Programmes Budapest To Bamako 2008

1 - Lost in Hungary

The gorgeous Hungarian capital, Budapest plays host to the start of the largest African charity rally, the Budapest-Bamako. In it's third year running, over 400 participants are getting ready to leave the magnificent city behind in some rather unroadworthy vehicles. Join rally organizer Andrew G. Szabo in his 30 year old VW bug and the Travel Channel's own K-Team as they prepare for the big race. Watch an overwhelmed K-Team dash across Europe in their surprise "race car", a 20 year old Polish Fiat126. As race teams head for the majestic peaks of the Alps, the K-Team gets lost in Croatia. Marvel at the wacky rally going through Venice, the French Riviera and the Spanish coast. Travel through seven countries from Hungary to Spain before teams complete the first leg of the two week rally.
Duration: 30

2 - Surviving Morocco

The second leg of the trip sees the teams crossing into Morocco by ferry and advancing toward the great desert. Teams ride through lunar landscapes and fertile cannabis regions to the Atlas mountains. Watch them tackle the breathtaking, rocky roads of the mighty Jebel Sarhro mountain range. Along the way they discover tiny berber villages and visit the world's most remote souvenir seller at 2300 meters above sea level on a lifeless summit. Watch the Polish mini car, Philip climb mountains and drive through misty valleys. Charging full speed ahead teams arrive in the Sahara, where they discover ancient trading routes and the best places for camel barbecue. After a gruelling drive through desert pistes and narrow mountain roads, teams arrive in the disputed region of Western Sahara, where navigational and mechanical problems seem insignificant compared to a major sandstorm.
Duration: 30

3 - Mauritania, sandstorm in the lion's den

The Western Saharan sandstorm continues as teams drive through a hair- raising minefield in darkness. Recent security turmoil in Mauritania left four tourists dead and forced organizers of the famed Dakar Rally to pull the plug. Teams enter the little know Islamic republic in the Sahara, where they are met by unprecedentedly heavy security. Once in Mauritania participants discover the world's longest train, the friendliness of desert nomads, rich wildlife and the sheer brutality of the ongoing sandstorm. Andrew visits the indigenous Imragen tribe and learns to fish with dolphins. Others get stuck in soft sand and little Philip falls into a coma. In this action packed episode you'll see Miss Hungary 2008 open a well in the Sahara, some teams give up their cars, but not the race, 4000 year old rock art and a happy place where children and crocodiles live in harmony.
Duration: 30

4 - Bamako or bust

The final leg of the 8300 kilometre driving marathon begins with some teams bidding farewell to their cars or leaving them in foster care. Watch Andrew discover a shockingly smelly way to cure a migraine and learn how to drive through a bush fire as teams are getting closer to Mali. Join the crew of the East German truck, IFA as they get lost on the savannah and pay a visit to the mayor of Nara. Although his house is made of mud and cow dung, his four wives serve him and his guest as if he was a king. Leaving the serene beauty of the Sahara behind the rally enters the vibrantly colourful world of black Africa. Tam tam drums, red clay roads, millet beating women and ancient baobab trees mark their track to the bustling metropolis, Bamako. After two punishing weeks teams experience the most uplifting moments of the rally when they visit a school, a clinic and a village to deliver donations and direct gifts. Watch this unique exercise in direct community giving as teams donate
Duration: 30