The Concept

Since 1990, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles of Morocco has embodied a unique adventure in the heart of the Moroccan desert, based on a rare principle: navigating the old-fashioned way, without GPS, without phones… and without speed.

Every year, women from all walks of life — aged 18 to 71, beginners as well as experienced — set off across Morocco’s magnificent landscapes to experience far more than just a rally.
Accessible to all, this legendary challenge invites each participant to proceed with precision, determination, and confidence. No need to be a high-level athlete: what matters are motivation, boldness, and team spirit.

More than a competition, it’s a milestone to achieve.
Each route through the Moroccan dunes is carefully chosen. Every decision is taken on responsibility. Strategy takes precedence over speed.

Throughout the stages in the Moroccan desert — among the dunes, mineral expanses, and endless horizons — participants learn to manage doubt and fatigue, face obstacles, share laughter, and experience intense emotions.
They develop their sense of direction, team spirit, and a deep capacity for listening. On the trails and sands of Morocco, each participant charts her own path and becomes a “Gazelle.”

The concept emphasizes measured distance, excellence in desert navigation in Morocco, crew cohesion, and a strong commitment to environmental preservation — offering a true return to essentials.

Before departure, a training weekend allows participants to acquire the basics: map reading, navigation, strategy, and preparation for the challenge.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this adventure unfolds in an exceptional host country, a magnificent Morocco.

A testing ground, unpredictable

With the help of a 1950’s map, a compass and a navigation ruler, the Gazelles cross the varied landscapes of southern Morocco: regs, wadis, dunes, mountains…

Every day is a total immersion into the unknown, where orientation is key.

The 2027 Edition of the Rally

It all starts with the day of technical and administrative checks, a key moment of preparation,
of encounters and rising emotions. This is followed by the departure village, which marks the official launch of the adventure.
The crews then set sail for a boat crossing from France to Morocco,
first immersion before the desert.

For 7 days in southeastern Morocco,

the Gazelles face a physical and mental challenge, marked by:

A prologue

To learn old-fashioned navigation

5 stages without GPS

with 5 to 8 tags to find each day

Including 2 marathon stages

2 stages during which the crews do not return to the
bivouac, 2 nights in complete autonomy under the stars.

The adventure ends

on the beach of Essaouira, with an unforgettable arrival followed
of an intense and proud closing evening.

All types of terrain
All types of vehicles

The Route is suitable for several categories of vehicles,
with separate routes.

Each Gazelle chooses their category and their partner… which will determine their adventure.
But one thing is certain: they will all come out transformed.

4X4 / Truck

Historic category, technical crossings, mixed terrain.

Quads / SSV

Precise navigation, piloting and technical crossings, mixed terrain

DACIA Crossover / Hybrid Crossover

Smoother routes, rocky plateaus, and some sandy undulations.

E-Gazelle

100% electric vehicles, an innovative challenge on desert terrain.

Rétrofit

4×4 vehicles converted to all-electric.

Logistics at the service of adventure

Behind each edition, a precise organization orchestrated by Maïenga Sports Events:

  • A nomadic bivouac that moves three times to offer a variety of different landscapes. A true place of life, care, and logistics for 800 people.
  • Optimal security: satellite tracking, helicopter
  • A human experience and a return to the essentials, far from screens
  • Mechanical assistance common to all crews
  • 250 passionate professionals (mechanics, doctors, logisticians, etc.) work behind the scenes so that each Gazelle can concentrate on what matters most.