The 17-day driving adventure taking place next March will see teams tackle the original Dakar Rally route across the Sahara Desert in special Volkswagen Beetles. With all terrain tyres, raised suspension and underbody protection, the modified vehicles will be equipped for the challenging terrain, including breath-taking mountain passes, soft sand dunes, rocky desert tracks and treacherous dry riverbeds.
With teams sourcing and preparing their own vehicles, with the support of Driven to Extremes, before heading to North Africa, the Sahara Bug Rally is a serious test of teamwork. From the Algerian border to the Atlantic Ocean, the entrants will head for the finish line as they traverse 1,000 miles of sand, rock and gravel through Morocco.
With the cost of entry just £745pp for a team of up to four, it is the ultimate celebration of one of the world’s most iconic motorcars. You can find out more on the event website: http://www.driventoextremes.org/sahara-rally-challenge/
In 1945, following World War 2, Major Ivan Hirst of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) saved Volkswagen famously by restarting Beetle production. In 2020, to mark the 75th anniversary of this event, VW Beetles will return the favour. Organised and run by a team of ex-service personnel, the event supports military veterans suffering from PTSD, helping them get back on their feet.
With the first generation of modern VW Beetles now available from around £300 in a used state, the Sahara Bug Rally gives motoring and adventure enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to modify their own vehicles and drive one of the most exciting routes in the world. Fitting raised suspension, a tough engine sump guard and strengthened recovery points, the Sahara Bug Rally is open to any VW Beetles, old shape, or new. Guidance and support on sourcing and preparing the vehicles is available from Driven to Extremes, with a turn-key service available on request.
Delivered by expedition specialists ‘Max Adventure’, the team of experts has planned and led expeditions for the likes of explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Hollywood actor Tom Hardy and ex F1 Ferrari racer Mika Salo, in as far-flung places as Siberia, the North Pole and Mount Everest. Operating in the most extreme environments on earth, from -60°C in Siberia to +50°C of the Sahara and extreme altitudes of the Himalayas, the team has gained over 25 years’ experience.
The cost for this incredible adventure is just £745.00 per person and £495.00 per car, with discounted rates for serving and ex-military teams. The entry fee includes full expedition support (leader, guide, medic and mechanic) in 4x4’s, return ferry from Spain to Morocco, all accommodation in Africa (hotels and camping), branded clothing and vehicle graphics.
