Crossing Africa

A voyage through Africa by foot and kayak

A 12,000 km human-powered journey from Cape Town to Cairo crossing eight countries over 859 days on foot.

Trailer

By the Numbers

  • 12,000 km (~7,450 miles) walked + kayaked across Africa

  • 859 days (2 years) from start to finish

  • 8 countries crossed

  • 550 km (342 miles) kayaked across Lake Malawi

  • 15-day training walk (CN Tower → Mount Royal)

  • 12–15 hours/day walking during that training block

A man with a backpack and hat walking on the side of a rural highway, chatting with five smiling children in colorful clothes in a dry, flat landscape with sparse trees and mountains in the distance.

The goal was never just distance.

I wanted to show that in Africa, people are living everyday lives—creative, ingenious, complex, and diverse. The best way to get the most authentic experience was to go by foot, because then you have to meet everybody.

The Mission

This expedition is built on three core pillars: environmental responsibility, cultural connection, and physical challenge. Together, they define a journey that is not only about distance covered, but about impact, understanding, and personal growth.

A rural scene with small houses on a grassy field under a blue sky with clouds.

This journey is designed to minimize environmental impact at every step. Moving by foot and kayak allows for a low-carbon approach, demonstrating that exploration can exist in balance with the natural world rather than at its expense.

Two young girls standing close together in front of a teal wall, smiling. One girl wears a red top with a black scarf, the other has a beige headscarf and a neutral top.

At its core, this expedition is about people. Traveling slowly across Africa creates space for genuine human connection—engaging with communities, learning from lived experiences, and building relationships that go far beyond observation.

A blue kayak on a sandy beach with clear ocean water and rocks in the background.

Endurance is central to the mission. From multi-day crossings to long-distance kayaking, each segment tests physical and mental limits. These challenges are not just obstacles—they are catalysts for clarity, resilience, and transformation.

Journey Overview (Timeline)

Anchor

Challenges

Late November 2015: left Toronto and flew to Cape Town, South Africa. Two years later: arrived in Cairo, Egypt. Completed 12,000 km over 8 countries, entirely by foot and kayak

Journey overview timeline detailing a two-year human-powered expedition from Cape Town to Cairo, including departure from Toronto in November 2015, traveling through South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, and ending in Cairo, Egypt, in 2018, illustrating the challenges and perseverance involved.

  • Contracted malaria and kept moving

  • Kayaked 550 km across Lake Malawi over two months

  • Encountered war-zone bullets, wild dogs

  • Jailed for several days near a small village

  • Navigated constantly changing borders, languages, climates, and terrain

Preparation

Training

Before crossing continents, I had to prove to myself I could do discomfort at scale.

  • 15-day walk from the CN Tower (Toronto) to the top of Mount Royal (Montreal)

  • Walked 12–15 hours each day

  • Covered 550+ km, all on foot

  • Built the mental endurance to trust the process: one step, repeat

Four people smiling outdoors in front of a brick house, dressed in outdoor jackets and hats.

What Is Crossing Africa?

Crossing Africa is a solo two-year, 12,000 km voyage from Cape Town, South Africa to Cairo, Egypt, entirely by foot and kayak.

Why Do This?

  • To test the limits of body and mind with purpose.

  • To inspire action in a fast-paced, digital world—to get outside and do real things.

  • To explore land and people in a way you can’t from a vehicle.

  • To walk with Africans and stay where locals stay, learning through connection.

  • To move through the world without convenience—arriving in a town and meeting strangers within minutes.

What I Learned

  • The Africa I saw on the news was often misinterpreted.

  • You can never truly be lost—someone will help you, house you, feed you.

  • Hospitality isn’t charity; it’s community: people inviting me into homes, sharing food, sharing stories.

  • "Get out, be brave, and explore the world."

    Mario Rigby, Adventure Explorer

  • "My work is built around human-powered expeditions that remove speed, convenience, and automation."

    - Mario Rigby

  • “By relying on the body alone, these journeys slow everything down and make consequences visible.”

    - Mario Rigby

  • “I learned we are more similar than we are different.”

    - Mario Rigby

  • “Human potential is limitless, if you dare to dream and do.”

    - Mario Rigby

  • “This expedition remains the foundation of my work: slow, human-powered, and shaped by consequence.”

