Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles

Returning to the fold: the road is long

Change of decor, change of bivouac this evening at the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles. Welcome to Neijakh! The road to the camp was long for many competitors. After a 6:00 departure from El Hazbane, today's leg was a test of endurance...

The Gazelles Caravan moves on

With today's leg, the Rallye takes a new twist. For one thing, this is a straight leg: no loop leading back to the same bivouac, rather a transfer from one region to another during which the Gazelles will get to try out some new terrain...

LEG 2

EL HAZBANE / NEIJAKH - ideal distance 180 km – estimated minimum time 10 hrs 15 mins – Straight route

After a small detour through the hills and valleys of the first two days, today’s route will provides a smooth transition from one map to another towards the sands of Merzouga. Once out of the plains, the Gazelles will need to use their imagination in deciphering the maps to find a way through the sandy hills leading to Rissani, between the paved road and Oued Rheris. A few dunes, deeply embanked oueds, trails and false trails: this region abounds with memories and seems to be always on the lookout for more. Yours, perhaps?

Over the next part of the route, the terrain shifts to a sandy paradise. The legendary Erg Chebbi looms on the horizon to the south of the Neijack bivouac. The luckier Gazelles, or perhaps the fastest or most determined, will take the detour out to the eighth and final CP of the day. Dusk will find them in the shadow of the high dunes, fuelling their dreams… But the sand must wait until later in the competition.