The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc: a navigation rally for women

Since its creation by Dominique Serra in 1990, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc has been bringing together more than 300 women from more than 10 different countries every year. They come from all walks of life, fuelled by a shared desire for adventure.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is a competition based on navigation rather than speed in the Moroccan desert, the event’s host country. The Gazelles goal is to drive the shortest possible distance. They must find their way using old-school navigation, i.e. with topographical maps and sighting compasses. As specified in the sporting regulations, participants will have neither telephones nor GPS in their possession. These will be collected at the end of this afternoon’s Prologue, a warm-up for the rest of the competition.

Each day’s leg contains a certain number of checkpoints (CPs) that the Gazelles must find. For the next 9 days, every leg will provide new and exciting challenges as, slowly but surely, the Gazelles hone their navigation skills, perfect their off-road driving and learn to avoid the pitfalls along their route with a single objective in mind: to drive in a straight line. There is no secret formula: the trick is to enjoy every moment and make the most of this one-of-a-kind adventure!

Beyond the competition, this international event has a humanitarian and environmental component thanks largely to Cœur de Gazelles. This non-profit organization, founded in 2001, works in the fields of health, education and job training for women. In addition, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is the only motor rally in the world with ISO 14001:2015 environmental management certification.

This 29th edition is taking place from March 15 to 30, 2019. The prize-giving ceremony and closing gala evening will be held in Essaouira on Saturday March 30.