London to Cape Town:

The Beginning — Nerves, Maps, and First Meetings

I remember the first time I saw the map. It sprawled across the wall of our meeting room in Cambridgeshire, a wild stretch of sand, jungle, and tarmac lines winding from London to Cape Town. The enormity of what we were about to take on hit me right there — 15,000 miles, 17 countries, deserts, jungles, and borders that sounded more like war zones than places you’d dream of riding through. But by the time I’d met the other riders over beers at the hotel bar, nerves gave way to excitement. We were in this together.

Our pre-expedition training gave us a crash course in bike maintenance, first aid, and surviving life on the road. We left that weekend not just as strangers but as a team — with a healthy dose of anticipation and a lot of gear to double-check.

Hitting the Road — From Frosty Europe to the Heat of Africa

We set off on a freezing morning in England, snaking down to Portsmouth and catching the ferry south. Spain was a bitter, wet slog until we finally hit the sun in Morocco. Suddenly, the adventure began for real. The roads were chaotic, the driving insane, and the adrenaline relentless. We regrouped in Fez — everyone swapping stories of near-misses and “did you see that?!” moments.

As we crossed the Atlas Mountains, the stunning Ziz Gorge opened up before us, and soon we were camping beneath Saharan skies. Out in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, we had our first taste of sand riding — a humbling, hilarious, and bruising experience. With a mix of novice and experienced riders, we learned quickly. And if we didn’t, the soft landings helped.

The Sahara — Endless Sand, Starry Nights, and Real Adventure

Crossing into Mauritania felt like stepping off the edge of the world. The roads disappeared, replaced by tracks only visible on a GPS and the occasional camel print. Our 250-mile desert crossing became one of the trip’s defining chapters — two and a half days of blasting across sand, dunes, and salt flats with nothing but horizon in every direction. It was raw, pure adventure.

We weren’t without mishaps — Rod, a fellow rider, suffered a broken collarbone after a fall. But that was part of the reality. This wasn’t a guided holiday. This was the real deal.

Into West Africa — From the Sahara to Senegal and Beyond

After the rawness of the desert, Senegal and The Gambia welcomed us with music, colour, and cold beer. The tropical heat replaced the dry desert air, and we began settling into the rhythm of life on the road — pack up, ride, laugh, repeat. We crossed into Mali, battled through the heat of Kayes, and made our way up the legendary route to Timbuktu. Days of corrugated tracks, failed shock absorbers, and blazing heat became the norm.

Camping out, fixing bikes by the side of the road, and exploring ancient towns — it was the kind of experience you dream about but rarely live.

Ghana, Nigeria, and Central Africa — Into the Heart of the Continent

We crossed into Ghana, enjoying the lush landscapes and rare creature comforts at Mole Game Park. From there, it was onto Benin’s voodoo markets and the chaos of Nigeria. Nigeria was intense — corruption, bureaucracy, and crowds, but also some of the warmest welcomes and unforgettable moments. Every stop brought a new crowd of curious locals, fascinated by the sight of our dusty, travel-worn bikes and faces.

Crossing into Cameroon, the roads turned to mud and the rainforest closed in. It was here the real test of endurance began — battling thick jungle tracks, daily rain, and some of the toughest riding of the trip. Yet, somehow, this is where the camaraderie hit its peak.

Congo, Gabon, and the Long Road South

Gabon and Congo brought more mud, wild trails, and that indescribable feeling of being truly off the grid. Visa runs, border chaos, and even hitching a lift on a cargo ship around the closed DR Congo border — Africa always kept us guessing.

But that’s what made it special. This wasn’t a sanitised tour. It was a full-blooded, unpredictable adventure.

Angola — Tough Roads, Big Smiles, and the Best Riding of the Trip

Angola hit us like a freight train — bombed out tanks on the roadside, broken roads, and wild trails winding through stunning scenery. From deserted beaches to bustling Luanda, Angola was a rollercoaster of extremes.

We rode some of the hardest, most rewarding tracks of the expedition here. And by now, the riders who’d started the trip as off-road novices were handling the toughest terrain like pros. Every challenge felt earned. Every mile a victory.

Namibia and South Africa — The Final Stretch

Crossing into Namibia was like coming back to civilisation — good roads, western comforts, and yet still some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. From Etosha’s game parks to the sweeping desert plains, Namibia gave us a fitting farewell to Africa’s wild heart.

And then, South Africa. The end of the road. We rode into Cape Town soaked from a storm but couldn’t have cared less. The final ride down to Cape Point was a blur of pride, disbelief, and the purest happiness I’ve ever felt.

Looking Back — More Than a Ride, A Lifetime Achievement

132 days, 15,000 miles, and memories that will last forever. What started as a crazy idea became the ultimate adventure. We crossed continents, rode through deserts and jungles, battled breakdowns, laughed over beers, and built friendships stronger than steel.

I didn’t just survive this trip. I lived it. And I wouldn’t trade a second of it for the world.

This wasn’t just a ride. It was the ultimate challenge — and we did it.