“Africa from west to east is one of the most difficult and complex overland journeys in the world, primarily due to severe infrastructure gaps, geopolitical instability, and impassable gaps through Central Africa.” – AI

For TDA Founder Henry Gold, who has done the Tour d’Afrique (Cairo to Cape Town/2003 – Present) and the West Africa en Vélo (Casablanca to Cape Coast/2018), this is waving a red flag in front of a bull. Like Paul Theroux’s memorable opening line in his book, Dark Star Safari, “All news out of Africa is bad. It made me want to go there...”, reading that sentence is a challenge that, in good conscience, we simply could not ignore. And that quote is talking about doing it in a vehicle! While we will have support vehicles, our riders will be completing the distance on 2 wheels.

About 170 years ago, David Livingstone also concluded his journey from west to east, from Angola to Mozambique, the first European to do so. While not following his route exactly, we are certainly keeping his spirit in mind. He once claimed “I will go anywhere, provided it be forward.” We couldn’t agree more.

Over the years a number of issues have made past crossings of Africa from west to east problematic.

Visas and Border Bureaucracy

Entering Sudan from Egypt on the S.S. Sagalnaam

In the past, getting the required visas for crossing Africa involved a delicate dance of getting dates just so and crossing each border could be time consuming and frustrating. You might have had to have the correct amount/currency in cash, maybe passport photos, maybe not. Maybe this, maybe that. Now, with the widespread implementation of e-visas, crossing from one country to another is much easier and less stressful.

Road Conditions

Roads can vary from smooth asphalt to deep mud tracks in the rainy season to corrugated gravel and everything in between. If you are heading out on your own, there might be some nasty surprises lying in wait if your information is not up to date. Our African Project Manager, Sharita, has driven every inch of our Africa: Ocean to Ocean route and, while conditions can still change quickly, her detailed knowledge of the roads will make for a much smoother ride.

Safety & Security

Crossing any continent will bring risks with it and heading out across Africa from west to east would certainly be worrisome for any group if you were unsure of what to expect along the way. On the Africa: Ocean to Ocean expedition, riders will be supported by our talented and veteran field crew who have many years of experience in Africa and can count on a dedicated team of local contacts and knowledgable office staff to back them up.

Vehicle & Logistics

Driving vehicles over 5,000 km across Africa is a huge challenge. Insurance, carnets, fuel, mechanic issues…the list is endless and quite daunting. For the Africa: Ocean to Ocean Cycling Expedition, we will be using our own, custom-designed support vehicles, trucks that have been successfully crossing the continent for many years, driven by experienced African drivers who understand the local conditions and have a detailed knowledge of what to expect along the route.

“The question isn’t, are we crazy, it’s, are you coming?”

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Africa: Ocean to Ocean

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Our newest cycling expedition, Africa: Ocean to Ocean, takes riders through seven fascinating Southern African countries. In this post, we take a look at what cyclists can expect on their journey through countries number 5, 6 , & 7 – South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.

Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa

Once the riders cross the border from Zimbabwe into South Africa, they will spin past surreal baobab trees which eventually give give way to the subtropical Soutpansberg (Salt Pan Mountains), part of UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. They contain over 500 species of trees and birds and 116 species of reptiles as well as leopards, hyenas and antelopes. The area is also the ancestral heartland of the Venda people who are known for their distinct culture, including the pre-marital Domba (python dance).

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

At 26 km long and 800 m deep, the Blyde River Canyon is the third largest on earth, after the Grand Canyon in the US and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. What makes it unique and special is that, unlike the other two, it is a ‘green’ canyon, covered in sub-tropical vegetation. Riders will enjoy a rest day there allowing them time to explore natural wonders such as the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

One of the most famous National Parks in Africa, Kruger National Park was established in 1926 and covers almost 20,000 sq. kms. Riders will have an excellent opportunity to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, African buffalo) here as well as the endangered African Wild Dog. The park features 6 distinct ecosystems, 150 species of mammals and hundreds of bird species. It is not just wild life – there are also 300 archaeological and cultural heritage sites to be found in the park.

