Ensure you get a place in the next Budapest-Bamako. Get on our Insiders’s List
A large, long and traditional Budapest-Bamako with a presumably Sierra Leonean finish line. We usually don’t know the finish line destination until the Spring before the rally. The number of participating teams will be limited to 300 in 2026. In all categories, all places sold out in 3 days.
Two weeks after the start of the 2026 Budapest-Bamako, the Budapest-Bamako Adventure Extra will kick off. It will be the same as the rally before it, but without the competition category. Only 40 teams can compete in the competition category each year. The Adventure Extra has been created to ensure that no one misses out on the unique atmosphere and adventures of the Budapest-Bamako. The route is the same. The adventure is the same. Just no competition. Learn more about Adventure Extra.
READ THESE THREE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
The 4×4 Adventure/Touring category takes you through spectacular, exciting off-road sections. There is no competition or winning. There are no tasks to complete. The challenge is getting from start to the finish line with the most memories. There is an element of extreme adventure, exciting terrain, rocks, sand, dirt roads and diverse cultures. The route from camp to camp can sometimes be done on paved roads, but you may have to take a detour. We will provide you with access to some extremely spectacular and hidden African dirt roads. A reliable 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended.
In this category there are no rules, no timing, no scoring, no difficult offroad sections. The only thing that counts is the finish line, completing the challenge and making new friends. This is also knows as the “party division” of the rally. The participants are allowed to choose which roads they take to the finish line. You can take detours to see sights or skip entire stages and catch up with the rally 2-3 days later. Teams have access to 24 hour medical service along the official route and in the official camps. Otherwise you are on your own.
FREE admission for 2 people in touring. Administrative fees apply.
The Bamako Spirit category is intended to keep the original founding spirit of the rally alive. Come in a cheap car. Come in an old car. Come in a junky car. Come in a vehicle that makes people smile. Be funny. Be creative. Be adventurous. Bring an ambulance, fire truck or similar vehicle. Be different and have a big a heart. Tell us your plan and come for free! (If additional people want to join the team they will have to pay the entry fees.Entries in this category can not be transferred. The promises that you make in your introduction will be checked before you get your roadbook and numbers). There is only room for 20 Spirit Category teams. A 300 Euro Spirit deposit will have to be paid which you will get back once you start the race in the vehicle which you promised in your application. Participants of Spirit category have to take part in our press conference in Budapest and also at the start ceremony. Extra persons can join your Spirit vehicle for 150 Euros.
ADMIN FEE: The 200 Euro admin fee is payable per vehicle.
SALE AND TRANSFER OF ENTRIES: Entries can be sold and transferred. This is done through the rally office in a first come first served basis. There’s no transfer fee if you do this properly through the rally office. Many teams buy and sell entries with the intent to make a profit. This is not in the spirit of the rally, however neither is prohibiting it. To discourage this sort of behavior there’s a 200 Euro transfer fee for all entries sold privately, regardless of whether a profit was made or not on the entry.
The membership/entry fee covers the year 2026, and it is not possible to transfer the membership to next year(s). Entries are only refundable if the event is canceled.
By paying the entry fee you’ll get the right to participate in all events of the Budapest-Bamako, the Great African Run as well as personal usage rights to our logo and access to our member protected areas of the site.
In addition the participants get the following: