Many people have traveled across Africa using different types of transportation. Some have used Land Rover vehicles to travel the entire length of the continent, while others have gone on bicycles. A few brave individuals have even rowed across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans in rowing boats. However, no one has ever managed to paddle approximately 28,000 kilometers around the entire continent of Africa, which includes crossing seven oceans and navigating dangerous waters infested with pirates in East Africa.
I have planned meticulously for this unprecedented journey and have some specific requirements:
Water:
I will need to drink about 10 liters of water every day to stay hydrated during the challenging trip.
Food:
The expedition will be physically demanding, and I expect to burn between 4,500 and 5,000 calories per day. I will need to eat high-calorie dehydrated meals that can be rehydrated with boiling water. If I’m lucky, I may also catch fresh fish to supplement my diet.
Pedaling:
I will spend approximately 8 to 12 hours each day pedaling to move the boat forward and make progress towards my next destination.
Sleep:
Due to the demanding schedule, I will only have about 2 hours of sleep per day. This will allow me to maintain the required pace and momentum.
In addition to the personal challenges, I am also dedicated to raising R1,000,000 to help malnourished children in Africa through the Mission 5 Million foundation.
I plan to start this incredible journey in December 2024, from Mossel Bay, if the weather conditions are favorable and after conducting rigorous sea trials to test the pedal gear systems. The first part of the expedition, from Mossel Bay to Hermanus, will serve as a test for dealing with strong and unpredictable westerly winds far from land. Then, I will continue from Hermanus to Cape Town, where I will assess any potential life-threatening challenges that may arise.
Cape Town will be the last stop on the South African coast, where I will restock essential supplies for the next 3,000-kilometer stretch to Jamestown, St Helena Island. This part of the journey will be a grueling test of endurance and resilience, lasting between 45 to 60 days and characterized by complete solitude. I will face sleep deprivation, salt sores, fatigue, and huge waves. Hopefully, the strong southeasterly winds and the prevailing Cold Benguela current will help me move forward.
From Jamestown, I will have another 1,300 kilometers to cover before reaching George Town, Ascension Island. I will still rely on the South Easterly winds and currents for propulsion. I will make sure to have enough food supplies in case I miss the small islands of Cat Hill and Georgetown, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Ascension Island is approximately halfway between Africa and South America.
The expedition becomes even more challenging as I navigate towards Cape Verde, crossing the Equator and pedaling against the clockwise trade winds that blow towards the Americas. I will need to carefully choose optimal weather conditions and windows of opportunity, considering wind patterns and currents. I have learned from the experiences of other adventurers that these slow-moving boats are greatly influenced by winds and currents. The equatorial region’s scorching heat will also affect my performance, even with a fan in the cabin to help with temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Continuing onward, I will face the heat, opposing Canary currents, and prevailing winds for several days as I make my way towards the Canary Islands. I will need to navigate through the Strait of Gibraltar, which poses its own challenges, such as busy shipping lanes, cargo and passenger ships, and narrow passages. I will need to be vigilant, sleep minimally, and constantly monitor for approaching vessels using AIS alarms until I reach Port Said in Egypt and enter the Suez Canal…