Thru-Hiking Africa Part 1: Introduction and Take-Off

Hello everyone,

My name is Brian Stupek, and I'm a 31-year-old author, linguist, and former teacher embarking on a solo trek across the entire continent of Africa over the next year and a half. You might wonder why I chose to leave my teaching job and undertake this immense journey. There are several reasons, but a significant one is my struggle with bipolar disorder.

Dealing with bipolar disorder is a daily challenge, even with medication. The highs can be exhilarating, but the lows are devastating, making me feel like I'm drowning in a cocktail of depression and numbness. Over time, I discovered that movement, culture, and adventure greatly alleviate my symptoms. Traveling and walking for hours each day have always helped me manage my condition. This led me to wonder if our modern, static lifestyle exacerbates mental health issues.

Through this journey, I aim to explore different approaches to mental health across Africa. My plan is to walk 6-8 hours a day, reaching various towns and villages where I'll interview locals about their mental health. The differences in how mental health is addressed globally are fascinating. In Africa, discussing mental health struggles is often avoided, while in the U.S., it's becoming more common. I hope to find a balanced approach that could benefit anyone, anywhere.

As I walk, I aim to understand how movement and human connections influence mental health. I believe that everyone is fighting their own invisible battles. By sharing my journey, I hope to make it easier for others to face their challenges, turning the "monster under the bed" into something more manageable.

Starting from Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, I'll traverse Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and finally reach the pyramids of Cairo, Egypt. This 9,000-mile trek is not as dangerous as it might seem. Most of the route is as safe as popular trails in Europe. My goal is to document this journey, showing that anyone can do it, even with minimal hiking experience.

For this adventure, I've equipped myself with top-notch gear from Next Adventure, including a Gregory Backpacking Backpack, an MSR Hubba Hubba solo tent, Dragon sunglasses, and more. I'll review the gear after each country, sharing insights on what works best for such an extensive hike.

My journey begins on June 25th from a hostel in South Africa. I'm excited and ready to embark on this life-changing adventure. I hope you'll follow along and maybe even be inspired to undertake your own journey.

Stay tuned for updates, and let's discover together how movement and connection can improve mental health.

For more information about me, visit brianstupek.com.

Happy trails,

Brian Stupek