African navigation

Round-continent solo trip

Explorer and anthropologist Spencer Conway is preparing a full solo circumnavigation of Africa by motorbike. While Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman’s journey took them along Africa’s east coast, this solo challenge has never been attempted.

Starting this November, Conway’s voyage will encompass 28 countries and cover more than 40,000 kilometres, including some of the world’s most unforgiving territories. The expedition has been a lifelong ambition for the worldwide ‘career adventurer’ Conway, 42, who had eye surgery this year to help him.

His perfect vision is vital to navigating the extreme conditions and the success of his voyage. "Having laser eye surgery has literally opened up new horizons for me," said Conway. "During my voyage I will be up against a variety of difficult terrains, and this has become an infinitely less daunting prospect.”

Being a designated fundraiser of Save the Children, he aims to raise thousands of pounds in sponsorship money. Conway will be undertaking the voyage alone, and will be travelling on a minimal budget. The BBC will join him at several points, running regular film and news updates.

Meanwhile, he will be supported by some notable figures back in the UK - British actor Richard E. Grant is patron of the African Bike Adventure, and will join him on 'The One Show' sofa on his return, along with survival guru Bear Grylls. Conway was also recently telephoned by Prince Harry, who has pledged his support.

Anyone wishing to support him, visit http://original.justgiving.com/spencerconway