Sibebe Rock, Eswatini

After exploring Kruger National Park, the riders will cross into the tiny landlocked country of Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland. One of the world’s last absolute monarchies, one of the highlights is Sibebe Rock, just a few kilometres outside the country’s capital, Mbabane. Also known as ‘Bald Rock’, it is the second largest monolith in the world and the world’s largest granite dome. Riders can hike to the summit and afterwards enjoy an appropriately named, cold Sibebe Premium Lager

Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini

Formerly the private hunting grounds of King Sobhuza II, Hlane Royal National Park was established in 1967 and  is known, not only for its mammals like elephants, cheetahs and rhinos, but also for its incredible bird population, many attracted by the park’s ancient hardwood trees like knobthorn, leadwood, and tambuti. They include white-backed, lappetfaced and Cape vultures,  martial eagles, bateleurs, and long-crested eagles as well as Marabou storks and the southern yellow-billed hornbill.

Maputo, Mozambique

A couple days of cycling after leaving Eswatini will bring the riders to Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, where their incredible trans-African adventure will come to a close. This port city features some stunning Portuguese colonial architecture as well as a number of vibrant local markets. After exploring the  city’s striking railway station, designed by an associate of Gustave Eiffel, the riders can celebrate by gorging on the country’s delicious, fresh seafood.

Recommended Reading

Jacob Dlamini – Safari Nation: A Social History of the Kruger National Park
Eben Venter – Decima
Hilda Kuper – The Swazi: A South African Kingdom
Mia Couto – Women of the Ashes

Recommended Viewing

The Train of Salt and Sugar (2016): A perilous 1989 train journey through war-torn Mozambique during the civil war.
Wah-Wah (2005): Director Richard E Grant’s comedy-drama set during the twilight of British colonial rule in Swaziland and based on his own childhood growing up there.
Keeping Up with the Kruger (2017): 13 episode documentary on the day-today operations of the national park.

Recommended Listening

Kruger National Park (SANParks)
Eswatini Talks (Spotify)
Left To Die: Escape From The Amarula (Apple)

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Our newest cycling expedition, Africa: Ocean to Ocean, takes riders through seven fascinating Southern African countries. In this post, we take a look at what cyclists can expect on their journey through country number 4, Zimbabwe.

Bulawayo

Bulawayo Coat of Arms

The second largest city in Zimbabwe, Bulawayo is known as the ‘City of Kings’. It features very wide streets lined with colourful jacaracanda and red flamboyant trees and some fine examples of colonial architecture. The riders will get a break from the African heat here as it is situated 1350 m above sea level, giving the evenings a nice cool touch. They should be sure not to miss both the fine Natural History Museum and the fascinating Railway Museum.

Khami Ruins

On their rest day in Bulawayo, the riders will have the opportunity to visit the 15th century Khami Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 22 kms from the city centre. Built soon after the better known Great Zimbabwe structures, the restored walls reveal intricate and varied patterns of decoration and were the base for terraces upon which huts and other structures were built. It was considered a very spiritual site and was hidden from while settlers until the late 19th century

>>Related Post: Cycling Angola

Matobo National Park

The riders will spin south out of Bulawayo and into Matobo National Park, home to one of Africa’s most distinctive landscapes. The sight of these balancing granite rock formations is truly something unique and a photographer’s wildest dream. In addition it is home to some incredible Stone Age cave art, being an area continuously inhabited by humans for over 40,000 years. Not enough? There are also significant populations of both black and white rhinos.

>>Related Post: Cycling Namibia

Cecil Rhodes Grave Site

Cecil Rhodes is, to say the least, a very controversial figure in the history of Africa being a vivid symbol of European colonialism. He had a vision of a Cape to Cairo Railway that, although never completed, inspired a trans-continental route that many travellers have largely followed, including our own Tour d’Afrique Cycling Expedition. The cyclists will make a lunch stop at his grave site – ‘View of the World’ – giving them a unique chance to reflect on his impact on Africa.

>>Related Post: Cycling Botswana

Limpopo River

On the last night in Zimbabwe, the riders will camp on the shores of the Mighty Limpopo River. This legendary waterway was made famous in Rudyard Kipling’s tale, The Elephant’s Child, from his 1902 book, Just So Stories. The river contains many large Nile crocodiles (an important part of Kipling’s tale), hippos and the occasional Zambezi shark, a species that can tolerate fresh water and can travel far up the Limpopo.

