Roberto Helou began his cycling journey from Cairo, Egypt on January 7th, 2023. His goal is to bike about 13 000km across Africa all the way to Cape Town, South Africa.
He sought refuge in the fast-paced world we live in today. But Roberto wanted the simplicity in nature. So, he established a big project that he hopes will inspire others to embrace a slower, more connected way of life: Project Africa.
Roberto on Namibia
Roberto is having a blast currently exploring Namibia’s coastal towns and landscapes, like Spitzkoppe and the Skeleton Coast. And he says,
“Namibia has an incredible diversity of landscapes. It’s also densely populated so cycling here is like cycling on another planet. Very different from every other country I’ve cycled in my life.”
Roberto Helou
He will soon cycle all the way from Windhoek to Cape Town in South Africa, and he hopes to finish by April.
Recalling the days of his youth, Roberto fondly remembers the moments spent with his father amidst the trees.
“When I was younger. Before my dad could go to work every morning, he would take me to a forest next to our house, and he would show me the frogs and the different types of trees. He doesn’t really know about nature. But, he would still make the effort to show me all these small and beautiful nature details, and that made me more curious and observant.”
Roberto Helou.
These early experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature and a commitment to preserving its beauty for future generations.
Roberto embarked on Project Africa because of ordinary folk’s tales of amazing journeys. He says, “I wanted to dive into Africa’s hidden tales, shatter beliefs, and reveal its cultural riches.”
In contrast, he felt inspired by the stories of everyday people with incredible adventures. “Current narratives do not reflect the story Africa deserves,” Roberto says. He wanted to dive deep into the untold stories of the continent to catch glimpses of Africa’s many cultures, which might be different from the common perceived image of Africa and show fascinating diversity. Setting his mind to get to the bottom of the continent’s representation rather than the stereotyping, he embarked on his journey with curiosity and willingness to explore not just a few but the entire length of it.
Roberto’s journey traces its roots back to a moment of youthful restlessness.
“I have this weird habit of looking at maps and having desires stamped by just looking at a map. I was in school when I was 16 or 17, and I was really bored in class. It was one of the most boring times of my life. I was just stuck and forced to do things I didn’t want to do for reasons I didn’t believe in or see value in, and I caught myself procrastinating and looking at a map of Africa.”
he recounts. Combining his love for cycling with a thirst for adventure, Roberto took the leap of faith to embark on a journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion.
With Project Africa, Roberto aimed to challenge himself physically and emotionally while nurturing connections with the diverse people from different cultures and landscapes of the continent. “My goals were simple: to learn, to grow, and to share,” he affirms. Through his videos and storytelling, Roberto wanted to inspire others to embrace the spirit of adventure and exploration.
Despite facing challenges on his extraordinary journey, Roberto ensured all logistics and details were taken care of, focusing on the essentials: “a sturdy bike, gear that one relies on, and a flexible mindset,” as he puts it.
With his character marked by motivation and adaptability, Roberto embarked on his journey with a clear aim and an open mind to the future. He encountered more obstacles and uncertainties and remained committed to his quest.
Roberto candidly acknowledges the pandemic-induced postponement and financial pressures. Stating, “the biggest challenges I faced in the preparation were anxiety and overthinking. But, the best thing was just to start, which I eventually did. However, the trip got postponed because of COVID, making things a lot harder financially.”
Nevertheless, each setback only strengthened Roberto’s resilience and deepened his understanding of life’s meaning.
Hiking up the scenic mountains of Ethiopia, visiting the lowest points of Ethiopia full of active volcanoes, living with the Hadzabe hunters and gatherers of Tanzania, summiting Mount Stanley in Uganda, the third highest peaks in Africa and home to one of the only tropical glaciers in the world, cycling the Congo Nile Trail in Rwanda, summiting Kilimanjaro with a group of good people and friends, and visiting the Maasai Mara were just a few of the memorable moments carved into Roberto’s journey. Each experience added depth to his understanding of Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultures, reaffirming his commitment to exploration and discovery.
As Roberto continues to walks through Africa, his story represents the incredible will of man to know and creates the image of an endless human spirit. Through his cycling, he finds hidden corners of Africa and motivates others to start their exploration around the world.
Catch up and follow along Roberto Helou’s journey on his social media platforms
Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok
wonderful work, Sane!