With determination as her compass and a single backpack as her companion, Omotoke Fatoki has accomplished what many deemed impossible. This intrepid Nigerian explorer has completed a historic solo journey from Lagos to Windhoek, traversing 10 countries entirely by public transportation, making history as the first Nigerian woman to forge this overland path.
Over six transformative months, Fatoki navigated the diverse landscapes and cultures of Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and finally Namibia. Unlike typical travel influencers, she eschewed luxury for authenticity, experiencing Africa from crowded buses, motorcycle taxis, and shared vehicles.
“This journey isn’t just about personal achievement,” Fatoki explains. “It’s about democratizing travel for everyday Africans. You don’t need wealth or privilege to explore this magnificent continent—you simply start with what you have, where you are.”
The expedition builds upon her previous milestone of backpacking through all 36 Nigerian states, an achievement that sparked a grassroots movement advocating accessible travel. Through her organisation, Impact Adventurers, Fatoki demonstrates how travel serves as a powerful tool for community connection and cultural preservation.
Her route wasn’t merely geographical but purposeful—documenting indigenous stories, engaging with local communities, and conducting charitable initiatives at schools and villages. These experiences now form the foundation of her comprehensive e-guide, “Nigeria to Namibia by Road,” offering practical insights on:
Budget-conscious travel strategies (surviving on as little as ₦2,000 daily)
Nation-specific visa requirements and application procedures
Public transportation navigation across multiple borders
Cultural protocols and safety considerations
Advancing the AfCFTA Vision
Fatoki’s expedition aligns powerfully with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s objectives, particularly regarding mobility and economic integration. “For AfCFTA to reach its potential,” she asserts, “Africans must be able to move freely within our own continent. Currently, it’s often easier to visit Europe than neighbouring African nations.”
Her policy recommendations include:
Implementation of a unified African visa system
Standardisation of border procedures to eliminate corruption
Strategic positioning of Nigeria as a regional mobility leader
Critical investment in cross-border transportation infrastructure
Nigeria’s Pivotal Role
As Africa’s demographic and economic powerhouse, Nigeria stands uniquely positioned to shape continental connectivity. Fatoki’s observations of Namibia’s efficient systems highlight both challenges and opportunities for Nigeria’s development and regional influence.
“This journey belongs to everyone who’s been told travel is beyond their reach,” she reflects. “I’m living proof that with determination, you can cross continents regardless of your background. Africa’s wonders await us—no European visa required.”
About Omotoke Fatoki
Known as the Alárìnká of Africa, Omotoke Motunrayo Fatoki is a Nigerian overland adventurer, storyteller, and founder of Alárìnká Travel and Impact Adventurers. Having completed unprecedented journeys across Nigeria, West Africa, and now 23 African countries, she aims to visit all 54 African nations by land transport, using travel as a vehicle for social impact and cultural connection.
Follow her journey: [@Omotokefatoki] on Instagram and Twitter Explore her travel guide: https://alarinka.com
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
