After interviewing Anna and Chris about their cycling holiday from Istanbul to Munich here back in May, I’ve kept my ears finely tuned for unique stories about traveling by bike. A chance meeting with Gerald in Zimbabwe three months ago caught my attention. He shared his crazy three-month cycling journey through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. From that moment, I knew I had to dive deeper and share this extraordinary story.
“The adventure itself kept me going, even when I felt pain in muscles I didn’t know existed.”
— GERALD BVUKURA
Isi: Hi Gerald, you spontaneously cycled from Zimbabwe to Namibia this summer!
Gerald (laughing): Yes! It was a spontaneous decision. My name is Gerald Bvukura, and I’m a safari guide from Zimbabwe. I grew up here, but cycling through four African countries is not exactly usual for me. And before, I would probably have told everyone that they’re crazy to do such a thing. In the end, this trip was full of amazing experiences, but also challenges.
Isi: How did the idea for such a long trip across so diverse environments including savannas, wood- and wetlands, deserts, rivers and floodplains come about?
Gerald: It wasn’t my idea, actually. I met my friend Camille, who’s from France, in Victoria Falls. She’d been cycling from Mutare, near the Mozambique border, and one evening we got talking over drinks. It started as a lighthearted conversation about cycling together. The next morning, she said, “Let’s prepare to leave tomorrow.” I didn’t even own a bike, so I had to borrow one. Within a day or two, we were on our way.
Isi: That’s incredibly spontaneous! So you left almost immediately?
Gerald: Yes, we left together. Our first day was a test of endurance. We cycled 120 kilometers! I had no prior training or experience, and Camille had already been cycling for a while, so she was much more used to it. I remember feeling exhausted and even doubting whether I could continue. But I didn’t want to let her down or give up on the challenge.
Isi: That’s impressive for someone with no cycling experience. What kept you motivated?
Gerald: Camille’s determination inspired me. I couldn’t let her do it alone, and I didn’t want to quit after committing. Plus, the adventure itself kept me going. On the first day, I was pushing my bike up hills while Camille handled them like a pro. I felt pain in muscles I didn’t know existed, but I kept pushing.
Isi: What’s one special memory from the trip that stands out?
Gerald: There are so many! One time, we camped in a clearing surrounded by acacia trees with thorns. Every time we tried to move our bikes, the thorns would snag them, and we’d laugh at the absurdity of it. In Botswana, we camped near the salt pans of Makgadikgadi. It was an open, desolate area, and I was terrified of wild animals. I remember hearing horses galloping nearby in the night – at first, I thought they were something dangerous. Camille wasn’t scared at all, which helped calm me down.
Isi: Did you encounter any dangerous situations with wildlife?
Gerald: Yes, especially in Botswana, which has large elephant herds. Along the roads, there are waterholes where elephants gather. Knowing how to handle and respect wild animals helped. Once, we woke up to find lion footprints near our tent, and we often heard hyenas at night. These encounters were thrilling but also nerve-wracking.
Isi: Did other people help you along the way?
Gerald: Absolutely. In Botswana and Zambia, people were very kind. Truck drivers would stop to give us water, and one man even gave us breakfast. In Namibia, we met a Couchsurfing host named Angelo, who let us pitch our tent in his garden. He even borrowed me a warm jacket, which was a lifesaver in the cold.
Isi: What was the most challenging part of the trip?
Gerald: The wind and water shortages were tough. Cycling against strong headwinds slowed us down a lot. Also, I didn’t have warm clothes, but we managed by making fires every evening. That kept us going despite the cold nights in Botswana. The physical toll was also immense. I lost a lot of weight—if you compare photos from before and after, the difference is striking.
Isi: Would you recommend this kind of trip to others?
Gerald: Yes, but with caution. It’s dangerous, especially because of wildlife. Without knowledge about how to handle animals, things could go wrong quickly. I was lucky to be a safari guide with experience. It’s not something to take lightly, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Isi: What about the emotional side? Did it change you?
Gerald: It was life-changing. I learned so much about myself and the world. Parting ways with Camille at the end of the trip was tough. We had become a great team, and saying goodbye in Windhoek was emotional for both of us. We shared tears, hugs and unforgettable memories.
Isi: Thank you for sharing your incredible story, Gerald. It’s inspiring and a reminder of the beauty and challenges of adventure.
Gerald: Thank you, Isi. It was a pleasure to share it with you.
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