A Journey Beyond Borders: Roberto’s Odyssey Across Africa

For many, the idea of cycling across an entire continent is an unfathomable challenge—one that requires immense endurance, unwavering determination, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. For filmmaker and explorer Roberto, it was a dream born out of a longing for adventure and a desire to tell authentic, untold stories. From his early fascination with maps and travel books to setting off on a 16-month journey from Cairo to Cape Town, Roberto’s expedition became more than just a test of physical and mental resilience—it was a deeply transformative experience that reshaped his understanding of culture, identity, and storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Roberto shares the inspiration behind his journey, the challenges he faced, and how he used filmmaking to document the beauty, struggles, and realities of life across Africa.

1. Please tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Roberto, a filmmaker, explorer, and storyteller driven by curiosity and a deep desire to understand the human condition. I grew up in Lebanon, where I always felt confined and longed for freedom and adventure. My passion for travel began in childhood when I became fascinated with maps, encyclopedias, books, and movies. Still, it wasn't until university in Australia that I started discovering the world. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to experiencing new places, learning from diverse cultures and people, and sharing these journeys through my films.

2. What inspired you to embark on this journey from Cairo to Cape Town?

Eight years ago, while still in school, I felt stuck and unfulfilled, often wondering if I had done anything meaningful with my life. I caught myself daydreaming while looking at a world map, and a crazy idea took root—what if I cycled across Africa? It was a daunting concept, but I was driven by three pillars: learning from and documenting a misunderstood continent, living an adventurous lifestyle, and undergoing a personal rite of passage and a quest for meaning. I wanted to challenge myself, learn from Africa’s rich diversity, and share these stories to bridge cultural divides and promote sustainability.

3. How did you prepare for this extensive trip, both physically and mentally?

Physically, I didn’t overprepare. I did a five-day test ride in Lebanon to get used to the gear and my bicycle, but I knew the actual journey would be my true training ground. Mentally, I approached it with flexibility and curiosity. I planned the route based on key points of interest but left space for adaptation, knowing that the unpredictability of Africa would require me to adjust constantly. This mental preparation, rooted in curiosity and resilience, was just as important as any physical training.

4. What motivated you to record your journey on video?

The motivation came from a desire to tell stories that challenge preconceived notions about Africa, inspire curiosity, and promote open-mindedness. I wanted to document the continent from a first-hand perspective and show the human side of the places I visited. Filmmaking allowed me to capture these experiences and share them in an engaging and educational way, connecting with an audience either already curious about the world, or becoming more curious and open thanks to my videos.

5. How long did the entire journey take, and how did you plan the route?

The journey took 16 months in total to cycle about 12,000 km (Plus two and a half months in Cape Town). Initially, I considered cycling from Casablanca to Cape Town, but after some research, I settled on the Cairo-to-Cape Town route. I chose the eastern side of Africa due to its fascinating cultures and geography, though the route was flexible and adjusted based on political and safety considerations. I passed through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.

6. What kind of equipment did you use to document your journey?

To capture the journey, I used a Sony A7C camera with a 16-35mm f2.8 GM lens, the Insta360 ONE X2, a Røde VideoMic NTG microphone, a Macbook Pro M1 13.3” to edit, and a DJI Air 2S drone. My gear was selected for its portability and durability, ensuring that I could film in various challenging environments. The equipment had to withstand extreme weather and rough handling since I was constantly on the move, often in harsh conditions. But about 70% of all I filmed was actually on my iPhone 13 Pro, as I always prioritize capturing an authentic moment rather than a staged, more beautiful one. Things happen fast on the road, and setting up a bulky camera can make you lose the precious time you could’ve captured a key interaction with a local or ana event/scene happening spontaneously. Story > image! 

7. How did you manage power for your devices in remote areas?

Managing power in remote areas was a significant challenge. I mainly used a multiplug and portable power banks to keep my devices charged, which I would do in every down time I’d have. In some cases, I had to rely on the hospitality of locals to recharge my equipment in small villages. It required careful planning and conservation of battery life, especially during long stretches without access to electricity.

