{"id":84084,"date":"2025-04-01T15:09:17","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T13:09:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/?p=84084"},"modified":"2025-04-01T15:09:22","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T13:09:22","slug":"meryem-belkihels-incredible-solo-cycling-journey-through-africa-continues-to-inspire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/meryem-belkihels-incredible-solo-cycling-journey-through-africa-continues-to-inspire\/","title":{"rendered":"Meryem Belkihel’s incredible solo cycling journey through Africa continues to inspire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since leaving South Africa to continue her journey through Africa en route to Tanzania, lone traveller Meryem Belkihel has visited six other different countries, including neighbouring Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 29-year-old was featured in TygerBurger nearly a year ago when she reached Cape Town after cycling solo from Morocco, travelling almost 11 500 km. Her journey is in aid of women’s empowerment and her story appeared in the newspaper in July last year (“Cyclist completes epic journey to CT”, 10 July 2024). While in Cape Town Belkihel, a digital creator, stayed in Sea Point, but visited Eden on the Bay in Bloubergstrand, Table View’s Kite Beach and Table Mountain, to name a few sites.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beautiful landscapes, kind people\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With 27 000 km behind her, she currently finds herself in Malawi, before heading to Tanzania in a few days.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The journey through South Africa was incredible,” Belkihel told TygerBurger recently, “but it is also one of the most complicated countries I have cycled through, with beautiful landscapes, kind people, but also challenges such as strong winds, safety concerns and frustrating bike issues.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On her journey she also visited tourist sites and met local people to learn about their traditions, religions and culture. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Eswatini [formerly Swaziland] was a refreshing change, small, peacefu, and full of stunning mountains. Mozambique had amazing coastal views, but the heat and long stretches between towns made it tough at times, and I was there during the election problems. Zimbabwe had its challenges, but also some of the warmest people I have ever met, not to mention one of the most expensive economies. Botswana was unique, with its long empty roads, lots of wildlife and wild camping under incredible starry skies. Zambia was a mix of friendly locals and long, tough roads, amazing national parks and animals.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belkihel’s journey is documented on Instagram where nearly 200 000 people follow her journey. She told the newspaper that she is not sure as to when she will reach home.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As for reaching Morocco it is hard to say exactly, but I am taking my time, enjoying the road, and meeting amazing people along the way. It could take a few more months, depending on the route, visas, and unexpected adventures,” Meryem says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Meryem Belkihel travelling through Zambia earlier this year.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Since leaving South Africa to continue her journey through Africa en route to Tanzania, lone traveller Meryem Belkihel has visited six other different countries, including neighbouring Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe 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Belkihel's incredible solo cycling journey through Africa continues to inspire | TygerBurger<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/meryem-belkihels-incredible-solo-cycling-journey-through-africa-continues-to-inspire\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Meryem Belkihel's incredible solo cycling journey through Africa continues to inspire\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Since leaving South Africa to continue her journey through Africa en route to Tanzania, lone traveller Meryem Belkihel has visited six other different countries, including neighbouring Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" 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