Amageza Safari 2013 - The Revenge of the Richtersveldt

Its great to see navigational rallies picking up traction in North America at last. Meanwhile in South Africa, the guys are already quietly into the 3rd Edition of the Amageza Rally, a gruelling African Adventure that Thierry Sabine would have approved of.




Date: 21-24 October 2013
Place: Cape Town to Kakemas, South Africa
Type: Desert Rally, road book navigation
Permitted vehicles: Open class moto's 450cc+
All entrants ride strictly Malle moto style - no support teams allowed, and entrants live out of a steel box which is transferred to each bivouac.

45 Entrants, and a organisational crew of 15.

1,936 km of brutal terrain in just 3 days.

Set in stunning Karoo, Richtersveldt & Namaqualand,tough mountain and desert stages have been designed to challenge even the best. Don't get distracted by the African wildlife you will encounter or beautiful views! Each year has been more difficult than the last, and this year the organizers are expecting 50% of the field will finish.

www.amageza.com



The word Amageza is a Xhosa word, meaning "you're crazy".

I did last year's event and it was great, albeit much shorter. This years event is far more serious, with strict cut off times to be adhered to.

Date,Leg #,Route,Total Distance,Special Stage,Longest Distance between Fuel stops,
20 October 2013, 1, Cape Town to Sutherland, 640 km, 140 km, 180 km
21 October 2013, 2, Sutherland to Springbok, 729 km, 150 km, 200 km
22 October 2013, 3, Springbok to Kakamas, 567 km, 150 km, 275 km

Long, technical liaisons are almost special stages in their own right, similar those seen in early years of the Dakar event, and this is what make it challenging. The Special stages are more aptly described as trials sections.

Riaan van Niekerk, who came 12th in the Dakar last year, did the pre-running last weekend with Darryl Curtis and commented that competitors will have to ride hard and smoothly to avoid being caught out in the desert at night.

Read more about it here about the buildup and entrants preparations here.

Or check out Inmate Kamanya's RR from last year here.

Some more pics from last year:

Nice pics Lukas! Some of those pics I have not seen before.

With some last minute entries, the total number of competitors is now 45.

Sneak preview from the pre-running
http://youtu.be/oV8pSCjhLlY

Competitors from last year, ah the memories!

Cool! Please give us the low down on what is happening when you can!

Just 2 days to scrutineering.....