Timbuktu ChallengeEntry Fee: £375

The 3 week Timbuktu Challenge which leaves the UK every winter and heads South through Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania but after the Sahara Desert crossing the route heads inland to Mali perhaps via Senegal or the more direct route, arriving in Bamako in Mali. The journey to Bamako is approximately 4100 miles, and can be covered in 2WD vehicles in around 3 weeks. We ask you not to drive to Timbuctu as this will destroy one-in-three vehicles (putting their occupants at risk). Instead, maybe end in Djenne or the Dogong, or join any teams that are pushing South to Sierra Leone where there will be a donation point for cars. Good flight links exist to the UK and the donation point for cars in Bamako is a short drive from the airport.

The Challenge really starts in Southern Spain, where hotel accommodation is provided. The Road Book provides the clues as the Participants bond over a beer (or two) in the hotel bar, and form into travelling groups for the journey South. Ahead lies Sand, Sea and... even more sand. Experience the heat of the desert sun, and the challenge of nursing a knackered car all the way to destinations that most people would only consider flying to.

This Challenge is open to either Left-Hand or Right-Hand Drive vehicles. It is a condition of entry that All vehicles MUST be donated to the Rotary Club Control Committee in Mail; these shall fund works for the EDEN MEDICAL CENTRE in DINFARA which is being built entirely from the run's monies. LHD vehicles are auctioned and the funds raised are distributed to local worthy causes. RHD vehicles are also auctioned but raise a little less as they are less popular. This auction is the only legitimate way to ensure that the best price is obtained and that the funds are distributed appropriately. Nasty things do happen to those who might flout this requirement, because it is illegal to sell your vehicle privately

As the last 200 miles to Timbuktu are a car killer, this Challenge finishing point is actually Djenne, Mali. There are also security concerns in the Timbuctu area (including the death of a tourist) and we strongly urge all not to go here.http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/your-trip/rally-racing. Teams return to the rally hotel in Bamako to drop off their cars before flying home.

There are also security concerns in Mauritania and we pass through an area which the Foreign Office advises against all travel. However security position in Mauritania continues to improve. In Mali, the position has also improved following French action against the rebels. We hope that there will be a stable situation by December 2013. Despite press reports,you will be impressed by the quality of roads,hotels and the organisational skills of our Malian organisor.  Teams should realise that Insurance will not be available from any company for Mauritania & Mali. We have run trouble free rallies to W Africa for 10 years now and benefit from much 'behind the scenes' support.

The music festivals of Mali are well worth seeing at the end of the 3 week challenge. The Segou festival should be 15-19 Feb 2014. TEAMS (in the second group)WILL ARRIVE AT SEGOU AS THE FESTIVAL BEGINS....IT IS TRULLY EPIC!

There is also the almost unknown but utterly lovely Xylophone festival in Sikasso every year in Mid February
 

The fee is £375, per car.  Note that Timbuctu teams travel with Banjul teams for 2 weeks before turning left to Bamako. Dates are Dec and Jan each year. Applications are now open. There will be runs starting Dec 26 2013 and Jan 24 2014 from the UK with European teams joining us in Tarifa,Spain.

For your fee,you get

•One 'Dakar & Bust' DVD.

•One paperback issue book by a previous participant 
•Exclusive PDC 'road-book' including guidance notes,
•Entry and camping at the Launch Party in Devon in July
•Official PDC car stickers and entry numbers.
•Two nights accommodation for 2 people, half board in Tarifa in Southern Spain.
•Support on the Morocco/Mauritania border, hopefully including the payment of all bribes and car insurance costs.
•Point of contact in Bamako for help with any issues.
•Behind the scenes administration to try and smooth passage (no guarantees of success, however!)
•Behind the scenes international liaison with partners and coordinators that allow this event to take place.
•Web site listing and Publicity.
•Inclusion within the formal lists of Participants that are issued to the Officials of some of the countries en route.