CYCLING AFRICA

cycling the length of the african continent

11,000km (6,835mi). 10 countries. 135 days.

After years of dreaming up this bicycle voyage, my partner and I began at the ancient pyramids of Egypt and pushed our pedals southbound on October 7, 2021. Almost 5 months later we arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, completing our 11,000km journey down the length of the African continent by bicycle.

This was our route:

Egypt — starting at the ancient pyramids
Sudan — getting caught up in the military coup
Ethiopia — navigating around a civil war and rebels
Kenya — transitioning into Eastern Africa, Swahili and Masai Mara safari
Tanzania — turbulent hills, flat tires and home to Africa’s highest peak
Zambia — ringing in the new year at the famed Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe — a hop over from Livingstone
Botswana — dodging wild elephants in the untamed wide open
Namibia — exploring where the desert meets the ocean on the Skeleton Coast
South Africa — wine country, head winds and finishing in Cape Town

Years ago I was lost in this map imagining what it would be like to bicycle from Cairo to Cape Town by my own human power, ‘breathing dreams like air’ as Fitzgerald once famously said. I would trace the route’s line, rhythmically repeating each country like a mantra to myself. Now, alongside my favorite human, we have successfully completed the trip that was once a day dream.

And I continue to be lost in this map.

Only this time I see it differently. When I look at this map I don’t just see a route from Cairo to Cape Town crossing through 10 imaginary country borders. I now experience a kaleidoscope of senses awoken. I see beautiful faces, untouched wilderness, bright billion star swept skies, bustling city centers; I feel the skin searing heat, stifling sweat-drenched humidity, bone-chilling wind; I smell the wood burning stoves, freshly baked chapati, sea salt drenched air; I hear the silent night under an acacia tree, “truck” shouts from my trusty co-pilot, humming of my bicycle as the pedals push nearer to our final destination on the African continent.

Africa awoke my senses and stirred my soul in a way that I am still registering. It’s a labyrinth of rewiring. It’s a constant state of awe and appreciation.

I guess that’s what all great trips do — they mesmerize you with their wonder before you even embark upon them, and all at once they captivate you with their mystery even after you’ve completed them. What a journey it was.