The 10th Edition of the “Morocco Desert Challenge” Continues Its Journey Through the Spectacular Landscapes of the Kingdom
The participants of the 10th edition of the “Morocco Desert Challenge,” which connects Agadir to Ouarzazate, took a break on Sunday in Laâyoune before resuming their race towards Boujdour on Monday. Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this rally-raid competition, which will continue until April 12, spans eight stages over a total of 3,150 km, traversing various regions of Morocco and testing the endurance, reliability, and driving skills of the participants.
With over 650 competitors hailing from 23 countries, this human adventure offers an immersive experience through diverse landscapes, including valleys, beaches, dunes, rivers, cliffs, and mountains, all on unique tracks that present an exciting challenge for the drivers. The rally features a total of 160 vehicles, including 56 cars (4x4s and Buggies), 57 SSVs (side-by-side utility vehicles), 39 motorcycles and quads, as well as 8 racing trucks, all equipped with satellite geolocation systems to ensure real-time tracking.
The initial stages connected Agadir to the White Beach of Guelmim (260 km), followed by Guelmim to Laâyoune (513 km). Subsequently, the participants traveled from Laâyoune to Boujdour (268 km), then from Boujdour to Es-Semara (550 km), from Es-Semara to Assa (387 km), and so forth, until the final stage between Foum Zequid and Ouarzazate (419 km).
In a statement to the press, the rally organizer, Gert Duson, highlighted that this 2025 edition marks a significant innovation with the addition of stages in the southern provinces, regions renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and vast desert expanses. “This rally is now the second largest rally-raid event in the world after the Dakar Rally,” he added, noting that the competition is growing in scale and professional level each year.
Young motorcyclist Hicham El Ghait, a member of the Laâyoune Motorcycling Association, expressed his pride in participating in this rally for the first time. He mentioned that the competition is particularly challenging, with fierce rivalry among experienced riders during the first two stages. Riding his KTM 450, Hicham remarked that this type of competition allows him to improve his skills and learn new techniques in this demanding discipline.
The awards ceremony for the “Morocco Desert Challenge” will take place on April 12 in Ouarzazate, marking the conclusion of a journey that bolsters Morocco’s reputation as a premier destination for rally-raids and its rich heritage in this field.
