If you’re up to date to the world of adventures, you must have heard the name Mario Rigby before. Remember the guy who embarked on a journey to cross Africa on foot? Yes, that’s him!

I’ve been following Rigby ever since his Crossing Africa adventure and I’ve been super fond of the whole experience, as I have some similar dreams of mine I wish I’d achieve one day. But walking an entire continent like Africa on foot? Why?

Who Is Mario Rigby and Why Did He Cross Africa on Foot?

Mario Rigby is a Toronto-based adventure explorer who decided to walk across Africa to showcase the ingenuity of Africans and how life there can be as normal as anywhere else in the world. And of course, what could be a better way to experience authenticity than walking the land and getting in contact with almost everyone on the way?

Rigby took off on his Crossing Africa adventure in last 2015. His starting point was Cape Town, and two years later, after covering a 12,000 km and passing through eight different African countries, he arrived at his final destination, Cairo.

“If you can dream it, it can be done.”

Mario Rigby

As Rigby started sharing new content from his epic adventure on Instagram lately, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about this life-changing experience. Mario was super friendly and open to the idea of an interview. We talked about the whole Crossing Africa journey, his experience in Egypt, and his upcoming adventure.

1. Where did Crossing Africa come from? In other words, what inspired you to embark on this adventure?

I’ve always loved a beautiful challenge, whether that was to physically or mentally push myself, it allowed me to see clearly what the human being is capable of. Crossing Africa on foot was one dream that came to me a few years prior. After I was dissatisfied with how things were in my life, I decided to do something about it, so I did the ultimate challenge.

2. Other than the Toronto-Montreal walk, what else did you do to train and prepare for Crossing Africa?

I was a pro athlete before, competing for my country (Turks & Caicos Islands) in the 200 and 400-meter races. I was fit enough for any physical activity; however, my mindset for long 14 hour-walks had to be trained as well. Researching other explorers who’ve crossed Antarctica and the North Pole gave me inspiration.

3. What kind of obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?

My main obstacles were overcoming loneliness and solving problems on the fly. You either decide to become your own best friend or you die, I chose to be my own best friend. Solving issues meant how will I cross borders, climb mountains, swim across rivers, kayak across lakes, and so on.

4. How was connecting with people on the road and how was their feedback like when they learned that you were crossing Africa on foot?

Most, and by most I mean all people, were continually shocked and disbelieved. Most people could not even comprehend me walking from village to village, so the entire continent put me in some unique positions with individuals throughout my journey. In some places, I’m a hero and in others, I am a strange man.

5. With all the cultural differences, what did all the African countries you’ve been to have in common?

Most of the African countries had a strong sense of character, they could be the strong warrior tribe-type people or timid natives. The diversity was quite intense, the best way to put it under one word would be that it was a ‘raw’ experience.

6. How different did you find Egypt from the image media portrays? What stereotypes were shattered?

Egypt was entirely different from the rest of Africa, even Sudan. The images portrayed were mostly of the pyramids; however, I learned a lot more about the Nubians in the south, Old Cairo, and New Cairo. I was overwhelmed by the intensity of downtown, particularly because I’m coming from relatively quiet places along my route for the exception of Dar Es Salam.

7. Which Egyptian destinations did you visit in Egypt and what did you enjoy the most?

I’ve visited every monument and region in Egypt starting from the Sudanese border to Alexandria. I learned about the ancient history of Egypt in-depth; it was breathtaking to say the least. I spent most of my time in Luxor and Aswan along the River Nile basin.

8. Which destinations in Africa spoke to you the most?

The nation that spoke to me the most is difficult to pin-point but I’d say Sudan was an incredible experience. It was about the people; some of the most hospitable I’ve ever met. Their level of care was undoubtedly something I could not even imagine.

9. Name 5 takeaways from the Crossing Africa adventure.

Each country has its own uniqueness. Ethiopia was incredibly vibrant and diverse, Kenya was a striving business hub with such natural resources, Tanzania had some of the most beautiful beaches and tribes in the world, while South Africa taught me a lesson on equality, racism, and vastness. Mozambique taught me about surviving off of little but making the most out of what you have and enjoying that, Malawi taught me to conquer all fears and that’s where I climbed my first mountain and kayaked across one of the largest lakes in the world.

10. Tell us more about Cycling Canada.

Cycling across Canada and the United States was an experience I wanted to have in order to stay active and do something else I’ve also always wanted to do. I’ve never done a cycling tour before and I did not want to learn from a tour or be slowed down by anyone. So, I did it on my own terms and I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have the experience of seeing such a vast and wonderful land.

11. Tell us more about Project EVA and when you’re expected to take off.

Project EVA is on pause at the moment. The purpose of this expedition is to show the world, and Africa that sustainable means of transport and energy is the way into the future. Not only is it ‘greener’ for our planet but it’s also more efficient and self-sustaining in the long term for an ever evolving population. Africa’s population is projected to quadruple to 4 or 5 billion people by the year 2100 according to UN estimates, that means 1 in 3 humans on the planet will be African. Africa has an opportunity to no longer be the hand to be helped but can become the helping hand to the world.

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