Africa Eco Race | The Real Dakar Rally

The Africa Eco Race is one of the most difficult and prestigious rally raids in the history of Motorsport, following the original and real route of The Dakar.

What is the Africa Eco Race (AER):

This legendary off-road race is one of the harshest, most brutal rally raids (race) in the world. 500+ participants race their motorcycles, trucks, quads and cars, for 12 straight days across thousands of miles of some of the most remote, rugged and punishing terrain in the world.

Facing extreme weather, limited sleep, high speeds, long days, isolation and unforgiving terrains are some of the reasons why the Africa Eco Race remains to be one of the most difficult and prestigious rallies in the history of motorsport.

Why it is the real Dakar rally:

The Africa Eco Race was launched in 2009 by two men who wanted to keep the original spirit and route of Dakar alive after “The Dakar” Rally was moved in 2008 from its original location in Africa to South America, followed by Saudi Arabia where the race is currently held now. Subsequently with this move and the desire to keep the traditional, legendary and historic Paris to Dakar rally alive the Africa Eco Race was born.

The AER follows the original route of “The Dakar” rally through the African continent, crossing thousands of miles over multiple countries while traversing through the Sahara Desert with one goal – make it to the finish line; Dakar. Every year the AER makes minor alterations to various stages of the race to keep things fresh and exciting but ultimately the race is the same as the original just with a different name.

Why is it called Africa Eco Race and why is it special:

Although the Africa Eco Race has recaptured and kept the original Dakar spirit alive by racing the real and traditional route of Paris to Dakar, there have been some major changes in the values, focus and goals of the rally. During the time when “The Dakar” was in Africa there were many criticisms made in regards to the environment, inhabitants, livestock and human rights. Which is why the AER has captivated the world with their values and the way it is operated.

The Africa Eco Race has a special focus on the environment, the communities, the people and local businesses of those that which the race passes through. It operates in a way that puts the true values of human lives, eco responsibility, authenticity, sustainable development, environmental impact and sportsmanship at the forefront.

It is the most environmentally friendly and ecologically aware rally race in the world, running a series of projects each year that help provide long term contributions to improve the lives of people in the remote areas of the countries that are raced across. Whilst also contributing to the local economy and ensuring they are involved at a maximum.

Where is the race and how long is it:

This extremely brutal, intense and challenging off road rally begins in Europe and ends in Africa. Beginning in Monaco and continuing through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal traversing across the unforgiving Sahara Desert all the way to Dakar.

Participants come from all over the world to take part in this incredible race, upon arrival they are equipped with nothing but an odometer, compass and a paper scroll road book and must navigate their way over more than 6500km/4000miles of punishing terrain during the course of 12 days.

Who can do it:

The Africa Eco Race welcomes amateurs and professionals, but this Rally is a true test of endurance for both the drivers/riders and their vehicles, and it’s not for the faint of heart. It is no easy task enduring extreme desert temperatures of up to 50°C during the day and -5°C during the nights while navigating through difficult and punishing terrain, unforgiving conditions, constantly maintaining and repairing your machine all while staying focused for 2 weeks in a row during this insanely long race.

Watch me:

Follow me Vanessa Ruck “The Girl On A Bike” as I take on the Africa Eco Race in 2024. I will be documenting the whole experience from start to finish and sharing a unique perspective on what its like to take on the real Dakar.

The 2024 Africa Eco Race departs Monaco on the 30^th December 2023 and finishes in Senegal on the 14^th January 2024. See the table below for more information on the race schedule.

Dates:	Day:	Stages;	Daily Distance	Special Stage Distance	Accumulated Distance:
02-Jan	Tuesday	NADOR / BOUDNIB	598 KM	SS: 174 KM	598
03-Jan	Wednesday	BOUDNIB / MHAMID	425 KM	SS: 383 KM	1023
04-Jan	Thursday	MHAMID / ASSA	523 KM	SS: 463 KM	1546
05-Jan	Friday	ASSA / FORT CHACAL	473 KM	SS: 468 KM	2019
06-Jan	Saturday	FORT CHACAL / DAKHLA	593 KM	SS: 405 KM	2612
07-Jan	Sunday	REST DAY IN DAKHLA			2612
08-Jan	Monday	DAKHLA / CHAMI	635 KM	SS: 205 KM	3247
09-Jan	Tuesday	CHAMI/ CHAMI	475 KM	SS: 454 KM	3722
10-Jan	Wednesday	CHAMI/ AMODJAR	485 KM	SS: 395 KM	4207
11-Jan	Thursday	AMODJAR / AMODJAR	467 KM	SS: 363 KM	4674
12-Jan	Friday	AMODJAR / AKJOUT	415 KM	SS: 390 KM	5089
13-Jan	Saturday	AKJOUT / ST LOUIS	477 KM	SS: 248 KM	5566
14-Jan	Sunday	ST LOUIS / LAC ROSE	325 KM	NIOKHOB – LAC ROSE: 15 KM	5891

				SS Distance	3963
				Total distance	5891

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.

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