Question 1

Do we follow the race route, or watch from designated spectator points?

Accepted Answer

We follow the rally across Saudi Arabia, carefully planning each day to reach the best spectator areas where you can experience the excitement of the Dakar up close.

Beyond the race, the expedition becomes an adventure of its own. As the full route isn't made public, exploration and discovery are part of the experience. We'll venture into remarkable landscapes, following carefully selected tracks that reveal the beauty and diversity of the country while adapting our journey to the evolving rally.

The result is a unique balance between witnessing the world's toughest rally and experiencing the freedom of a true overlanding expedition, where every day brings new scenery, unexpected discoveries, and unforgettable moments.

Question 2

Can we meet teams, drivers, or access the paddock?

Accepted Answer

We'll always do our best to make your Dakar experience as immersive as possible. Official access to the bivouac and paddock is managed exclusively by the Dakar organizers and is subject to availability, so the earlier your trip is booked, the greater the chances of securing these passes.

While meetings with teams and drivers can't be guaranteed, you'll have the opportunity to see them up close at the start of each stage, where the excitement and atmosphere are at their peak. If additional access opportunities become available during the rally, we'll gladly help arrange them whenever possible.

Question 3

What happens on days when there's no stage near our route?

Accepted Answer

When the race takes a different direction, we turn our focus to discovery.

In nature, that means venturing through Saudi Arabia's most inspiring landscapes, towering dunes sculpted by the wind, majestic rock formations shaped over millennia, and remote valleys that feel untouched by time.

In the cities, the experience becomes equally captivating. Whether wandering through the cultural energy of Riyadh, the historic charm of Jeddah, or the timeless beauty of AlUla, you'll discover the stories, traditions, and atmosphere that make each destination unique.

These days offer the perfect balance between adventure, exploration, and recovery before the next stage, or to end your trip.

Question 4

What vehicles do we use, and are they prepared for desert conditions?

Accepted Answer

We use a selection of premium 4×4 vehicles, chosen for their comfort, capability, and reliability. The exact model may vary between expeditions, but every vehicle is fully prepared and equipped to handle the demanding conditions of the Saudi desert.

Each 4×4 is carefully maintained and fitted with the essential expedition equipment needed for remote overlanding, giving us the confidence to tackle everything from rocky tracks to vast sand dunes.

Every expedition is thoroughly planned to minimize risk, and our team carries the equipment and expertise needed to deal with common situations in the field. Our focus is on ensuring a safe, reliable, and enjoyable journey from start to finish.

Question 5

How many hours a day are spent driving vs. exploring or resting?

Accepted Answer

Every day is different, and driving is an essential part of the Dakar experience. As the world's toughest rally covers vast distances across Saudi Arabia, there are days when we'll spend several hours on the road to reach the next stage or our accommodation.

We balance these longer drives with regular stops to stretch, take in the scenery, enjoy photography opportunities, and discover places that most visitors never experience. Our pace is designed to be comfortable and rewarding rather than rushed.

Desert conditions also mean warm temperatures, especially during the day. We recommend arriving prepared for the climate by staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, and embracing the adventure with a flexible mindset.

The journey is as much a part of the expedition as the destination. The ever-changing landscapes, remote tracks, and anticipation of reaching the next Dakar stage are all part of what makes this experience unique.

Question 6

What's the typical group size, and can I book a fully private expedition?

Accepted Answer

We cap every departure at a small number of vehicles, so the experience never feels crowded, just open track, wide horizons, and room to breathe. The full expedition runs 15 days, but it's built in legs of 3 days or more, so you can join for a single leg, a combination of them, or take on the entire journey.

Prefer it entirely to yourselves? We design fully private expeditions for individuals, families, and closed groups: your route, your pace, your people. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll tailor the itinerary, duration, and services around it.

Question 7

Do I drive, or am I chauffeured? Can I switch between the two?

Accepted Answer

You're chauffeured throughout, from the moment the expedition begins to the moment it ends, an experienced driver handles every kilometer, so you're free to simply take in the landscape.

Want a taste of life behind the wheel? With advance notice, we can arrange an off-road driving lesson, a guided introduction to real overlanding, in a safe and controlled setting.

Question 8

Where do we sleep (luxury desert camps, hotels, or a mix)?

Accepted Answer

Mainly hotels but once we understand your preferences, we build your nights around them. Refined hotels, private apartments, luxury glamping, or desert camps beneath the stars, in any combination that suits your trip. Every stop is chosen for comfort, location, and a sense of occasion.

Depending on the location, certain types of accommodation may not be available.

Question 9

What are the bathroom, shower, and sleeping arrangements in remote areas?

