Participants from the UK, Ireland, America, Italy and South Africa are about to set off on an epic rally adventure from South Africa to Kenya.
South Africa (30 June 2023) – The First International Africa Rally starts tomorrow, 1 July with a number of ridiculous vehicles overlanding their way from South Africa to Kenya, all in the interests of adventure and raising money for charity.
Daring participants hailing from the UK, Ireland, America, Italy and South Africa will be embarking on a three-week journey departing from Hartbeespoort to arrive in Kisumu, Kenya by 22 July.
Entry fees are discounted for those driving unusual vehicles and among the cars in this year’s event is a 1971 VW ice cream truck and a 1978 Leland Mini.
Organiser Paul Clayton was inspired by an event that he participated in as a university student when he drove an inexpensive car from London to Mongolia. After travelling extensively in Africa for his work at a software company, he realised that the friendliest people and the best adventures are found on this continent and the idea for the Africa Rally was born.
Though this is the first “Pathfinder Edition” of the rally, Paul has driven the route, or the three suggested routes, multiple times and has planned the rally to end in Kenya in time for the great migration. He admits that he hopes teams break down and get to experience some of the goodwill from strangers that he has encountered on his own escapades.
Part of the entrance fee goes to the Africa Rally’s own charities. Over and above this, each team is required to raise funds for the charities of their choice. While there are no prizes for the first to cross the finish line, there is a mystery prize for the team that raises the most money for their charity and a “Golden Pineapple” prize for the team that overcomes the most mishaps. Medals will also be awarded to anyone who crosses the finish line with or without their vehicle.
If you see cars on the road with the Africa Rally badge, give them a wave.
You can follow their adventures on Instagram @africarally or the journey of the ice cream truck from Pretoria at @milkvan.journey. You can also find out more or sign up for next year’s rally on the Africa Rally website.
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