From Venice to the Paris-Dakar in a Panda 4x4: adventure and solidarity
From Venice to the Paris-Dakar in a Panda 4x4? Oh yes!
Dear travelers, the journey that started from Venice to Paris-Dakar to Senegal for the sake of solidarity and adventure has ended.
So, today in this article by Venice Insider Guide we bring you a story filled with adventure and solidarity: from Venice to the Paris-Dakar in a Panda 4x4, all the way to Senegal.
From Venice to the Paris-Dakar in a Panda 4x4: adventure and solidarity
Imagine a 1980 Fiat Panda 4x4 leaving the narrow streets of Venice to tackle the dunes of the African desert, all for a noble cause: supporting communities in Senegal.
Venice has always been the starting point for extraordinary journeys, and in this case, two Venetian friends embarked on an epic adventure aboard a 1980 Fiat Panda 4x4, with Senegal as their final destination. A journey of nearly 6,000 km took them from the heart of the lagoon to the sands of the African desert, following the route of the legendary Paris-Dakar. After months of preparation, they set off on January 25, 2025.
As La Repubblica also reports in its article, today we take you on a journey of two friends from Venice to Paris Dakar in a 4x4 heath for the love of adventure and solidarity.
From Venice to the Paris-Dakar: The dream of an adventurous journey becomes reality
From Venice to the Paris-Dakar in a Panda 4x4 is exactly what Vladimir Grigoriev, a restaurant entrepreneur, and his friend, both sports enthusiasts and extreme challenge lovers, accomplished.
They decided to turn an idea that started almost as a joke into a concrete undertaking. Without major sponsors and on a limited budget, they purchased their vintage Panda from a truffle hunter in central Italy and got to work preparing it for the long journey.
A Panda 4x4 Ready for the Desert: From Venice to Senegal
Unlike the powerful rally cars that race in the Paris-Dakar, the Fiat Panda 4x4 is a small city car—but with a reputation for toughness and reliability, which convinced the two friends to choose this model.
In their garage in Mestre, they worked tirelessly to reinforce the vehicle, making essential modifications:
- Reinforced suspension to tackle rough terrain
- Engine and air filter protection against desert sand
- Special tires suitable for extreme conditions
- A portable fridge and food supplies to ensure self-sufficiency during the trip
- A rooftop tent for resting along the way
A meticulous preparation that helped them overcome the challenges of a journey through diverse climates, from the Mediterranean to the scorching Sahara.
The Paris-Dakar Route: From Venice to Senegal in a Panda 4x4
The adventure from Venice to the Paris-Dakar in a Panda 4x4 began in the Serenissima, crossing northern Italy before continuing into France. From there, the two friends reached the Strait of Gibraltar, passing through Spain and Morocco.
Although they did not officially compete in the rally, they followed a parallel route to the Paris-Dakar, experiencing firsthand the excitement of one of the most iconic races in the world.
Along the way, they faced sand dunes, rocky terrain, and breathtaking landscapes until they reached Dakar, the capital of Senegal. However, the Panda won’t be making the return trip—the two friends will fly back to Italy, leaving the car in the African country.
A journey from Venice to the Paris-Dakar for a good cause: Solidarity
Beyond the thrill of the challenge, the journey also had a humanitarian purpose: the Venetian duo dedicated their adventure to a charitable cause, bringing support to villages in Senegal.
The initiative has already gained strong support from the Venetian community, with numerous messages of encouragement. Throughout the journey, the two friends shared updates and images on social media, allowing everyone to follow their incredible adventure.
From Venice to the Paris-Dakar in a Panda 4x4: A mission to remember
From Venice to the Paris-Dakar in a Panda 4x4? Absolutely! This adventure is not just a trip, but a story of passion, determination, and solidarity. From Venice to the Paris-Dakar to Senegal, aboard a 1980 Fiat Panda 4x4, these two friends prove that the true spirit of adventure is not about the vehicle, but about the courage to take on the challenge.
Did they succeed in completing their mission? The answer is a resounding yes!
Stay with us on Venice Insider Guide for more upcoming journeys and let yourself be inspired by this incredible road trip challenge!