Participants in the 16th Africa Eco Race reached Ain Tisskrade in Tarfaya in Western Morocco on Friday afternoon.
The racers resumed their journey on Saturday, heading toward Dakhla as they inch closer to their goal, Senegal’s famed Lac Rose.
The Africa Eco Race runs from December 28 to January 12. The sporting event attracts over 500 participants from 27 countries, competing in motorcycles, cars, quads, trucks, and SSVs (side-by-side vehicles).
The rally spans approximately 6,000 kilometers over 15 days, crossing Morocco’s and Mauritania’s deserts before reaching Dakar. Morocco’s segment plays a key role in the competition, featuring the four stages of Tangier to Tarda (755 km), Tarda to Tagounite (357 km), Tagounite to Touizgui (547 km), and Touizgui to Tarfaya (507 km).
Racers have to cross a mix of sandy tracks and rocky trails. Each vehicle carries satellite tracking systems with built-in communication features for real-time geolocation and emergency calls.
The rally’s general coordinator, Anthony Schlesser, commended the landscapes and challenging terrain of Morocco’s southern provinces. “The vast deserts and scenic routes are unmatched,” Schlesser said.
Secretary-General of the Moroccan Sahara Rally Association, Nicolas De Vahia, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the participants. “The racers have experienced thrilling trails and beautiful stages, and the competition remains fierce across all categories,” he noted.