Budapest-Bamako - The Great African Run

The true African Rally experience

Crossing the Sahara and the Savannah by car has been a dream for many who grew up watching the Dakar Rally on television. The Dakar had been a the domain of well financed rally teams in Africa. The Budapest-Bamako became the low cost alternative in 2005. With the Dakar's departure from Africa, we are now the world's largest Trans Saharan rally, remaining committed to our low-cost principles and helping the communities that we visit.

Destination Bamako 2011

The adventure returns to Bamako in 2011. Committed to our low-cost, community principles it is possible to enter for FREE if you drive a funny car or a public service vehicle. Drive a donation ambulance or a fire truck and you are in at no cost. The Bamako By The Book category is another ultra low budget way to enter the world's greatest adventure in 2011.

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 2010 over 500 people made the journey and sent 20tons of aid to Mali and Mauritania. As the event constantly evolves the spirit remains the same: Anyone, By anything, By any means.
Daily converage of the 2009 run Daily coverage of the 2008 run Daily coverage of the 2007 run

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Where the Dakar left off...
The once legendary Dakar Rally has left one spiritual heir in Africa. The Budapest-Bamako keeps the flame of trans-Saharan racing alive. The start is not Paris and the finish is not Dakar, but the experience is nearly the same. Bump along the teeth rattling roads of Morocco. Tackle the golden dunes of Mauritania. Dash through the red clay roads of Mali under ancient baobab trees. The 2010 event will be tough and demanding. Read about the dangers by clicking here.

Rocky roads. Sahara. Savannah.
The start in Budapest is a major event with thousands lining the streets of the Hungarian capital. The route takes you through Austria, Italy, France and Spain along the coast. Teams drive on paved and offroad sections through Morocco, Mauritania and Mali before reaching Bamako. No one has to go home for not being able to complete a stage. There are shortcuts and detours along the way so everyone can make it Bamako. Watch the video of the 2010 racing route or the less demanding adventure route.

Friends. Parties. Deserts.
The Budapest-Bamako is about community. It�s about meeting new people. It�s about sharing meals, drinks and stories at the end of each day. It�s about visiting local villages in Africa bringing gifts and learning about each other. It is about destroying stereotypes. It is also about having a good time. In 2010 don't miss our Star Wars Theme Party and and annual B2 Beach Party.

Caravane Humanitare.
The Budapest-Bamako is the biggest charity rally in Africa. In 2009 we delivered close to 700,000 Euros worth of aid. We dug a fresh water well in a Mauritanian village. We gave an incubator, sterilization equipment and other medical supplies to a free clinic that operated with pre-historic tools in a Bamako slum. We erected solar panels in villages, gave bicycles to women who have no transportation. We support the work of schools that rescue childred from day labor. Several teams gave their cars as ambulances to villages, One car donated their van to the Institute For The Blind as a school bus. Charity begins in your heart. Be creative. Be generous. Each year the team performing the most outstanding charity work receives the Mother Teresa Charity Award.