TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
Emirati adventurer Waleed Al Shamsi has come to the end of the road of a journey of a lifetime – an epic, solo overland trip that started in his hometown of Al Ain in March 2025, and spanned the African continent.
Aletihad followed the trail of the intrepid traveller who, at the time of writing, was stationed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, preparing to ship his vehicle to Santos, Brazil, where he is set to embark on his next conquest: South America.
The seasoned explorer, who is a football talent scout and agent back home, has already travelled to “65 to 70 countries in total” but shows no signs of slowing down.
Reflecting on a gruelling and breathtaking odyssey, Al Shamsi shared a “slideshow” of the places he’s visited, and the sights and sounds he’s taken in over the past 15 months.
Retracing his steps, he told Aletihad: “I started my journey in the UAE and crossed into Saudi Arabia, Egypt and back to Saudi Arabia and entered Africa via Djibouti. I travelled through several countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, and others... .”
Asked what the most memorable moments of the trip were, there were too many to mention.
Al Shamsi explained that it was not his intention to finish the journey in record time. “It wasn’t a rushed trip – I took my time to explore different places, meet local people, and experience each country along the way. The adventure is still ongoing, and the next stage will take me to South America,” he said.
Africa Top 10 Highlights
Meeting the Himba people in Namibia and learning about their unique culture and traditions;
Visiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa’s highest peak;
Exploring the deserts and coastal landscapes of Namibia, including the famous dunes and Skeleton Coast;
Seeing wildlife in East and Southern Africa, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos in their natural habitats;
Driving on remote and challenging roads, which tested both driving skills and endurance;
Experiencing the hospitality of local communities across different countries and learning about their daily lives;
Visiting Cape Town in South Africa and seeing landmarks such as Table Mountain;
Crossing multiple international borders by car, which offered a unique perspective on the diversity of Africa;
Discovering the culture and rapid development of Rwanda, known as “the Dubai of Africa
Witnessing incredible sunsets, landscapes and natural beauty across the continent.
Planning and Preparation
What drives a man to get in his car and embark on such a life-changing voyage?
“I think I was really drawn to the idea of discovering such a diverse range of cultures and landscapes. Africa is so full of history, nature and unique stories that I just felt like I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” he said.
Not just any car, one that is equipped to negotiate unforgiving terrains and treacherous conditions. “I used a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with a 6-cylinder engine. The vehicle was chosen because of its reliability and excellent off-road capability.
"For the journey, I equipped it with several accessories, including a suspension lift, 35-inch all-terrain tyres, recovery gear, auxiliary lights, extra fuel and water storage, communication equipment, and various tools and spare parts. Since many roads in Africa can be challenging, these modifications helped improve safety, comfort, and self-reliance during the trip,” he explained.
And what do you pack for a 15-month pan-African road trip?
“Preparing for the journey took a lot of planning. I arranged visas for the countries that required them and made sure all my vehicle documents and insurance were in order. I carried enough drinking water, emergency food supplies, camping gear, a first-aid kit, recovery equipment for off-road driving, spare parts, and tools for the vehicle. I also packed clothing suitable for different climates, from hot deserts to cooler mountain regions. Since I travel by car, being self-sufficient and prepared for unexpected situations is very important.”
When venturing off the beaten track, especially in Africa, prepare for bumps, potholes, zebra crossings (with actual zebras), or sometimes no road at all, which can test the most dexterous of drivers.
“Like any long overland journey, I faced a few challenges along the way. Some roads were in very poor condition, especially in remote areas, with deep mud, sand, potholes, and rough terrain. There were also occasional vehicle maintenance issues, but carrying tools, spare parts, and recovery equipment helped me deal with them.
“As for wildlife, I had to be careful when driving in areas where animals such as elephants, buffalo, and other large wildlife could unexpectedly cross the road, especially at night.”
Border crossing bureaucracy and extreme weather conditions presented entirely different sets of problems.
“I encountered challenges at some border crossings and police checkpoints, where procedures could be time-consuming and sometimes complicated. Weather conditions were another factor, including heavy rain, flooding, and heat in certain regions.
“Fortunately, with proper preparation, patience, and respect for local conditions, I was able to handle these situations safely and continue the journey,” he added.
How do you Sleeep at Night?
Throughout the journey, Al Shamsi was forced to “mix it up depending on the location”. Some nights he slept in the Jeep, especially during long drives, or remote stretches. Other nights, he would set up camp and rest in his tent. When in the big cities, he would book hotels or guesthouses. “It really depended on the day and the place,” he said.
Lonely Road
The life of a solo traveller is a lonely one, being away from his wife and children for months at a time. But being outside of that comfort zone also builds character.
Al Shamsi explained how he copes: “I have travelled alone mostly, which made the journey more challenging and rewarding. Travelling solo allowed me to meet more people, experience local cultures more closely, and make my own decisions along the way.”
To keep in touch with family and friends, he used mobile networks, Wi-Fi when available, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp. In remote areas, communication was sometimes limited.
Al Shamsi did not have a support team travelling with him, or anyone on standby to assist in case of emergency. “Most of the journey was planned and managed by myself. However, I received help and advice from local people, fellow travellers, friends, and followers whenever needed. Their support played an important role in making the journey successful.”
He added: “Being away from my family for long periods is not easy... [but] their support is very important to me and gives me motivation to continue my journey. I try to balance my professional life, my family responsibilities, and my passion for exploration as much as possible.”
Lessons Learnt
For Al Shamsi, the reason he does what he does is to “meet people from different backgrounds and experiencing cultures first-hand”.
But his travels have taught him many more valuable lessons - about life, humanity and appreciation.
“First, I learned that patience is one of the most important skills when travelling across different countries and cultures. Things do not always go according to plan, and being flexible is essential,” he noted.
“I also learned the importance of preparation and self-reliance. When travelling long distances by car, especially in remote areas, you need to be ready to solve problems on your own.
“Another lesson was that people are often kinder and more helpful than we expect. Throughout Africa, I met many generous people who offered help, advice and friendship.”
“The journey also taught me to appreciate simple things - clean water, a safe place to sleep, good health, and the opportunity to explore the world.
“Most importantly, I learned that stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the best ways to grow, gain confidence, and better understand both the world and yourself.”
Thanks and Support
Al Shamsi expressed his gratitude to those who have lent their support and helped make his dreams of adventure a reality.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported my journey so far - family, friends and followers around the world. Your encouragement means a lot and keeps me going on the road.”
Al Shamsi is currently chronicling his travels on his Instagram page @waleed_aventour. He is also appealing to potential sponsors - automotive, travel gear, outdoor equipment, communication, and lifestyle brands - to partner with him on his current and future adventures.