From Lagos to Windhoek: My Journey as the First African to Travel from Nigeria to Namibia by Road
We did it! After months of preparation, countless visa applications, and an unforgettable road trip through 9 African countries, we’ve finally made it from Lagos, Nigeria, all the way to Windhoek, Namibia! And let me tell you, it has been nothing short of an adventure of a lifetime. We’re now in Namibia, and I’m absolutely loving it here.
I know many of you have followed along with me as I planned this epic journey, and now, the feeling of completion is surreal. The road from Lagos to Windhoek took us through Central, East, and Southern Africa, and I’ve seen, experienced, and learned so much along the way. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was 100% worth it.
And now I am crowned as the First african to travel overland from Nigeria to Namibia by road Read Interviews on Dailytimesnews
A Road Few Would Dare to Travel
A lot of people have asked me: “Why go by road? Isn’t it easier to fly?” And to be honest, I’ve heard everything from “this is a white man’s adventure” to “Why would you suffer like that?” I get it.
Overland travel in Africa is often seen as grueling, risky, and unnecessarily difficult. But for me, it’s about more than just the physical challenge. It’s about showing the world—and ourselves—just how beautiful, diverse, and resilient Africa is.
For too long, the narrative of African exploration has been written by outsiders. But it’s time for us, as Africans, to tell our own stories. We don’t need a European explorer to “discover” Africa for us, nor do we need to travel to the West to find opportunities. Our continent is rich with history, culture, and potential, and I’m here to share that with the world. This journey was my way of reclaiming the narrative, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.
The Highlights of the Journey
The road trip itself wasn’t just about the destinations—it was about the people we met and the places that stole our hearts along the way.
- Cameroon: This was my first stop, and what a surprise it was! I’d heard little about Cameroon before, but its waterfalls, lush landscapes, and welcoming people made it a hidden gem in the heart of Africa.
- Congo (Brazzaville): Congo surprised me with its warmth and hospitality. The people here felt like family, and the vibe reminded me a lot of Nigeria. It was a place that felt like home, no matter how far from home we were.
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): I have to say, the DRC was one of the warmest places I’ve ever visited. But let me be real—it wasn’t an easy country to travel through. From the chaos of Kinshasa to the rugged roads heading to Goma, it challenged me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. But the kindness of the people more than made up for the difficulties. The DRC has so much potential, and I hope more people give it a chance.
- Rwanda: Ah, Rwanda! What a pleasant surprise. The cleanliness, order, and peace there really stood out to me. It’s a model of what Africa can achieve, and honestly, I wouldn’t mind retiring here one day. It’s that impressive.
- Uganda & Kenya: Both lived up to their reputation as East African treasures. Uganda’s stunning landscapes were jaw-dropping, and Kenya’s vibrant culture had me hooked from day one. These countries gave me some of the best memories of the whole journey.
- Tanzania: Zanzibar was nothing short of magical. Not only was it beautiful, but the focus on sustainable tourism and community impact really resonated with me. Oh, and I saw dolphins for the first time, which was an experience I’ll never forget.
- Zambia: Zambia felt like a second home. Everywhere we went, the people were so friendly and welcoming. Plus, being so close to Victoria Falls made me reflect on the way Africa’s natural wonders are named. Why should they carry the names of foreign figures? Why not embrace our own history and names?
- Namibia: And here we are. Namibia completely blew me away. The streets are clean, the infrastructure is top-notch, and the roads are beautifully tiled. It’s a country that makes you question why so many Africans look outside the continent for opportunities. Namibia is proof that there is so much untapped potential right here in Africa.
Reimagining African Travel
Now that we’ve arrived in Namibia, I’m even more determined to continue advocating for a more integrated Africa.
The journey highlighted just how difficult it is for Africans to travel freely within our own continent.
The visa restrictions, high fees for non-locals, and the lack of true regional integration are real barriers that we need to address.
For example, in Kenya, I paid 1,500 shillings to visit the Giraffe Centre, while East Africans paid only 350. These kinds of discrepancies make it harder for us to truly unite as one continent.
But this only fuels my passion to push for change. I want to see an Africa where we can move freely, where borders aren’t obstacles, and where we can build meaningful connections with one another. It’s time to create an Africa that is connected, not divided.
What’s Next?
So, what’s next for me? Well, I’m not stopping here. I’ve seen just how much Africa has to offer, and now it’s time to share those stories with the world. I hope this journey inspires you to look at Africa not just as a place to escape from, but as a place to explore, invest in, and celebrate. We have everything we need right here. It’s up to us to unlock our continent’s full potential.
Here’s to more adventures, more discoveries, and more stories to share. Africa, I’m just getting started!