8. What were the biggest technical challenges you faced while filming on the road?

The variety of weather conditions I encountered across the continent posed problems, with cameras struggling in extreme heat, rain, and dust. I had to get my Sony camera and lens serviced multiple times in big cities I passed by. The battery of my iPhone inflated twice and broke the screen, which I both had to replace. The wind was often a problem for recording crisp sound, and unfortunately I didn’t have a deadcat to help. Filming while cycling was a constant challenge as I had to balance the need to capture moments while ensuring my safety on the road was tough, and simultaneously deciding what to film and what to keep for myself. Filming daily for 16 months led to creative burnout at times, especially when the narrative felt repetitive or overwhelming.

9. Did you have a specific filming or storytelling strategy in mind before you started?

I had a loose structure in mind, focused on capturing the essence of each region and its people. The idea was to balance the adventurous aspects of the journey with meaningful conversations and interactions with locals. My approach was rooted in spontaneity—allowing the journey to dictate the story while ensuring that key cultural moments, landscapes, and personal challenges were recorded. Whatever a country throws at me, I would transform it into a story and find the meaning behind it in the editing process, but also the scripting, which I often tackle after most of the footage is recorded. It’s not an efficient or easily delegatable process, but this process does make impactful stories.

10. What was a typical day like in terms of cycling and filming?

A typical day involved cycling for several hours, often through diverse landscapes and terrains. I would stop frequently to interact with locals, capture footage of the surroundings, and document my thoughts. Evenings were spent setting up camp, editing footage when possible, and reflecting on the day’s experiences. There wasn’t much downtime, as every moment was either about moving forward or documenting the journey.

11. Can you share a memorable moment or encounter that you experienced on your journey?

It’s a hard question to answer, so I decided to pick the two experiences that came up to mind as I read the question. One of the most memorable moments was trekking the Rwenzori Mountains on the Uganda-DRC border. In just three days, I journeyed from dense jungle to tropical glaciers, eventually reaching Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters. The mystical atmosphere of the cloud forests and alpine lakes was surreal—an unforgettable experience that captured the essence of Africa’s natural beauty.

Another simple but impactful experience was getting hosted for lunch and tea by a struggling gold miner in the middle an empty Sahara desert in Northern Sudan.

12. How did you deal with adverse weather conditions or challenging terrain?

Weather conditions were often extreme—whether scorching heat in the deserts or heavy rains in the mountains and savannahs. I adapted by cycling early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and staying prepared with the right gear for rain or cold. The terrain was also incredibly challenging, particularly in places like Ethiopia and Rwanda, where steep inclines made cycling brutal with 75 kgs of gear to push on the ike. In those moments, it was all about persistence and pacing myself, one kilometer at a time, but most importantly, remembering the intentions of Why did I sign up for this? Why am I here right now, cycling across Africa?

13. What were some of the cultural experiences you encountered along the way?

Ethiopia stood out as one of the most culturally fascinating places. From the Amhara people to the Afar tribes, I encountered a rich diversity of traditions, languages, and practices. The country’s unique calendar, language, and religious traditions made it feel like a world apart. Other memorable cultural experiences included learning from the Maasai in Kenya, spending time with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers in Tanzania, and Friday prayers with the Sufis in Sudan.

14. How did you handle the footage you collected—did you review or edit while on the road?

Yes, I tried to do file transfers, script, and edit as much as possible while on the road to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of footage. I reviewed clips during “rest days” and evenings, organizing them by location and theme. The challenge was maintaining enough energy to cycle and film while also keeping up with editing, but it was essential to staying on top of the project.

15. Were there any moments or stories that were particularly challenging to convey in the film?

Yes, some of the more emotionally charged moments were hard to capture accurately. For example, the civil unrest I encountered in Ethiopia, speaking to homophobic pastors in Uganda, being hosted by a very racist man in Namibia, visiting Rwandan genocide memorials, and dealing with personal struggles and burnout later in the journey were difficult to convey without either oversimplifying or over-dramatizing them. The challenge was maintaining authenticity while respecting the complexity of the situations, and especially choosing what to film and knowing where’s the limit. 

16. How did you balance the need for a compelling narrative with the reality of your journey?

It was a delicate balance between staying true to the experience and crafting a story that would resonate with the audience. Sometimes, the most exciting moments didn’t translate well to film, while quieter, more introspective moments were the ones that truly carried emotional weight. I aimed to stay authentic and let the journey’s natural highs and lows dictate the narrative, rather than forcing a storyline. But that balance is often hard to find, because the tough or negative moments are not something we tend to capture naturally.