Recommended Reading

Heidi Holland – Dinner With Mugabe
Doris Lessing – African Laughter: Four Visits To Zimbabwe
Wilson Katiyo – Son Of The Soil
Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu – City Of Kings Trilogy
Terrance Ranger – Voices From The Rocks: Nature, Culture & History In The Matopos Hills Of Zimbabwe

Recommended Viewing

Mugabe and the White African (2009) – Award winning documentary about Robert Mugabe’s land policies being challenged in international courts.
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (2025) – The final days of the Rhodesian War through the eyes of an eight year old girl.
Neria (1991) – Drama about a widow’s life after she loses her husband.

Recommended Listening

2 Broke Twimbos (2BT)
In Conversation With Trevor (YouTube)
The Whitewashing of Zimbabwe’s Ancient History (BBC)

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Our newest cycling expedition, Africa: Ocean to Ocean, takes riders through seven fascinating Southern African countries. In this post, we take a look at what cyclists can expect on their journey through country number 3, Botswana.

Okavango Delta

Impala splashing through the Okavango Delta

One of the natural highlights of Africa is the extraordinary Okavango Delta. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its waters support a vast array of wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs, elephants, buffalo, hippos and impalas. It is best viewed either from above on a sightseeing flight or at ground level in a traditional dugout canoe and the tour stops in the nearby town of Maun for 2 rest days in order to give the cyclists ample opportunity to experience this unique place.

>>Related Post: Cycling Angola

Elephants

Did you know that Botswana is home to over 130,000 elephants? That is about 1/3 of all the African elephants on the planet! For about 180 kms, the Africa: Ocean to Ocean route follows the path of our legendary Tour d’Afrique Cycling Expedition and its appropriately named section, the very popular Elephant Highway. Cyclists will have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures from a unique perspective, the seat of their bicycle.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

After leaving the ‘Elephant Highway’, the route takes the riders along the edges of the vast (12,000 sq. kms) Makgadikgadi Pans, some of the world’s largest salt flats. This uninhabited National Park features a harsh beauty, with lone baobab trees standing out against a vast emptiness. Wikipedia mentions that “one of them (baobabs), named after James Chapman, served as an unofficial post office for 19th-century explorers.” it also is home to herds of antelopes, zebras and wildebeest along with a number of lions.

>>Related Post: Cycling Namibia

Francistown

Abandoned gold mining equipment

Just before the riders cross into Zimbabwe, they will stop in Francistown which was founded by an English gold prospector, Daniel Francis, and is the only town in the country with an English name. It was the centre of Southern Africa’s first gold rush in the 1860’s with adventurer coming from all over the world looking to make their fortune. Riders can visit the Supa Ngwao Museum which has exhibits on both the gold rush and cultural displays on the local Kalanga peoples.

Recommended Reading:

Peter Allison – Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide
Mark & Delia Owens – Cry of the Kalahari
Bessie Head – When Rain Clouds Gather
Will Randall – Botswana Time
Eleanor Morse – White Dog Fell from the Sky

Recommending Viewing:

Elephant Refugees (2020): A documentary about how the Elephant Sands Bush Camp sheltered hundreds of elephants during a severe drought.
A United Kingdom (2016): The true story of Prince Seretse Khama of the Bangwato tribe and his marriage to Ruth Williams, a white woman from London.
The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980): A classic comedy about the results of a San bushman in the Kalahari Desert finding a Coca-Cola bottle in the desert.

Recommended Listening:

Beautiful Botswana (Apple)
Elephant Conservation in Botswana (BBC)
Botswana: Living with Elephants (BBC)

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Africa: Ocean to Ocean

The original way to cross Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean was the maritime Cape Route past the continent’s southern tip, a perilous...

Our newest cycling expedition, Africa: Ocean to Ocean, takes riders through seven fascinating Southern African countries. In this post, we take a look at what cyclists can expect on their journey through country number 2, Namibia.

*Note: Our flagship cycling expedition, the Tour d’Afrique also passes through Namibia but that route is far to the south of this tour’s path, which explores a new area of this fascinating country.

