The first of its kind.The original one that has spawned so many others and still stayed true to its roots. Making it possible for everyone to travel the world on a shoestring budget. Established 2002 running yearly. Supporting the Rotary club of The Gambia with our charitable vehicle donations at the end and raising thousands of pounds for good causes.
Our mission is have a lot of fun and make a bit of difference.
The Dakar challenge is a name borrowed to make us sound like the big car rally that used to run down West Africa. But actually we are nothing like it. The challenge does pass through Dakar but finishes in The republic of The Gambia. Geographically the smallest country in continental Africa. Since the multi Billion pound Dakar rally no longer exists in Africa the irony of our little low budget car run has kinda been lost. But we are fond of the name as it makes people ask question and we still have a shed load of stickers to use up. But hence forth we will now be known as The Dakar challenge, The Banjul Challenge, The Plymouth Banjul. The peoples popular challenge of the
Leaving in January every year The Dakar/Banjul challenge departs for sunny West Africa and takes 21 day from your front door to the finish line should all go to plan Via France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal ending in The Gambia A distance of about 4400 miles in a very unsuitable non ULEZ compliant shopping car. What could possibly go wrong?
Can’t quite get 3 weeks off for the Dakar/ Banjul challenge then shave a few day off and take part in the16/17 day Nouakchott challenge. A quicker and more stripped out version running along side the Dakar challenge without the grand finale ending. Supporting our local charity in Mauritania. A bit more tricky to organise if you can’t do the Dakar challenge but nothing is impossible. Limited to 5 vehicles.
The Sand job 4×4 run leaves early February. Similar to something you many have seen on TV but more real and in an actual low budget banger 4×4. Taking a much further run into the Mauritanian desert to the eye of the Sahara. Visiting Terjit the hot spring oasis and the eye of the Sahara. Also riding as a foot passenger on top of the Iron Ore train from Atar to Choum. This is a 4×4 event only. With finishing drop off points in Mauritania or with an extra couple of days bolted to the end. Finish in The Gambia stopping at the Zebrabar in St Louis for a well earned rest before moving on to Dakar and then Banjul for a feet up relaxing holiday.
This is a fly in fly out whirlwind tour of Sri Lanka on a tuk tuk. Spend a morning to achieve your local driving licence then off to wash the elephants at the nature park, Drive through the highlands of the tea plantations, BBQ on the beach and a 3rd class open windowed train ride through the fresh hill tops. Leaving August to take in Perahera, the yearly Elephant full moon festival. This is limited to 10 Tuk Tuks ( 20 people)
Like the laid back vibe of The Gambia and want to see a bit more of the county? Chilled tuk tuk tour up over and around the river, Stopping at riverside eco lodges, Fishing trips, Bird watching, Beach BBQs and reggae vibe. Hippos, Monkeys all at your own pace. Yeah man.
Currently on hold for obvious reasons.
The original Banger Rally Challenge, that has spawned so many others. In December 2002, the first group of hopeful souls left the UK in a motley collection of vehicles, optimistically believing that Julian Nowill knew what he was doing, and had substance and experience behind his words. Despite later finding out to the contrary, this first event was a great success and most of the 42 Teams even made it to Banjul.
Copyright © 2023 Dakar Challenge. All Rights Reserved