17. Looking back, what do you think was the most impactful part of this journey? What were some of your biggest takeaways of the journey?

The most impactful part was the personal growth I experienced—learning to separate my identity from my accomplishments and understanding the importance of human connection over chasing extreme experiences. The biggest takeaway was that freedom isn’t about doing whatever you want all the time—it’s about making intentional choices that align with your values, and sometimes that means embracing routine and balance.

There are many other lessons I’ve learned thanks to traveling across Africa specifically, but the list is a long one, I’ll save it for a future book!

18. How did this experience change you as a person and as a filmmaker?

As a person, I became more grounded, realizing that constantly pushing myself to extremes wasn’t sustainable. I learned to value introspection and routine, understanding that it’s okay to slow down and enjoy the simple moments. As a filmmaker, I gained a deeper appreciation for storytelling and the responsibility of sharing honest, meaningful narratives that resonate beyond just the visuals.

19. What message or story do you hope your audience takes away from watching your journey?

I hope viewers come away with a deeper understanding of the beauty and complexity of Africa and its people, but more importantly, I want them to feel inspired to pursue their own adventures and get out of their comfort zone, whatever they may be or do. I want to encourage curiosity, open-mindedness, positive change, and the belief that meaningful connections with people and places are what truly enrich our lives and creates a more sustainable world, as hippie as it may sound.

20. Do you have plans for future projects or journeys? If so, what are they?

Yes, I have several projects in the works. I’m planning a cycling trip across Syria, a month with the Hadzabe in Tanzania to learn more about their lifestyle and beliefs, and a stay at the monasteries of Mount Athos in Greece. I’m also considering a larger “Project West Africa” expedition to cycle through 28 countries and document the untold stories and beauty of the region.

21. What safety measures did you take while traveling through different regions?

Safety was a priority throughout the journey. I stayed informed about political and security risks through local contacts and official travel advisories. I avoided conflict zones, traveled with locals when possible, and was mindful of my own behavior and surroundings. I also paid close attention to the dynamics of each region, whether it was navigating civil unrest in Ethiopia or avoiding areas with a strong rebel presence in northern Kenya. Having local contacts was invaluable—they provided real-time updates on potential dangers and helped me avoid risky situations. In more remote areas, like the Nubian Desert in Sudan, I relied on the hospitality of locals, who often acted as guides and helped me stay safe. I also made sure to travel with a well-stocked first aid kit and basic tools for bike repairs, and I maintained regular check-ins with friends and family when possible, especially in regions where communication could be sporadic. Balancing preparedness with flexibility allowed me to adapt quickly to changing conditions.

22. Did you encounter any legal or bureaucratic hurdles during the journey?

Yes, there were quite a few legal and bureaucratic challenges along the way. Crossing borders in Africa often meant dealing with inconsistent visa policies, unexpected fees, and the occasional “new rule” invented on the spot. For example, at the Ethiopian border, I was charged a $200 “entrance fee” for my bicycle, and we were held up for hours because the customs officer didn’t know the Latin alphabet to fill out the necessary documents. I also got chased by the Egyptian Police who violently insisted to escort me and my friends across the country and dictate our every move and route. It was deeply frustrating at first, but ended up becoming one of the most fun experiences of my life, as we tried to dodge them daily by taking country roads and didn’t fear any legal hurdles as what we were doing wasn’t deemed illegal. But usually, the best approach is always to stay patient, remain polite, and have enough flexibility to deal with these unexpected drawbacks.

23. What advice would you give to someone looking to head out on a similar adventure?

First, be clear about your motivations—ask yourself why you want to embark on such an adventure and whether your intentions are strong enough to keep you going through the inevitable challenges. Physically and mentally prepare, but don’t over plan; leave room for spontaneity. Gear-wise, invest in quality basics (bike, tent, sleeping bag), but keep your load light for the rest. Be flexible and ready to adapt to the unexpected because Africa’s unpredictability is part of its charm. Have savings in cash that allow for surprises, whether that’s a border fee or an emergency repair. Documenting the journey can be deeply rewarding, so consider keeping a journal or making films to share your experiences with others. Most importantly, don’t let fear or doubt stop you—if you feel the call to adventure, take the leap. The timing will never be perfect, but it’s the imperfections that make the journey of life worthwhile.