A group of bikers cycling around the African continent to raise money to educate needy children have embarked on their final push, having spent 75 days on the course.
The tour around the continent was slated for between December 2024 and May this year.
The team led by Nairobi Chapel Pastor Nick Korir started off by riding through Ethiopia and Djibouti to the Eastern tip of the continent, they then moved southwards to the southern tip in Cape town and has recently been to the Western tip in their third leg of the journey.
Between February 17 and April 1, the team began the third leg of their adventure, traversing through South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria and Benin.
Other countries are Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and finally Senegal. The journey seeks to contribute to the LOGOS Endowment Fund, a kitty to sponsor needy children to school. Contributions can be made through MPesa Paybill 8060305, Account: (Your Name).
Here’s the excerpt of the account of the third leg of the trip by the team, as narrated by Korir.
The 28th day of the journey was begun in Cape town, riding to Springbok. After a much-needed three-day break in Cape Town, it was time to hit the road again and headed to north towards Namibia.
But this wasn’t just another riding day—it was filled with technical fixes, emotional goodbyes, breathtaking landscapes and an unexpected glimpse into the future.
The day started with a technical pit stop—one of the bikes had developed a clanking sound, and after inspection, we found that the chain and sprockets needed urgent replacement.
At the end of day, we reached Springbok and got a warm welcome from the Springbok Bikers. Next day, it was the journey between Springbok to Keetmanshoop.
The South African border was smooth, efficient and no drama. We then crossed the Orange River. The Namibian border was straightforward, with no frills. For the first time, we noticed flags flying at half-mast. Only then did we realise—Namibia was in national mourning following the passing of their founding father, Sam Nujoma. Day 30 saw us sprint between Keetmanshoop to Namibia’s capital Windhoek.
After enduring the previous day's relentless 43°C desert heat, we adopted a new approach: setting off before dawn to take advantage of cooler temperatures. At 5:30 am, we embarked on our journey under the cover of darkness.
On the 31st day of the trip, we covered Windhoek to Swakopmund. Windhoek came with many surprises—but the one that caught our eye this morning was the lack of traffic! What we had been told was 'rush hour' barely had any vehicles, and those on the road moved smoothly and efficiently.
We began the day with a courtesy call to the Kenya High Commission in Windhoek at Kenya House. Ambassador Michael Sialai received us warmly, surprising us with his deep knowledge of Namibia, its people, and even personal connections with many Kenyans living and working there.
The 32nd day had us ride between Swakopmund to Walvis Bay, a short 35km coastal ride. Unlike the long, grueling rides we had grown accustomed to, this one was short, refreshing and spectacular. We cruised along the coastal route with majestic golden dunes on one side and the shimmering Atlantic Ocean on the other. On 33rd day, we moved between Walvis Bay to Tsumeb where we had a tyre repair, spent a day more. From Tsumeb, we rode a cross to Nagola via Oshikango and Santa Clara to Ondjivaa after a routine early morning departure after our morning prayer.
Day 40 saw bike servicing and resting in Luanda, the Angolan capital.
At Luanda, we were graciously received by Kenyan ambassador Joyce M'Maitsi, whose vibrant and hospitable demeanour immediately put us at ease. She had also invited her Ugandan and Zambian counterparts giving us a unique opportunity to be in the presence of three ambassadors. The riding crew spent another set of 30 days going through Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon, Nigeria, through to Senegal on the 76th day.
With the third leg done on the 76th day, three of the Around Africa team members needed to travel back to Nairobi due to professional and personal commitments. This necessitated they process the paperwork for the shipping of their bikes back to Kenya while the bikes that would continue on to fourth leg were taken in for full service in preparation for the final leg of the journey.
The next four days were spent in Dakar, Senegal, enjoying a well-deserved break that includes an invitation to join the Senegal Bikers to watch a Motorcycle Race at the Sindia Circuit in Dakar; a visit to Goree Island and a Motorcycle Tour of Lac Rose and Saly alongside the Dakar Bikers.
