The Africa Eco Race is back and will receive a prominent place on Dutch television in 2026. From 25 January through 8 February 2026, this legendary rally raid will be broadcast daily on RTL7, with an extensive television program produced by RallyTracks.
The Africa Eco Race follows the route of the original Paris Dakar and takes competitors across more than six thousand kilometers through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, finishing at the mythical Lac Rose in Dakar. It is the only two week rally raid on African soil that crosses multiple countries, making it a unique adventure on the international rally raid calendar.
Daily television broadcasts
The broadcasts begin on Sunday 25 January during the night from Sunday to Monday, with daily repeats during the day and in the early evening. This schedule ensures that the Africa Eco Race can be followed up to date while also being visible at fixed times for a wide audience. Dutch competitors, teams and their stories take center stage.
Broadcast schedule on RTL7
- Run 1: daily broadcast around midnight
- Run 2: daily repeat around 12:30*
- Run 3: daily repeat around 17:30
*adjusted times during the weekend
In total, there are 14 episodes of 22 minutes each, without commercial breaks, spread across 42 broadcasts. Exact airtimes are subject to change.
In addition to the television broadcasts on RTL7, all episodes can also be watched on Videoland. The episodes are made available there as soon as possible, sometimes even the same day, and no later than the next day. This way, the Africa Eco Race 2026 is always available on demand for those who don’t want to miss a single episode.
Production from the heart of the rally
RallyTracks is present on location with its own crew. From the bivouac, at the start and finish, and along the route, interviews, atmosphere reports and special features are recorded. For the action footage during the stages, RallyTracks works together with the organization’s international video team. This results in a complete and up to date portrayal of the rally, from the battle in the desert to life behind the scenes.
Each broadcast delivers daily coverage of the stages, interviews with drivers and teams, the latest news from the bivouac and extra attention for the Dutch participants. Motorcycles, SSVs, cars and trucks are all featured, with competitors from 27 countries taking on the challenge.
Presentation is handled by Robert Baarda, who guides viewers through the story of the rally and explains the performances of both people and machines. The distinctive voice-over is provided by Rob Steltman, adding context and tension to the broadcasts. Production is led by The production is in the hands of Tim Buitenhuis, responsible for the content, direction, and camera work from the bivouac from the bivouac and along the route. Commercial operations and contacts with teams and partners are managed by Simon Koetsier, who connects the sport with visibility and sponsorship on national television.
Dakar is calling, and this year louder than ever. Africa Eco Race 2026, where it all began.
From 25 January, daily on RTL7.
