This is the route this year:
START – BUDAPEST JANUARY 12th, 2018 (2 PM)
The rally will once again depart from one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Budapest.
EUROPE
There will be only one extra long marathon stage in Europe. Teams will have to get to Genoa or one of the Spanish ports for the ferry crossing. Race tasks will only take place in Hungary and Slovenia on the night of the start.
MOROCCO
Spectacular mountain roads, rocky paths across the Atlas and the Sarhro will take teams to the Bani mountains and old Dakar pistes. The rally will travel on the warmer, less wet Eastern side of the country thus avoiding rain and snow. Morocco will be demanding with its complex stages but the days will be shorter giving ample time to experience and discover this amazing country. In an around Zagora and Erg Chigaga teams will get a glimpse of touareg life and Saharan cultures before continuing onto the dirt tracks of the Sahara. The rally will spend a night around the secret thermal spring of Dakhla.
MAURITANIA
The rally will visit Mauritania’s most spectacular places with some classic destinations and pure Saharan driving. Expect golden sand dunes, soft desert paths and fast salt flats. We’ll pass through the Banc D’Arguin National Park and return to the B2 Beach named after the rally. Extreme off-road teams and race teams will have a chance to driving from the Atar and then south along the most epic tracks of Mauritania to Tidjikja.
SENEGAL
Grassy, bushy savannas will welcome the rally in Senegal. Experience traditional African village life under ancient baobab trees as you navigate along dusty donkey tracks. Watch hippos and crocodiles in the Gambia river or visit the Simenti National Park to hang out with monkeys.
GAMBIA
The rally will pass from Senegal to the heart of the Smiling Coast and finish in the capital of Gambia.
