Some people collect passport stamps. Others collect mountain passes, desert sunrises and stories that can only be earned one pedal stroke at a time.
After spending more than 300 days cycling across Africa, Norwegian artist and adventurer Annabelle Golden is finally approaching the finish line of an epic journey from Norway to Cape Town. Her latest updates from Namibia show just how spectacular the final stretch has become, with wide-open landscapes, wildlife and endless gravel roads making every tough day in the saddle worthwhile.
Golden, who is travelling alongside her partner, Alex Ohtea, has documented their bikepacking adventure online since setting off in 2024 as part of a much bigger dream: cycling around the world. Cape Town marks the end of this African chapter before the pair continue their global adventure.
Namibia’s wild beauty
For many overlanders, Namibia is one of Africa’s greatest road-trip destinations. For Golden, it has become one of the highlights of an already unforgettable expedition.
Recent videos shared from the country capture everything from towering desert scenery and star-filled campsites to wildlife near Etosha National Park and a stop at the Tropic of Capricorn. The pair also visited ancient San rock art sites, proving that travelling by bicycle often allows for experiences that would be easy to miss from behind the wheel of a car.
Golden described Namibia’s scenery as being “out of this world”, adding that while the days have been physically demanding, cycling through such dramatic landscapes has made every kilometre worthwhile.
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A different way to see Africa
The African leg of the journey officially began in January 2025 when the couple crossed from Spain into Morocco.
Since then, they’ve pedalled through an impressive list of countries, including Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Namibia. South Africa is now the final country before they roll into Cape Town.
It’s a reminder that slow travel isn’t about ticking destinations off a list. Travelling by bicycle means spending days immersed in changing landscapes, meeting local communities and watching countries unfold one kilometre at a time.
Where it all started
Golden’s passion for bikepacking began in 2018 after finishing her studies in Amsterdam. Inspired by her partner, the pair set off on a winter cycling trip through Austria along parts of the EuroVelo 6 route.
That first ride sparked a love for travelling under their own steam, eventually growing into a lifestyle that combines adventure with remote creative work. As an artist, Golden shares her artwork and travel content online, helping to fund life on the road while inspiring thousands of fellow adventurers.
Cape Town awaits
For South Africans, there’s something exciting about watching travellers approach the country’s southern tip after months — or in this case, nearly a year — on the road.
With Cape Town now within reach, Golden’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the best adventures aren’t measured by how quickly you get somewhere, but by everything you see along the way.
This story is based on reporting by IOL and additional publicly available information about Annabelle Golden’s ongoing bikepacking journey.
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Feature image: Annabelle Golden/Instagram