    - Mario Rigby

Photo Gallery

This gallery captures moments from the journey that numbers and maps can’t fully explain. Each image represents a real interaction, a place passed through, or a moment of pause during nearly two years on the road.

From remote landscapes to everyday life, these photographs document the people, environments, and experiences that shaped the expedition. Nothing here is staged—just what it looked and felt like to move slowly across Africa, one step at a time.

Taken together, the images offer a more complete view of the journey: not just distance covered, but the human and environmental reality of crossing a continent by foot and kayak.

Scenic view of a river flowing through a valley with lush green hills and a cloudy sky.
Nighttime view of a beach with several thatched umbrellas, some people sitting on benches, and a person walking along the sand, illuminated by artificial lights.
A group of nine people, mostly women and one girl, gathered around a dining table with plates, glasses, and food in a warmly lit home dining room.
A group of five friends sitting at an outdoor cafe table, smiling at the camera. The table has drinks, water bottles, and a camera, with a man standing behind wearing a black hat and black shirt.
View through a church doorway showing a beach, ocean, sailboat, and distant mountains under a blue sky.
Two men standing beside a green game lodge vehicle at GARDENROCK GAME LODGE, one giving a thumbs up and the other holding a wooden stick, with flags and a building in the background.
Two elephants in a grassy landscape with bushes and hills under a clear blue sky.
A white house with a thatched roof in an open grassy field under a partly cloudy sky.
Two elephants standing in a grassy plain with shrubs and trees, under a blue sky with some clouds, with mountains in the background.
A camping tent set up on a sandy beach with large rock formations in the background and the ocean in the distance.
A person hiking beside a rocky stream with a small waterfall in a forest
A man wearing outdoor gear, including sunglasses, a headscarf, and a backpack, standing outdoors on a sunny day.
A man smiling, kneeling in front of a brick wall with a sign that reads 'Welkom in Heidelberg,' holding a walking stick, wearing outdoor gear, a backward cap, and a backpack.
A rural scene with a dirt foreground, green plants with purple flowers, and a white church with a cross and the word "Steppers" on the building in the background. There are trees and a clear blue sky.
Colorful beach huts with a sign on the red hut in the foreground, set on a sandy beach under a clear blue sky with people walking along the shoreline in the distance.
Rusty shipwreck on the rocky shoreline with blue sky and ocean waves.
A police officer and a man standing outside a community service center, both smiling and making fists. The officer is in uniform, and the man is wearing casual clothing, including a red cap and beige boots.
Aerial view of a rugged coastline with steep cliffs, grassy patches, and turquoise ocean waters.
A scenic view of a coastline with cliffs and a beach, overlooking the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
A red and white camping tent on a grassy hillside with residential houses on a mountain slope in the background, and sunlight streaming over the scene.
Two men smiling for a selfie in a restaurant, one wearing a white t-shirt and red cap, and the other wearing glasses and a denim vest.
A shirtless man wearing a gray cap, scarf, and gray shorts stands on a rock by a dark pool of water near a moss-covered waterfall in a lush green forest.
Three young men sitting at a wooden table in a cozy room with wooden wall paneling, smiling at the camera.
A man wearing a brown wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses hanging from his shirt collar, and a backpack, standing on a bright beach with cliffs and houses in the background.
Five young men sitting inside a makeshift shelter with a green tarpaulin roof and walls, smiling and posing for the photo. One is taking the selfie, while others are making peace signs or pointing at the camera.
A historic building with a clock tower and ornate architecture, surrounded by palm trees and modern buildings, bathed in warm sunlight.
A young person standing next to a motorcycle on a dirt road near a beach, with huts made of thatched roofs and a boat in the background.
Two men posing for a selfie in front of a worn red wall with a barred window. The man in the foreground wears a gray cap, sunglasses on his head, a gray shirt, and a beaded necklace with a shell pendant. The man in the background has curly hair, a be
A kayak with paddles and gear resting on the sandy beach near the water's edge, with rocks, greenery, and a small house in the background under a clear blue sky.
Man kayaking on the ocean wearing sunglasses, a cap, tank top, and wristbands, giving a thumbs up while smiling.
A large group of children and men gathered on a sandy shoreline near boats, with some boats on water and others on land, under a bright sky during daytime.
Two baby rhinoceroses walking on a dirt road in a forested area.
Two people riding a bullock cart on a rural road, with green fields and trees on either side, under a clear sky.
A dead zebra lying on the dry, rocky ground in a desert landscape, with a shadow of a camera or photographer cast nearby.
A person with a backpack standing in a vast, arid desert landscape under a partly cloudy sky, with mountains in the distance.
Two camels walking on a sandy beach under a clear blue sky.
Lush green rolling hills with tea plants, scattered trees, and a partly cloudy blue sky.
Two children playing on a sandy beach near water, with mountains and houses in the background, black and white photograph.
A smiling man outdoors in a lush garden with trees, bushes, and thatched umbrellas, with mountains in the background.
Close-up of a shirtless man with a beard, lying on red and blue sleeping bags, looking into the camera.
Man taking a selfie with a hiking trail and field in the background, wearing a backpack and holding a wooden stick.
Two men posing outdoors with a scenic landscape of water, trees, and cloudy sky in the background. One man is wearing a pink and navy striped polo shirt, the other is wearing a light gray shirt and a red cap. They are smiling with one man's arm aroun
A woman sitting on a grassy hill near the water, looking contemplative, wearing a patterned dress and a headscarf.
A scenic view of traditional round thatched-roof huts on a grassy hillside overlooking the ocean, with hills in the distance under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Group of men and children standing outdoors, with an elderly man sitting on a motorcycle holding a plastic bag with what appears to be food, while three children and two other men look on. The scene shows an old building with a weathered wall in the
A man wearing a striped head wrap and a striped traditional garment sitting in a boat on a river, operating an outboard motor, with a distant boat and land visible in the background.
Two boys observing a yellow dump truck unloading soil or gravel in a rural area with trees in the background, viewed from inside a small shop or stall.
Five men and one young boy standing together outdoors in front of a brick wall, smiling at the camera. The men are dressed in traditional Islamic attire, with some wearing white robes and caps, while the boy wears a bright yellow-green shirt.
A person appears to be pushing or holding the head of a large stone sphinx statue in the desert near a pyramid in Egypt.
A garden with a curved grassy pathway, surrounded by blue and purple flowers, with tall trees and a cloudy sky in the background.
Frying small, round, golden-brown snacks in a black cast iron skillet over oil, on a stovetop.

