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Plymouth Banjul
The Dakar Challenge, also called the Banjul Challenge or Plymouth Banjul, is the original budget overland adventure, running annually since 2002 supporting the Rotary Club of The Gambia.
This 4400-mile journey, is absolutely nothing like the other famous and far more glamorous rally we borrowed the name from. We are not even a race. Just a bunch of like minded people all travelling in the same direction, armed with a sense of adventure and the love of seeing the world in its real and raw environment. Way off the beaten track from any 5 star brochure. The Dakar Challenge tests the endurance of both vehicles and participants in a small and friendly group.. From your front door to The Gambia, Africa’s smallest mainland country.
The route spans France, Spain, Morocco, the Western Sahara, the Mauritanian desert, and Senegal before reaching its final destination over a 21 day super sight seeing experience from the comfort of your drivers seat.
Find out about all our challenges…
The Dakar Challenge
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?
Check Out our latest member video…
4X4 Challenge
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
Check Out our latest member video…
The TUK TUK Challenge of Sri Lanka
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.
Check Out our latest member video…
Moped Challenge
Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar we’ve done it.. Picture this: a fleet of plucky, low-budget close to scrap mopeds sputtering to life on a crisp mornings rush hour traffic from the Capital city. Our intrepid riders, fuelled by noodle soup and a healthy dose of immodium are about to embark on a completely ridiculous run from end to end of these vast counties, What could possibly go wrong. Well an engine rebuild can be done in about an hour. Just saying,
The Chernobyl Challenge
When most would run miles away we actively embrace and head towards one of the most feared nuclear power stations on the planet to explore Chernobyl and Pripyat. To learn and understand how, why and what happened is truly fascinating. The tour of reactor 3 control room was a though provoking experience and as close to the meltdown experience of reactor 4 you will ever get.
Gear Up for the Challenge!
Official Dakar (Banjul/Plymouth) Challenge Merchandise Now Available!
Metal Cup for your early morning desert tea? Metal gym style water bottle for a bit of desert booze smuggling? Hoody for those chillier evenings or a t shirt to represent the mammoth task you are about to undertake / just finished. We’ve got it covered. All sizes catered for in Ladies and gents options.
Have a look round the drop shop for Dakar challenge / Plymouth Banjul emblazoned goodies. Oh suits you sir. .
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Your Guide to Conquering the Dakar (Banjul/Plymouth) Challenge
Planning your epic journey to The Gambia? Curious about the car, the costs, or the logistics? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the details of the Dakar (Banjul/Plymouth) Challenge, from application deadlines and vehicle selection to fuel tips and advice for our international participants. Dive in and get all the information you need to prepare for this unforgettable adventure.
