The 35th edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, an all-female off-road navigation rally, commenced its prologue on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from the Palais Nikaïa in Nice, France. A total of 160 two-woman teams from various countries participated in the ceremonial start before being transported to Morocco for the main competition.
Unlike traditional speed-based rallies, the event challenges participants to cover the shortest possible distance between checkpoints using only maps and a compass, with GPS and electronic devices prohibited. The competitive stages will take place in the Moroccan desert over approximately nine days.
The rally, first held in 1990, is recognized as the first off-road rally exclusively for women. It emphasizes adventure, solidarity, and eco-driving, with organizers implementing environmental measures to minimize the event's ecological footprint.
The teams, comprising both amateur and professional drivers and co-drivers, will navigate through demanding terrain. The rally is scheduled to conclude with a finish ceremony in Essaouira, Morocco, on April 5, 2026.
