The Africa Eco Race is one of the many off-road events that Morocco visits. For many, Morocco is the gateway to Africa. In addition to rallies in all forms, there are also many 4×4 enthusiasts and other adventurous tourists who cross the country.
Morocco has an excellent infrastructure in terms of main roads and is accessible in terms of culture. The area along the coast in particular even has a very European feel. If you cross the beautiful Atlas Mountains, you enter a different world where you see poverty increasing per village.
There are a number of greener areas where larger towns are located. Almost everyone passing through visits the town of Zagora. Organizations such as those of the Africa Eco Race, Morocco Desert Challenge, and Rallye du Maroc set up a bivouac in the vicinity of the city with around forty thousand inhabitants in almost every edition. It is located in the Draa valley and is considered one of the gateways to the Sahara.
The center of Zagora is lively with countless small restaurants, shops, and businesses where crafts are still being produced. There is always a lot of activity, especially on the main roads. Garage Iriki Zagora is located in one of those streets. The doors and walls are covered in stickers and there are large photo frames with pictures of satisfied customers, often with their vehicles. The garage is a household name for foreigners who come here often. Others know from hearsay that they have to come here if something needs to be repaired on their vehicle.
Workshop manager Ismaïl Bafdil is also a good contact for Dutch rally teams. If you look carefully in the stickered garage, you will find a sticker of the team’s tough MAN rally truck. Evidence of previous visits can also be found on the photo wall. Team manager Simon Koetsier is immediately welcomed enthusiastically when he visits. The hospitality also includes tea and a bowl of salted almonds.


Ismaïl proudly shows the photos and the Rainbow caps that several mechanics wear while tinkering. For years, Ismaïl has been a mechanic for the Rainbow Truckteam when they participate in the Rallye du Maroc. With his local contacts, he has often been of value to the team.
The morning after the visit, Ismaïl is there when the Rainbow team leaves the bivouac that was set up a bit past Zagora. This is Morocco, a country where rally belongs. The Africa Eco Race continues south, step by step towards Senegal, and the finish at the pink lake near the capital Dakar.