A cycle through Africa for children

The Kernes achieved one of their greatest feats yet, summiting Kilimanjaro … all for charity.
On 30 July, Warrick and Camilla Kernes embarked on one of their greatest adventures together. They cycled from Johannesburg to Tanzania, all for the enrichment of the lives of rural children.
They cycled for Qhubeka, a world bicycle relief programme that makes bicycles called Buffalo Bikes which they distribute to children in rural areas who need to travel long distances to and from school. They have managed to raise R154 000 which resulted in 54 children receiving bicycles to make their lives a little easier.
The three-month cycle expedition saw them travel 4 650km on a single speed Buffalo Bike to Moshi in Tanzania through Botswana, Zambia and Malawi.
The summit of Kilimanjaro took seven hours on 15 October, which was also their fifth wedding anniversary. Once they summited they were surprised with cake and champagne.

Camilla said it was an incredible journey, “We saw some dark days on the bikes, especially in Tanzania – it was a tough ride because the roads were either under construction or dirt roads.” She explained that some days they did not know where they would stay as there were no campsites nearby or any form of civilisation. “It was an amazing experience and we loved seeing the different countries.”
They shared that the travel through the different countries on their bikes made them feel like they experienced more of each country’s beauty, from their varying cultures to the different lifestyles.
Camilla explained that she really enjoyed their time near Lake Malawi.”We cycled up the west side of the lake and it was just really beautiful.”
They explained how leading up to the big expedition, a few asked if they were sure of their safety in the countries they would be cycling through. “We came across people who were more interested in what we were doing than wanting to do us any harm.”
Warrick recalled how, one night they camped in a Masai village, where they were allowed to stay on a soccer field which was just a dirt patch with poles at either end. “We had to get permission from the chief who came to the campsite and sat in a chair for a while.”

He enquired about their journey and wanted proof they were there for what they said they were there for. After the translated talk between the chief and them, he let them be. Following that, they then noticed how the villagers then made a huge circle around them and watched as they went about setting up camp.
The incredible pair urged people to do something bold, no matter how big or how small, saying adventure awaits anywhere.