It offers participants the opportunity to experience the cultures, languages and traditions of Africa as they journey through southern Africa in any vehicle they choose. It also has a charity component, former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad's Bobs for Good Foundation will drop off school shoes at pre-selected schools along the way, providing footwear to learners who have to walk long distances barefoot. The shoes have reflector strips so that motorists see the learners on dark winter mornings and at night as they walk to and from school.
"The fit is a logical one," explained Getaway editor Cameron Ewart-Smith. "As a travel magazine we encourage people to experiencing travel first-hand and the rally does just that. The message is that anyone can travel in Africa - the roads are tarred and the journey isn't as daunting as people think. With an everyday vehicle and enough money for fuel and food, the experience of a lifetime is open to all."
According to the organisers, the rally allows for 50 teams to "experience each incredible southern African country, riding in a ridiculous vehicle, without an idea of where exactly you're heading, safe in the knowledge you're having a jol with your mates."
Checkpoints are Namibia's Etosha Park, Botswana's Okavango Delta, Zambia's Victoria Falls, Malawi's Lake Malawi, Mozambique's tropical paradise and bushveld and Swaziland's Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
The magazine will take an active role in the rally, fielding a team that has its journalists - attracted by an event that promises to be not only challenging and enlightening but enormous fun - vying for a place as one of the crew. Their experiences will result in a feature in the September issue of the magazine.
It will also provide exposure in print, on its website, in webletters and on its social media pages, while there will be ongoing tweets before and during the rally.
The magazine is producing a Survivor's Guide covering everything from medical emergencies to vehicle maintenance and advice on border-crossing, which will be available to all participating teams via iPhone, tablet or PDF download.
