Larry Madowo Meets Kenyan Who Drove From Nairobi To Portugal In 6 Months

CNN international correspondent, Larry Madowo on Sunday, July 2 had a chance meeting with Kim Musau, who embarked on a daring expedition from Nairobi to Portugal in six months, driving his Land Rover Defender.

Musau has been updating his followers on social media regarding the one-of-a-kind expedition that redefined the rules of exploration, going from Kenya to Europe by road, traversing South and Western African countries.

On Friday, June 30, he revealed that he was in Casablanca, Morocco, which he successfully crossed and got to Spain before continuing on to Portugal.

Kenyan motorist Kim Musau takes a photo of his Land Rover on a ferry in Spain on June 30, 2023. /TWITTER.ALPHA LAND ROVER

The epic journey was far from easy for the intrepid traveller as it drained his budget, thus his appeal to Kenyans to support him financially as he continues to fly the Kenyan flag high in Europe.

"This solo exploration hasn't been easy, my pockets are empty but my heart is full," he stated.

Madowo, who himself was in Portugal for the Afro Nation concert, happened to run into Musau and expressed awe at his spirited commitment to go to great lengths to discover new things for his life.

"I ran into a Kenyan car in Portugal! Kim Musau has been on the road for six months.

"He left Nairobi and drove to Namibia, then along the coastline to Morocco, ferried to Spain and now he’s here. Are you not jealous?" Madowo posed on social media.

During his travels, Musau discovered party venues, and camping sites with fellow travellers and told it all about his journey to his fans, aboard his customised Defender which he christened as 'Alpha Land Rover'.

"I found another party scene here in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. I camped next to these overlanders with a mega truck from the Netherlands. And yes, by the beach. The breeze."

"I took some more days here. It's a great stopover for every traveller especially those going for the train ride experience - The iron ore train!!. Man, the stories here. I'm happy I cancelled that plan," he revealed.

However, Musau disclosed that for anyone wishing to embark on the epic journey, one will need to commit to more than 20 hours of relentless driving every day as well as a series of showers to maintain hygienic standards during the perilous journey.

"I think it's an extreme adventure. But fun I think. If you decide to ride the whole journey, it will be 20hrs+ (night and day). Seated and sleeping on iron ore." 

"You may need hours of repeated showers over some days to get clean," he weighed in.

Nonetheless, his feat was recognised by Kenyans On Twitter who urged him on as he aspired to continue his journey across Europe before returning to Nairobi.