From Germany to South Africa: 20,000 km by bike

It was Christmas Eve, and I found myself in an unfamiliar but peaceful spot in southern Spain. Reaching the end of Europe by bike felt like a major milestone, and now I was about to cross to Morocco by ferry and explore a whole new continent. For the first time ever, I was spending Christmas alone. My dinner was just a simple bowl of pasta—no Christmas tree, no family, no gifts. The air outside was still, the setting tranquil, but inside I felt a mix of emotions—calm, yet also a bit nervous about what was ahead. What challenges would I face on my big ride?

People kept telling me, “The adventure starts in the Sahara.” Later, it became, “The adventure starts in the Guineas,” and then, “The adventure starts in Nigeria.” It seemed like the “real” adventure was always just around the next corner. But as I pedaled through country after country, I realized something unexpected: instead of danger or fear, I found safety, hospitality, and the kindness of strangers. I discovered new horizons, experienced different worlds, and met so many incredible people along the way.

The journey wasn’t without its tough moments. In the Congo, after two-thirds of this trip, I hit my biggest low. I was completely out of energy, craving some privacy and a place to properly recharge. I was so close to flying home at that point. Yet somehow, after spending some time in a monastery, I found the strength to keep going. I was ready to cross the last three countries of this trip: Angola, Namibia, and South Africa.

Namibia became my favorite part of the journey. Its vast, otherworldly landscapes and the quiet beauty of its deserts made me feel truly alive and connected to everything around me. Reaching Cape Town, the final destination, was an amazing moment, celebrating it with friends who came to join me for the last days of this journey. But all the beauty of it was mixed with a sense of emptiness. After such a huge adventure, there was relief and a deep tiredness.

Now, as I sit back and reflect on the road I’ve traveled, I feel a lot of gratitude. This journey has been so eye-opening; I feel like I’ve connected so many dots, seen a part of a enormous continent with my own eyes, and developed a sense of how close yet far away "the unknown" is from my home. If I can make it by bicycle, then perhaps we’re not as far apart as it seems—we’re all connected, not only through travel but also by nature and heart.

After I reached Cape Town, I flew home to celebrate Christmas with my loved ones who had been waiting for me for such a long time. There’s so much more to share—stories, lessons, and moments that didn’t make it into the daily updates of the trip.

And there’s more to come. A movie and a book are in the making, where I’ll dive deeper into the adventure, the people, and the landscapes that shaped this incredible experience. Stay tuned, because this story is just getting started.

Picture by Fabienne Engel