HE has cycled more than 12 000 kilometres, contracted malaria 10 times and was even detained in Niger for no reason, but that has not deterred Moroccan born globe trotter, Adil Boudraa, who received one of his warmest welcomes in Durban last week. In March last year, Boudraa left Kénitra in Morocco to cycle to the Southern tip of Africa with just two bags containing his tent, utensils and clothing.
His travels have seen him cycle through Mauritania, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Nigeria, Congo, Niger and incredibly he doesn’t plan to stop in Durban.The 26-year-old now plans to travel back to Morocco via the east coast of Africa.
What is more, he has used Google Maps and his cell phone to navigate a route through the continent.
Read Also: Henk triumphs at World Transplant Games
“Before I began my cycling journey, I walked around Morroco on foot. I’ve always wanted to cycle around the world and I thought I would start with Africa. The people of Africa have been amazing, their warmth and hospitality have been unbelievable. When I left Morroco, I was given 300 dollars by my family for the trip but the money only lasted until Senegal.
“The true beauty of Africa was revealed and people who had little or nothing offered me shelter and food. I’ve been staying at a B&B on Umhlanga Rocks Drive and the owner has been amazing. People have also offered to fix my bicycle and help me with my medical needs,” he said.
Read Also: VIDEO-Who has the most powerful passport in the world
Remarkably, Boudraa has used the same bicycle from Morocco to Durban and intends to keep the same
“I wanted to only use one bicycle and I’ve had more than 50 punctures and InShaAllah (God willing) I will come back to Morocco using the same bicycle. I cycle around 120 kilometres a day and try to not travel in the dark. On my way back I just have to look out for wild animals because I intend cycling through KZN and Mozambique,” he said.
Follow his journey on Facebook.
- Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to keep up-to-date with local news or follow us on WhatsApp on 060 532 5532.