Japanese adventurer Gump Suzuki, 34, has been trekking through Africa for the past seven months, pushing a rickshaw with his final goal being to reach Cape Town. He arrived in South Africa on 28 December, and is now relaxing in the Mother City before heading back to Japan at the end of the month.
Africa not the first continent Suzuki has crossed
Suzuki is a tour guide from Tokyo and has already trekked across multiple continents. These include Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America, before his journey across Africa. Suzuki started his trip in Kenya in June 2024 and has since travelled through Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia.
Markedly, his journey has captured the attention of over 500 000 followers on TikTok, where he shares updates and reflections from the road.
‘I wanted to travel five continents with my rickshaw,’ Suzuki said. ‘Cape Town felt like the perfect destination, not only for the incredible adventure but to spread a message of hope and positivity to everyone I meet along the way.’
Suzuki is planning on spending a few days in Cape Town before heading back to Japan on 31 January.
Highlights and challenges along the way
Suzuki’s journey has definitely had its ups and downs. He was involved in an accident with a truck in Zambia, which ended up damaging his rickshaw. Luckily, he was unharmed and had his rickshaw fixed at a bike shop.
Some of the highlights of the adventurer’s trekking across Africa included witnessing the African wildlife and experiencing the kindness and hospitality of many local people along the way. In addition to this journey being an adventure, Suzuki has also used it as an opportunity to raise awareness about poverty. He has reached out to his followers to donate food and school supplies for those in need along his route. ‘I met many people who are struggling. They don’t have enough money for food, and I wanted to help,’ he said.
His next adventure is to cross South America with his rickshaw.
Watch Suzuki stopping off in Langebaan for some groceries and beer:
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