Kunene River

As soon as the riders exit Angola and enter Namibia, they will begin to pedal westward along the Kunene River. This body of water marks the border between the two countries and is one of the area’s few perennial rivers. Besides hosting a number of crocodiles, it is home to the Kunene River mouth cichlid, a species of fish found nowhere else on Earth. The cyclists will enjoy the views as the river changes back and forth from rushing rapids to quiet lagoons.

Epupa Falls

After following the Kunene River for a couple hundred kilometres, the tour will stop in Epupa Falls, a rather remote and unspoiled location. It is a spectacular sight, especially given the arid surroundings. The water crashes down into a gorge and the shores are lined with baobab, fig and palm trees. Riders can check out the many bird species that inhabit the area or simply sit and enjoy the sight of the falls with Angola’s mountains looming in the background.

Kaokoland

Koakoland is a vast area of northern Namibia and is the country’s least densely populated region (which is saying a lot given that the country’s population density is 3 -4 people per square kilometre!). The climate, although harsh, supports a number of animals such as the unique desert adapted elephant, giraffes, zebra and springbok while hardy succulents and dwarf trees are scattered across the boundless landscape.

Himba Culture

The Himba people, a polygamous, semi-nomadic, pastoral society make their home in Kaokoland, keeping up their traditions and surviving by herding their drought-resistant cattle from one water source to another. The red ochre they use to braid their hair and protect their skin from the harsh sun is distinct to their culture and the women display ornate hairstyles and jewellery made from iron, copper and shells.

Etosha National Park

This iconic National Park, known as ‘The Great White Place’ in the local Ovambo language, features a dry lakebed (Etosha Pan) that is 130 km long and 50 km wide. It can even be seen from space! The park is notable for the large number of watering holes that dot the southern edge of the Pan. These attract an incredible variety of wildlife including elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs and many, many more. Cyclists will enjoy a game drive through the park as part of their experience.

Recommended Reading:

Dr Mary Seeley – The Namib Desert
Neshani Andreas – The Purple Violet of Oshaantu
André Brink – The Other Side of Silence
Sandra Shields – Where Fire Speaks: A Visit With the Himba
Marion Wallace – A History of Namibia: From the Beginning to 1990

Recommended Viewing:

Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation (2007) –  A historical drama that chronicles the country’s fight for independence.
Bikes for Africa (2013) – A documentary following the life adventures of Hap Cameron and Mandy Todd, and their attempt to help implement a self sustainable bike workshop in rural Namibia.|
Kapana (2022) – A heartwarming drama-romance follows an openly gay office worker and a closeted local kapana (grilled meat) vendor who fall in love.

Recommended Listening:

This is Namibia (Apple)
Namibia: The Price of Genocide (BBC)
Journey Back to Namibia: The Story Begins (Spotify)

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Africa: Ocean to Ocean

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Our newest cycling expedition, Africa: Ocean to Ocean, takes riders through seven fascinating Southern African countries. In this post, we take a look at what cyclists can expect on their journey through country number 1,  Angola.

Luanda

The tour begins in Luanda, Angola’s bustling capital city of over 10 million people. Before the ride begins, the cyclists can wander along the waterfront promenade (Marginal  de Luanda) or climb up to the Fortress of São Miguel (built in 1576) for wonderful views over the city. The city also has a unique cuisine, a mash-up of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences and a number or vibrant markets like the Mercado do Kinaxixi to explore.

Parque Nacional do Quicama

South of Luanda, the route will take the riders through the vast Parque Nacional do Quicama, home to over 200 bird species including white-fronted wattle-eyes, olive bee-eaters, red-crusted turacos and the rare pale olive greenbul. The cyclists can keep an eye out for these ornithological wonders while they spin through a wonderful baobab forest on their way to the Atlantic coast.

Caboledo

The country’s coastline is spectacular and the riders will enjoy the dunes and stunning cliffs at Caboledo. If they have time, they can enjoy a chance to experience some of the planet’s best surfing here as the waves at this beach roll perpendicular to the shore, creating a unique surfing experience. There is also the chance to get a glimpse the local dolphins and turtles that make the area home.