Press

This expedition has been featured across national and international media, highlighting not just the scale of the journey, but the deeper intention behind it.

Coverage has focused on human-powered exploration, sustainability, and the realities of moving slowly across Africa—offering a perspective that challenges common narratives and assumptions.

These stories extend the impact of the expedition beyond the route itself, bringing its message to a wider audience and opening the door for continued dialogue, collaboration, and exploration.

What Did I Carry?

A smiling man wearing a cap and gray jacket kneeling beside an open hiking backpack filled with clothing and gear.

Everything I carried had to justify its weight.

This expedition was built on a minimalist system—only essential gear that could withstand constant use across changing climates, terrain, and conditions. Every item served a purpose, from shelter and navigation to food preparation and safety.

There was no room for excess. What I carried determined how far I could go each day, how I recovered, and how I adapted to the environment around me.

The setup evolved over time, shaped by real-world experience: what broke, what lasted, and what proved indispensable. It was less about having the best gear, and more about understanding how to use it effectively in unpredictable conditions.

In the end, the gear wasn’t just equipment—it was part of the system that made the journey possible.

    • Gregory Baltoro 65L – main expedition backpack; carried full load comfortably day after day.

    • Gregory Zulu Pack 30L – smaller daypack for food/water/camera and short carries.

    • MSR Hubba Hubba Tent – shelter from weather/bugs; quick setup and stable in wind.

    • Marmot Nano Wave Sleeping Bag – lightweight, packable bag for moderate temps.

    • Polyester Sleeping Liner – added warmth and kept the sleeping bag cleaner.

    • Therm-a-Rest ProLite Sleeping Pad – insulation and comfort; better recovery because sleep matters.Description text goes here

    • Expedition Pants – durable for rough terrain and bush.

    • Cargo Shorts – hot-weather option for airflow.

