
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
General
Do I need rally experience?
No. You do not need previous experience in professional or amateur rally events, nor do you need a racing or rally licence or prior experience in Dakar-style events.
However, you will need an adventurous spirit, determination, resourcefulness, and endurance to complete the journey.
The planned route is demanding and covers an extraordinary variety of terrain and climate zones. It rewards those who are well prepared and resilient.
How difficult is the route?
The route is designed to challenge your off-road driving skills, navigational ability, and adaptability. It will also test your vehicle’s capabilities.
The planned stages cover highly varied terrain — from narrow, rocky mountain roads in the Atlas Mountains to vast, unmarked dune crossings in the Sahara.
You can expect:
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River crossings
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Rocky plateaus
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Canyons
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Beach driving
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Savannah tracks
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Extensive dune sections
The route includes much of the terrain that made the original Dakar Rally iconic.
Expect conditions such as:
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Rocks
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Sand
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Possible snow and ice
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River crossings
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Poorly surfaced roads with large potholes
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Unpaved gravel and dirt roads
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Mud
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Beach driving
A genuine passion for off-road driving is essential.
What vehicle can I bring?
Any road-legal and properly registered vehicle may enter. There are no strict class or type prohibitions.
That said, the route is primarily designed with stock to moderately modified 4x4 vehicles in mind.
You should expect:
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Getting stuck
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Underbody contact
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Scratches and surface damage
Stock 4x4 vehicles such as:
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Toyota Land Cruiser
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Mitsubishi Pajero
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VW Touareg
can complete the route. However, they may require greater driving skill, more recovery effort, and may incur more wear compared to modified vehicles equipped with:
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Larger tyres
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Suspension upgrades
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Locking differentials
Safety
Trans-Saharan travel involves inherent risks.
This type of expedition carries uncontrolled risks that each participant must personally accept and take responsibility for.
Your safety remains your responsibility.
We implement measures to mitigate risk, including:
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Medical support throughout the rally
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Private or government security escorts where appropriate
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Mandatory safety equipment in all vehicles
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Emergency communication and tracking devices
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Water and recovery equipment requirements
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Enforced minimum rest periods
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Compliance with speed limits and traffic laws
A dedicated medical vehicle with a qualified medic follows the route and coordinates with local authorities in case of emergency.
Despite these measures, safety cannot be guaranteed at all times and in all locations.
As you will be travelling in unfamiliar environments, on demanding terrain, in isolated regions, and across culturally and politically different jurisdictions, risks may occur more frequently and consequences may be more severe than in your home country.
Please consider these risks carefully before registering.
Medical Support
To reduce risk where possible, the event provides a trained medic with a dedicated vehicle following the planned route.
If you require treatment during a stage or in camp, the medical team will provide first aid and, if necessary, arrange transport to a local hospital or medical centre.
From that point, your personal travel insurance must be activated for further assistance.
Personal Responsibility
Each participant is fully responsible for:
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Their own conduct
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Vehicle condition
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Insurance coverage
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Health and fitness
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Compliance with local laws
This rally is not a guided tourism package, but a self-responsible expedition.
How does navigation work?
The rally route is based on a list of GPS waypoints provided to participants.
You must bring:
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At least one GPS device
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Electronic maps installed on your device
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A USB stick to receive waypoint files
The route files are provided in .gpx format (Garmin standard), compatible with most GPS devices.
Visas
EU, British, Australian, and US passport holders do not require a pre-arranged visa for Morocco. A visitor visa is granted upon arrival.
The organisers will assist with:
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Visas for Mauritania and Senegal
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In-person support at border crossings
Return visas for Mauritania can also be arranged if you are driving back to Morocco.
What insurance do I need?
You must have valid vehicle insurance covering Morocco.
EU policies may include Morocco under the Green Card system. It is your responsibility to verify your coverage.
If preferred, insurance can be arranged through the rally office at additional cost.
Vehicle insurance for Mauritania and Senegal will be organised by the rally office at extra cost.
Breakdowns & Recovery
Conditions are demanding for both vehicles and drivers.
You will get stuck.
You will need to recover your vehicle.
Self-recovery is part of the concept.
Organisation
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Accommodation
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Food
Details will be provided prior to the event.
Legal
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Insurance
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Liability
Detailed participation terms will be provided before final registration.
Cancellation Policy
If a participant cancels their registration, 50% of the original entry fee is refundable until October 31, 2026.
Cancellation must be submitted in writing using the official cancellation form.
After October 31, 2026, the entry fee is non-refundable unless the rally is cancelled by the organisers.
Entries are not transferable or saleable.
If the rally is cancelled due to force majeure (e.g., war, threats, natural disasters, pandemics, travel restrictions, etc.) before October 31, participants will receive a 100% refund.
If force majeure occurs after October 31 and prevents the rally from taking place, the event will be rescheduled to a later date. No refunds will be issued after October 31.
What languages are used during the rally
All briefings, communication and navigation materials are provided in English and German
