Our mission is have a lot of fun and make a bit of difference.
Plymouth Banjul
The Dakar Challenge, also called the Banjul Challenge or Plymouth Banjul, is the original budget overland adventure, running annually since 2002 to support the Rotary Club of The Gambia.
This 4400-mile journey, a far cry from a glamorous race, tests endurance in older vehicles from participants’ homes 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.
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
Forget fancy 4x4s and endless dunes for a moment. Picture this: a fleet of plucky, low-budget mopeds sputtering to life on a crisp morning in Plymouth. Our intrepid riders, fueled by pasties and a healthy dose of British grit, are about to embark on a far less sandy, but no less challenging, adventure.
Check Out our latest member video…
The Chernobyl 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. This is a 4×4 event only. With finishing drop off points in Mauritania
Check Out our latest member video…
NEWSLETTER
Gear Up for the Challenge!
Official Dakar (Banjul/Plymouth) Challenge Merchandise Now Available!
Embarking on an epic adventure, supporting a worthy cause, or simply cherishing the spirit of the original banger rally? Now you can wear your Dakar (Banjul/Plymouth) Challenge pride with our brand new online shop! Explore our collection of printed and branded gear, from durable bags ready for any journey and cozy hoodies for those desert nights, to everyday essentials like mugs, bottles, sweatshirts, tees, tank tops, and vests. Each purchase not only lets you carry a piece of the challenge with you but also indirectly supports the ongoing charitable work of the Rotary Club of The Gambia. Gear up and join the Dakar Challenge spirit today!
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.