Accepted Answer

In hotels and campsites, you're fully covered, proper beds and private self-care facilities throughout. Between stops, in more remote stretches, the desert takes over: gas stations, nature, and the odd welcoming restaurant become your allies. We'll always brief you on what to expect for each day, so there are no surprises out on the track.

Question 10

Is alcohol available, given local laws?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol isn't permitted at any point during the expedition, in line with local law. Bring an appreciation for local coffee and tea instead and make it as part of the experience.

Question 11

How physically demanding is it, and what's the fitness expectation?

Accepted Answer

The expedition is comfortable and accessible to anyone in good general health. Days can be long and the desert climate is real, but the pace is managed and the demands are moderate. If you can enjoy a full day out and a night under canvas, you're ready.

Question 12

Is there an age limit or health screening?

Accepted Answer

There's no strict age limit. We do ask that you complete a confidential health questionnaire before departure, so we can prepare properly and ensure the experience is right for you.

Question 13

Is there satellite communication and emergency evacuation coverage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry several communication options throughout, so we're never out of contact even in the deepest desert, and every guest is covered by comprehensive emergency evacuation arrangements as standard.

Question 14

What security measures are in place?

Accepted Answer

Our operations are planned around the Dakar route which involves a great local authorities presence, routes are assessed continuously, and the team's large regional knowledge keeps you moving safely and discreetly throughout.

Question 15

Is travel insurance included or required?

Accepted Answer

The tourist visa comes with mandatory medical insurance but it's designed for general travel, not for a desert expedition, so it won't cover you once you're out on the track. That's why we include our own comprehensive coverage for the full duration of your trip, built specifically around the demands of overlanding. You're protected from day one to the last mile.

Question 16

What's included in "all-inclusive", and what isn't?

Accepted Answer

Your expedition covers expert guides, expedition-prepared vehicles and fuel, international flights, accommodation, all dining, entertainment, insurance, and bivouac access (when available). The essentials are handled end to end. Personal purchases, souvenirs, and anything bespoke you request beyond the itinerary sit outside the package, and we'll always be transparent about costs before you commit.

Question 17

Do you arrange visas, and how does entry to Saudi Arabia work?

Accepted Answer

We guide you through the entire entry process. Saudi Arabia offers straightforward tourist eVisas for most nationalities, and we support your application and brief you on everything you need before arrival, so entry is one less thing to think about.

Question 18

What's the connectivity situation (Wi‑Fi/cell) during the expedition?

Accepted Answer

Cellular coverage is strong across much of Saudi Arabia and available in towns, hotels, and along many stretches of the route. In the remote desert you may drop off-grid but our different communications keep the team connected at all times, and we can arrange coverage for anyone who needs to stay reachable.

Question 19

What's the deposit, payment schedule, and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Your place is secured with a deposit at the time of booking, with the balance due ahead of departure on a clear schedule we'll share upfront. Full terms, including our cancellation policy, are set out in your booking agreement, no surprises, ever.

Question 20

Can the itinerary be customized to my preferences?

Accepted Answer

That's the heart of what we do. Every expedition could be shaped around you, the terrain you want to see, the pace you prefer, the moments that matter most. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll design it around you.

Question 21

How far in advance should I book, and how limited is availability?

Accepted Answer

Places are genuinely limited, the Dakar window is fixed and our groups are deliberately small, so early booking is strongly recommended, ideally several months ahead. If you have your heart set on a particular date, reach out as soon as you can and we'll do everything we can to secure your place.

Follow theDakar

What is Included

Expert Guides

Fuel & Vehicles

Flights

Accommodation

Dining

Entertainment

Insurance

Bivouac Access*

Experience It Yourself

Expedition Details

Who We Are

Passion for Adventure

Experienced Drivers

Seamless Support

Commitment to Quality

Armando Labarta Serna

Elías Labarta Serna

Leonardo Antonio Barrios

Book Your Expedition

Frequently Asked Questions

Following the Dakar

Expedition Details

Follow theDakar

What is Included

Expert Guides

Fuel & Vehicles

Flights

Accommodation

Dining

Entertainment

Insurance

Bivouac Access*

Experience It Yourself

Expedition Details

Who We Are

Passion for Adventure

Experienced Drivers

Seamless Support

Commitment to Quality

Armando Labarta Serna

Elías Labarta Serna

Leonardo Antonio Barrios

Book Your Expedition

Frequently Asked Questions

Following the Dakar

The Expedition

Comfort & Accommodation

Fitness & Experience

Safety & Support

Logistics & Entry

Booking & Flexibility

Following the Dakar

Do we follow the race route, or watch from designated spectator points?

Can we meet teams, drivers, or access the paddock?

What happens on days when there's no stage near our route?

Expedition Details