The Event

In September 2025 we will be following the route (or as much as it is safe to do so) of the 2007 Paris-Dakar rally, in a two wheeled drive car. We will be driving from the UK down through Paris to meet the expedition team in Tarifa (southern Spain). Following the ferry crossing to Africa, will then spend 9 days in Morocco driving through the Sahara desert. After coming close to the border with Algeria we plan to head back up along the Atlantic Ocean, arriving back in the port of Tangier. Coming back into Europe via Alegeciras we will return to the UK through Spain and France.

We will undertake the whole event in a two wheeled drive family hatchback. These cars are clearly not designed for desert driving and will therefore require modifications. These will include, raised suspension, different tyres, radiator protection and addition of a sump guard. After much deliberation we have opted not to fit roof bars, or a roof rack, and are 'travelling light'. This approach saves about 20kg in weight and greatly reduces fuel consumption. However, it also means we will have to carry spare wheels and fuel inside the car, which limits space. We are considering wiring in solar panels for extra energy.

In the Sahara we will be be sleeping under the stars and will be self sufficient, carrying all our camping kit, food, water and fuel.

The event is organised by Max Adventure Home Page - Max Adventure

Dakar Rally

The Dakar Rally has had many routes over the years, with the significant sections passing through the Sahara desert. Our route will cover some of the desert sections from the 2007 Dakar rally. In more recent times the rally has been run in South America and Saudi Arabia due to security concerns.

Itinerary

We set of from the UK on Friday the 12th Sept, driving down to Southern Spain. We need to be in Tarifa on Monday 15th September. The Sahara part of the expedition starts in Tarifa and finishes in Algeciras, both in southern Spain. We will be back in Spain, all being well, on Thursday 25th September and will then drive back to the UK.

The Sahara desert itinerary:

Monday 15th

Teams meet in Tarifa, southern Spain

Tuesday 16th

Tarifa to Chefchaouen

Wednesday 17th

Chefchaouen to Midelt

Thursday 18th

Midelt to Merzouga

Friday 19th

Merzouga to Lac Maider

Saturday 20th

Lac Maider to Zagora

Sunday 21st

Zagora to Lac Iriki

Monday 22nd

Lac Iriki to Foum Zguid

Tuesday 23rd

Foum Zguid to Marrakesh

Wednesday 24th

Marrakesh to Asilah

Thursday 25th

Asilah to Algeciras

Accommodation & Kit

For most of the trip and especially in the desert we will be camping next to the car. The reasons for this, are convenience, cost and security (and sometimes this will be the only option)! We will be using a two man light weight tent, that can be pitched without the fly sheet (we are not expecting a lot of rain in the desert - although will take it just in case). We will be sleeping in 3 season sleeping bags, as desert temperatures can drop close to zero at night. We will be carrying sleeping bag liners for extra warmth (if needed) and using self inflating mats. These will provide comfort and reduce heat loss, so we hope to sleep well enough to face the rigours of each day.

We will be using a tarp to provide shade, which will also be useful to provide shade during the day. The majority of the terrain in the desert will be hard and rocky as opposed to soft sand, so we will be using hard ground pegs that can be screwed in, and will not bend unlike normal grass pegs. In some locations we will be able to buy cooked food. When we can't we will be preparing meals using single hiking stoves. These can boil 750 ml of water in just a few minutes, enough to make breakfast and heat up a boil in the bag on an evening... and most importantly there will be enough water left to make a cup of tea! We have been advised to carry 48 hours of emergency rations and are currently debating between those from the French, British and American army. The French have a reputation for being gourmet, but the British military don't consider them very effective in combat settings.

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