In an attempt to raise money for the Banjul Hospital in Gambia, drivers, teams, and even couples from around the world are taking part in the Plymouth-to-Banjul Challenge. The cars, or any form of transport with wheels, must cost the team members less than US $500. While the race is important, it is not the heart of the matter. In fact, some racers started the trek before the official start date. The teams will begin in Plymouth, England, venture through Europe and drive through Morocco, the Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, and finally into Gambia.
Once in Morocco, known as “the gateway into Africa”, the teams’ challenges will really begin. Not only do they have to show proof to the local police and military, they will have to speed along Morocco’s coastline through Rabat, Casablanca, the small town of Essaouira, Agadir, and into the Morocco’s Western Sahara as they make their way towards Mauritania. While the threat of mosquitoes, violence, or in fact much disturbance at all during their drive through the Morocco is nil, teams will really have to proceed with caution once they hit the border of the lower African nations. Mauritania, for instance, is still ridden with landmines and many drivers are hiring guides to lead them through the more dangerous areas.
The race, which in actuality is “The Anti-Dakar Rally,” is a grassroots protest against the Paris to Dakar Rally, which costs millions and doesn’t bring any real-world benefits to the citizens of the countries involved. One motto of the race is that “Rules are Made to be Broken”.
The prize for winning isn’t really a prize at all. In fact, winners are those whose cars finally make it into Gambia. Once there, the cars are auctioned in order to raise money for the hospital. While mainly Europeans enter the rally, only this year is a team from Canada has entered. The couple claims that their supply chest consists of books and pancake mix with assorted varieties of maple syrup. Others are bringing along duct tape, rope, and mosquito nets.
Before crossing into Morocco, teams are allowed a night’s rest in Tarifa, Spain, where participating hotels have welcomed the contestants with open arms. Before the trip, participants should consult a Morocco travel guide to know what to expect along the journey through Morocco.
Source: Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun
