobab trees and dustclouds will mark our way through friendly villages and endless savannahs in Mali. After the first Malian village of Aouru the men will be separated from the little boys. For those wishing to travel to Bamako and sip beer by the pool can take the paved road to the capital, while the real men can continue along some breathtaking dirt roads towards to hear of West Africa.
