Raid Challenge through Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert
The Maroc Challenge is a low cost raid compared to other raids. It is a simple definition but has as many nuances as participants, because each team lives the Maroc their own way and the most incredible thing is that we all fit in; those with experience who come to compete, those who have never participated in a raid before and come just for the fun of it, and also those who dream of crossing Morocco without even touching a proper road but prefer the protection of an organization, and also those who are simply seeking an adventure. And that is the one thing we can guarantee everybody!
Moreover it is important to discover what it is you are looking for in the Maroc Challenge, because sometimes we are surprised when we find something we never even knew we came for and that is perhaps the true spirit of the Maroc.
A DAY OF RAID
The day begins with a briefing
The briefing is a meeting at which all teams must be present. Remember that each team selects their own accommodation, some are camping, others in a hotel. But this is the moment when we all get together.
Different aspects of the day’s event are discussed at the briefing, and although the Guide Book specifies all critical points of each stage, the briefing serves to stress all relevant aspects of the event before the start, as well as necessary recommendations to complete the stage with the least possible incidents.
The stage starts after the briefing
This is always a moment of stress and nervousness, and it is important to start out having reviewed all the material and loaded the vehicle beforehand, etc . . . Our personal recommendation for a good start, is that despite whatever time we managed the night before to fix our mechanical problems, set up our tent, share Mum’s tupperware of lentils or granddad’s grog with our rivals: the early bird catches the worm.
Therefore, get up early, enjoy the shower (if there is one), toilet (ditto), and have a good hearty breakfast, you never know when you will find a shower, toilet, or hot food again.
The stage
This is both the best and the worst. Each team tests their driving skills and orientation. You must follow the prescribed route and go through the respective control points. It’s difficult not to put on the handbrake, forget about everything and just enjoy the breathtaking scenery that Morocco offers and that changes every day. Problems will arise, some may be solved with companionship and a sling, others require companionship and mechanics, and others…
Finally, each stage is a surprise and those involved find themselves before new challenges and concerns. Some people just come for a ride and suddenly discover themselves well positioned in the ranking and thus awakes the competitive spirit; others come to compete and yet abandon themselves to the luxury of enjoying the scenery, the people, the lamb kebabs on the street stalls and a bit of good old Carpe Diem!
The arrival
Is unpredictable, some teams arrive on time; others arrive late at night with a compass in their hands. You reach the end of each stage quite exhausted, and perhaps it’s the adrenaline, but… nevertheless most people arrive exhilarated and happy to continue sharing Tupperware’s, wrenches, tagines, hariras and anecdotes.
How to participate? Our 'Join-In' Tours are booked well ahead in order to secure fleet reservations and the number of entries in limited. Go to the overall Platform to view all Tours or to make a selection. You can also consult our Join-In Calendar for an overview of the departure dates
Upcoming editions of the Maroc Challenge are listed here
