..speed is restricted  

I read the article in last weekend Toronto Star about the two women going to Africa. That sounds like a major undertaking.

Rallying and off-road racing are really two different things. Rallying's unofficial motto is "real cars on real roads". Most rallies are held on normal public roads. Events suitable for beginners are held of fairly tame roads and emphasis is put on the navigational and timing aspects of the sport. More advanced rallies and professional rallies will often use rougher roads and test the ability of the driver and car more.

The events that are held in Africa and some other places combine the navigational aspects of rallying and the off-road aspects of off-road racing. You're wise to learn the navigational and timing aspects of rallying before heading to any major event in Africa.

This is the web site for Rallysport Ontario's list of events : http://www.rallysport.on.ca/schedule06.html

All the ORRC events (in blue) are navigational rallys. These ones are part of the 'Championship' series. Some rally clubs put on other non-championship rallys as well. You'll have to check the local clubs for details.

Note the "Spring Run-off" is this weekend.

You can also sign up as a volunteer at any OPRC event. This will give you a good glimpse at the behind the scenes part of this type of event, something that might come in handy for you down the road.