Off road racing is a thrilling sport. The more challenging and striking the landscape in which off road racing events take place, the more exciting and popular they are. This is why the Toyota 1000 Desert Race (TDR) in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert is Southern Africa’s premier off road racing event.
It all began in 1975, at which time the event was known as the Total Trans-Kalahari Race and took place directly below the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Changes in sponsorship and venues took place over the years, including the race’s move to the Northern Cape of South Africa. However in 1991, the event returned to its home soil in the wild Kalahari and has remained there ever since. Once allowing only cars to compete, TDR competitors now include motorcyclists and quad bikers, who are attracted to the race because of its unparalleled terrain.
The only leg of the ABSA Off Road Championship not taking place in South Africa, the TDR takes competitors through thick sand, riverbeds, thorn trees and remote areas of the Kalahari Desert. This year, the TDR will take place between 24 and 26 September.
Only a month later, the Kalahari Desert will again be marked by off road vehicle tracks. The Kalahari Desert Adventure (KDA), which will take place between 30 October and 6 November, starts in South Africa and ends in Gabarone. Competitors will drive 1500km in each country.
Participants will spend six days in some of Southern Africa’s most picturesque surroundings. They will be treated to remarkable visions of sunburnt sand dunes and unique wildlife during the day, and enjoy getting to know Botswana’s interesting inhabitants at remote villages, which will form their campsites, in the evenings. Sponsors and partners of the KDA view this event as an opportunity for social responsibility. One of their projects involves the donation of stationery and library books to schools and vulnerable children in rural villages.
The KDA invites the average Jane and Joe and their off road vehicle to take part in the adventure challenge, which is set to develop and grow in the next three years to include Namibia.
From Luxury Safaris:
This looks amazing. Are they any requirements for a off road vehicle before it can compete?
From margot:
To enter the Kalahari 1000 Desert Race, you have to apply to the Gaborone Motor Club (cell: +267-713-01265, tel: +267-393-9372, fax: +267-393-9373). You have to submit a copy of your MSA Competitor’s Medical clearance (driver and navigator), a copy of your competition licence, your self-scrutineering form, a copy of your valid driver’s licence, a copy of your RSA Identity Document and proof of payment of the entry fee.
For more information for the Kalahari Desert Adventure, visit their website at http://www.kalahariadventure.com/ or send an email to info@kalahariadventure.com