My dream to walk the entire Africa coastline — Need feedback about a sustainable tourism project

I'm Desmond Langkilde, a limber 63 year young fossil, a travel writer, and a dreamer.

I have a dream that's born of passion, nurtured through countless hours, even years, of planning, budgetting, and grant funding application rejections. And still the Dream persists! Undaunted by others who consider the Dream to be fanciful, unrealistic, or just plain crazy. If your dreams are similar, then I'm in good company.

This is a long story. So sit back, grab a coffee (or your favourite tipple), and read on as I share my dream with you.

Then, at the end, make a comment. Be critical. Share your dream. How did you overcome setbacks to turn your dream into reality? After all, I'm posting this to get feedback and inspiration from the Travel Massive community (or anyone you care to share this post with).

👉 So, here's my dream; to walk the entire Africa coastline, including the continents' islands - 40 countries, 40,000km, 52 million steps.

And while walking, to tell Africas' stories. Stories about marine conservation, biodiversity degredation, and sustainable tourism.

The Dream was sown in 2018 after founding Walk4Africa.org (W4A) - a collective of Africa-based tour operators with aspirations of kick starting walkathon events along 40 African state coastlines to coincide with World Tourism Day (27 September each year). The plan was scuppered in 2020 (we all know how global tourism was decimated after the viral event of that year).

Undeterred by the collapse of the W4A collective, the Dream morphed into The Africa Coastal Odyssey; a solo walk circumnavigating the continents' coastline.

But walking alone can become, well, lonely. I tested this part of the Dream as a fundraiser by walking my Siberian Husky, Jaxx, from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town in August of 2021 (Jaxx is a great companion but doesn't say much - contrary to his blog posts, which can be viewed here - walk4africa.org/blog/)

A dog is great company but the fundraiser ended up costing more than was raised in donations. The problem with walking along a coastal route is that no dogs are allowed on most beaches, especially those designated as marine conservation areas, which hinders progress.

So, the Dream morphed yet again. For company (and more local stories), what if journalism students in each of the 40 countries were hosted to join the Odyssey for a weeks mentoring and practical experience while reporting on the aforementioned topics? (Read more about this idea here - walk4africa.org/africa-coastal-odyssey).

Great idea, I thought dreamily, but woke up disallusioned after speaking to the Dean of Journalism studies at Stellenbosch University. "Our curriculum is set years in advance and leaves little scope for extramural activities that bear no credits for students," the Dean responded curtly.

That was the first Dream bubble to pop. Coupled to the budget bubble, which increased astronomically. Then the funding bubble popped when several grant applications were politely declined (including several National Geographical Society Story Telling grant applications). Even crowdfunding appeals got nowhere.

And yet, the Dream persists. A third morphing is slowly materialising. In this version, each day of the Coastal Odyssey is plotted using Google Maps. Walking tour itineraries are compiled to include airport shuttles to the beach (using local transport providers, of course), tented accommodation, rustic meals, etc. Logistically, this idea may not be feasable considering that much of Africas' coastline is remote. Still, it may be an option to gain company and revenue to proceed along the journey. Especially when the route nears cities that have airports. But who would coordinate the tour package itinerary logistics? So that Dream bubble popped too.

Then another idea materialised in the Dream. What if a series of narrative non-fiction books were written about the Odyssey journey? Publisher advances would surely fund each years costs. So, after researching 30 international book agents who specialise in this genre, I emailed proposals. Only one curt reply was received; "We don't do travel narratives," he said.

The bubble bath Dream has become a cacophony of discordant popping. Yet, one bubble remains intact; the passion to turn this Dream into reality!

And so I ask you; is this a pipe dream? Should I burst the final Dream bubble, get some sleep, and wake up?

PS. The Africa Coastal Odyssey will take at least five years to complete. Taking the first step soon is imperative - before I become a real fossil.

Your thoughts, comments, and anecdotes would be appreciated.

Awesome initiative Des! Looks like a real adventure :)

I don't know if we can help, but we created a platform (mapmelon.com) with maps and I also have a personal google maps where I add my detailed itineraries. Maybe we can help you track the trip or build the platform you need.

About the funds, I'll ask in my company to see if they will like to participate, they are looking for incredible stories like yours :D

Way to go Des! It reminds me of Colin O'Brady and his "12-hour walk" concept. Using the approach of walking 12 hours every day no matter the conditions he became the first person to cross Antarctica on foot. He came out with a book and app about it last year and I did my first in September when I walked from one end of Chicago's boulevard and park system to the other. It didn't take the full 12 hours, but I went into it with a growth mindset (what Colin calls a "possible mindset") and ended it satisfied with what I'd done (and a bunch of other learns which I'm trying to workshop into a talk). I'm excited to hear what happens with this.

Love the concept, Des. Am I not seeing how long you think it would take? Around 4-5 years, no? I think breaking it up into "chapters" is more interesting in itself, and more attractive to potential partners.

Des, like many of these projects before you, the individuals had to "start" on their own funds and only after the first few months or kilometers, once people gained interest, did funds come looming in. The French couple that walked, the South African chap that mountain biked the Africa coastline, the Australian that drove his tractor, and so forth...funds were basically zero from sponsors at the start. The nature of the beast I guess.

I'm not sure I have recommendations for you, but just wanted to share I love the dream! This reminds me of doing the Camino and I know there are many other pilgrimages around the world. I like the idea of possibly breaking this down into smaller pilgrimages. Maybe you can work with tourism boards or gear manufacturers (clothing, camera, etc) to sponsor different parts?? I know there are also pilgrimage grants as well. It looks like you have explored a lot already but wishing you the best of luck!!!