Lobito (Rest Day)

The cyclists will enjoy a rest day in Lobito. This important port city is known for its gorgeous Portuguese colonial architecture and local crafts like wood carving, pottery and woven baskets. Riders should be sure to check out the Lobito Railway  Station (a wonderful example of Portuguese industrial architecture), the Art Deco inspired post office, casino and Império cinema, and the wonderful views at the Fortaleza do Lobito.

Serra da Leba Pass

Riders will face a challenging, but ultimately rewarding day, as they climb over 1000m up the spectacular hairpin turns of the Serra da Leba pass. Completed in 1970, it is one on the continent’s most beautiful roads and the panoramic views from the top back over the escarpment are well worth the effort.

Lubango (Rest Day)

Lubango is the capital of the country’s Huila province and is situated 1700m above sea level, the highest city in Angola. The streets are lined with jacaranda and eucalyptus trees and the elevation means cool nights, a relief from the intense heat in the lowlands. Highlights include the Statue of Christ (Momumento Cristo Rei). Based of Rio’s famous Corcovado, the statue is located 300m above the city and features wonderful view of surrounding Chela Mountains.

The Tunda-Vala Volcanic Fissures (Fendas de Tunda-Vala), is a stunning 1000m deep vertical gorge in Chela Mountains and is just 17 km from Lubango. It offers beautiful views over the countryside, a wide variety of hiking trails and gorgeous sunsets.

Recommended reading:

Jose Eduardo Agualusa – A General Theory of Oblivion and The Book of Chameleons
Ryszard Kapuściński – Another Day of Life
Pepetela – The Return of the Water Spirit
Daniel Metcalfe – Blue Dahlia, Black Gold
Paul Theroux – The Last Train to Zona Verde

Recommended viewing:

Sambizanga (1972): A landmark film focusing on the MPLA anti-colonial movement at the start of the Angolan War of Independence.
Nzinga, Queen of Angola (2013): A historical drama about the 17th-century warrior queen who fought against Portuguese colonizers.
The Hero (O Herói) (2004): Examines the struggles of post-war life in Luanda.

Recommended listening:

The Cold War Legacy: Angola (BBC)
Blowback (Spotify)
In The Shadow Of The Railway (BBC)
Kuduro – Electronic Music From Angola (Counterflows)

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Africa: Ocean to Ocean

The original way to cross Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean was the maritime Cape Route past the continent’s southern tip, a perilous...

Africa holds such a special place in our hearts. It was there, after all, that Founder Henry Gold’s crazy idea of cycling from Cairo to Cape Town came to life. Over the years, we have returned to the continent with tours like Magical Madagascar, Morocco: Kingdom of the West & West Africa en Vélo but we always dreamed of doing another epic cross-continental adventure, not from north to south but instead, from west to east. Well, the time has finally arrived!

We are more than just a little excited to announce the Africa: Ocean to Ocean Cycling Expedition, a 2 month, 5040 km journey across 7 African countries – Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini & Mozambique. In June 2027, riders will dip their tires in the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean before heading out across the African continent. Two months later they will pull into Maputo, Mozambique and repeat the process in the warm, blue waters of the Indian Ocean – marking the end of their incredible adventure.

>>Related: Click here for dates, prices and full details

TDA’s African Project Manager, Sharita van der Merwe, describes the route and highlights in this video.

The route will allow riders to visit a number of famous National Parks like Namibia’s, Etosha, and South Africa’s, Kruger, while also allowing them to discover lesser known gems including Angola’s stunning Serra da Leba Pass and Eswatini’s Sibebe Rock. They will pedal the challenging roads of the ancient Namib Desert, spin alongside Botswana’s shimmering salt pans, past the stunning rock formations of Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park and into South Africa’s unique Blyde River Canyon. Along the way, the riders will experience the warm hospitality and rich cultures of the African people.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join us on this amazing inaugural Ocean to Ocean tour!

Registration for the 2027 Africa: Ocean to Ocean Cycling Expedition is now open.

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Africa: Ocean to Ocean

The original way to cross Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean was the maritime Cape Route past the continent’s southern tip, a perilous...