WATCH: Cycling couple completes Nairobi to Bulawayo odyssey

Blessed Moyo and Shingirirai Moyo , Sunday Life Reporters

A daring Zimbabwean cycling couple has successfully entered the country, marking a significant milestone in their epic journey from Nairobi in Kenya to Bulawayo.

The adventurous duo who arrived in the country on Friday via the Kanyemba Border Post is expected to reach Bulawayo in the coming weeks.

In an interview with Sunday Life, Thando Tshuma shared the ambitious route she and her partner, Vusumuzi Mnkandla will take as they cycle across Zimbabwe, from Kanyemba to Bulawayo.

She said the gruelling journey would take them through Angwa, Mashumbi Pools, Guruve, Mvurwi, Mazoe, Harare, Gutu and Masvingo before finally arriving at their destination.

“We plan to rest and recharge in Harare and Masvingo, spending three to five days in each city to ensure we have the stamina to complete our epic adventure,” she said.

The couple at the Luangwa Border Post, ready to cross over to Zimbabwe

Thando added that they would take a brief detour from their bicycles to attend the prestigious Imiklomelo KaDakamela Cultural Event in Nkayi, adding a fascinating twist to their journey across Zimbabwe.

“While in Masvingo, we plan to take a bus to Nkayi, where we will spend two to three days immersing ourselves in the rich heritage of Chief Dakamela at his residence,” she said.

This unique event celebrates the life and reign of the revered chief and the couple is eager to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the region. Following their cultural experience, they will return to Masvingo by bus and continue their cycling journey to Bulawayo, their final destination.

After traversing over 5 000 kilometres, the couple is expected to arrive back in Bulawayo, marking the triumphant completion of their extraordinary adventure.

Mnkandla expressed his delight at being back in Zimbabwe with his partner.
“We are happy to be home, and it feels amazing to be reunited with our families after over a year of being away,” he said, his voice radiating warmth and contentment.

The couple’s prolonged separation from their loved ones had been a challenging aspect of their epic cycling journey and being close to home and family meant the world to them.

With their homeland’s familiar surroundings, Mnkandla noted that their cycling adventure would become significantly easier and safer, free from the worries of being labelled illegal immigrants or facing health scares like malaria, which they encountered in Malawi.

“Now that we are home, we feel safe everywhere,” he said, his relief and happiness palpable.
Thanks to the warm welcome of their homeland, the couple is eager to immerse themselves in all the fun experiences Zimbabwe has to offer.

Fresh from their incredible cycling journey from Nairobi to Bulawayo, the couple revealed that their African adventure is far from over. They are already planning their next exciting escapade, with an eye on exploring even more of the continent’s hidden gems.

“For now, we have returned to Zimbabwe to tackle the necessary logistics, including arranging visas for our upcoming travels,” they said.

While resting and rejuvenating in Bulawayo, the couple also plans to focus on writing their eagerly anticipated book, which promises to regale readers with thrilling tales of their cycling adventures.

Although the book remains untitled for now, one thing is certain: it will be a gripping account of the couple’s remarkable journey, inspiring countless others to embark on their own African adventures.