    • Cotton + Dry Fit Shirts – comfort + sweat-wicking rotation so something was always dry.

    • Athletic Underwear (compression) – reduced chafing on long days.

    • Shemagh/Scarf – sun, dust, wind protection; also handy as a wrap/towel.

    • Wool Socks – blister control and warmth even when damp.

    • Rain Jacket – weather protection for storm days.

    • Magnum Boots – primary walking boots; supportive and tough for huge mileage.

    • Nike Flex (Men/Women) – lightweight recovery/around-town shoes to give feet a break.

    • Teva Hurricanes (Men/Women) – camp sandals + water crossings + foot ventilation.

    • Bear Grylls Knife – camp tasks, food prep, general safety utility.

    • Gerber Flip Knife – quick-access pocket utility knife.

    • 100m Paracord – repairs, tie-downs, clothesline, and general problem-solving.

    • Fishing Line / Hook / Sinkers – backup food sourcing when needed.

    • Gold Lion Gear Carabiner – clipped gear externally for fast access.

    • Suunto Compass – navigation backup when electronics fail.

    • Gorilla Tape – “field repair kit” for shoes, packs, tent damage.

    • LifeStraw – made questionable water sources safe to drink.

    • Oakley’s Sunglasses – eye protection in intense sun (daily-use item).

    • Garmin Fenix 5x Plus – navigation/track logging and route awareness.

    • Sony a7R III + Sony 28–70mm Lens – high-quality photo storytelling kit.

    • Sony RX100 V – compact backup camera for quick shots.

    • GoPro Hero 6 – action/water footage in environments where other cameras can’t go.

    • Samsung S9 Unlocked – communication, maps, and mobile content capture.

    • Anker 20,100mAh Power Bank – high-capacity charging for long stretches off-grid.

    • Goal Zero 7,800mAh Power Bank – smaller power bank for day-to-day backup.

    • Goal Zero Nomad 7+ Solar Panel – remote charging when there’s sun but no outlets.

    • First Aid Kit (66 pieces) – first line of defense for injuries/blisters; handled the small stuff before it became big.

    • Garmin eTrex 20x GPS Tracker – navigation + safety backup; breadcrumb trail when needed.

    • MountFlow Micro Towel – fast-drying towel for quick cleanup.

    • Biodegradable Baby Wipes – hygiene solution when water was scarce.

    • Soap / Lotion / Deodorant – basic hygiene + skin care (important over long periods).

    • Nail Clippers / Small Hair Brush – simple grooming that prevents problems (snags, dirt, discomfort).

    • Toothpaste / Toothbrush – baseline hygiene, non-negotiable.

    • Bracelets / Necklaces / Good Luck Items – morale, grounding, and a bit of home everywhere.

Partner / Book Mario

  • Speaking + storytelling

  • Expeditions consulting / trip planning

  • Media collaborations

  • Brand partnerships with sustainability alignment

Q&A

  • south to north using only human-powered movement, while sharing a more honest and nuanced perspective of the continent through lived experience.

  • The expedition began in Cape Town, South Africa, and concluded in Cairo, Egypt.

  • The journey took approximately two years from start to finish.

  • In total, over 12,000 km (7,450 miles) were covered by foot and kayak.

  • South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt.

  • The expedition was completed entirely by foot and kayak, including a major crossing of Lake Malawi.

  • Traveling on foot forces connection. It slows the experience down and creates space for real interaction with people, landscapes, and cultures along the way.

  • Sustaining physical and mental endurance over long periods, often in extreme environments, while navigating logistics, health, and isolation.

  • Kayaking was used to cross Lake Malawi, covering approximately 550 km, adding a different dimension of endurance and risk to the journey.

  • By building local relationships, staying adaptable, and making decisions based on real-time conditions rather than fixed plans.

  • That Africa is not one story. It is diverse, complex, and deeply human—and the only way to understand that is through direct experience.

  • It reinforced the importance of slowing down, listening, and approaching the world with openness and respect.

  • The journey was made possible through a combination of personal commitment, partnerships, and support from organizations aligned with the mission.

  • While possible, it requires extensive preparation, cultural awareness, and a strong understanding of the physical and logistical demands involved.

  • To challenge assumptions, inspire human-powered exploration, and create a deeper connection between people and the places they move through.