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Africa Solo: My World Record Race from Cairo to Cape Town
SHORTLISTED FOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEARIn the spring of 2015, Mark Beaumont set out from the bustling heart of Cairo on his latest world record attempt - solo, the length of Africa, intending to ride to Cape Town in under 50 days. Seven years since he smashed the world record for cycling round the world, this would be his toughest trip yet. And he would set a new mark that would simply break the limits of endurance.Despite illness, mechanical faults, attempted robbery and stone-throwing children, as well as dehydration in the deserts and unprecedented levels of exhaustion, Mark completed the journey in just 41 days, 10 hours and 22 minutes, after cycling 6,762 miles, spending 439 hours in the saddle (sometimes up to 16 hours a day) and climbing 190,355 feet through 8 countries. It was an astonishing journey, and one that will fascinate and grip the reader.From the obvious dangers of Egypt, Sudan and Kenya, over the unpaved, muddy, mountainous roads of Ethiopia, through the beautiful grasslands of Tanzania and Zambia, to riding at night in Botswana in the company of elephants and giraffes, Mark brings Africa to life in all its complex glory, friendship and curiosity, while inspiring us all to question the bounds of what is possible.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2016
33 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Mark Beaumont
31 books43 followersMark Beaumont is a broadcaster who has been adventuring since an early age. When not travelling on TV projects and expeditions he is often speaking at events, involved in various charity and educational work, book writing or in training.
Mark was first inspired to go on expedition at the age of 12 after reading in a local newspaper about a cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End. For the next decade Mark’s ambitions and experience developed until after leaving University he set out to make a career in broadcasting and adventure.
Mark’s public speaking takes him to many public theatre events as well as businesses and organisations in the UK and abroad. Please get in touch to enquire about availability.
Mark was first inspired to go on expedition at the age of 12 after reading in a local newspaper about a cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End. For the next decade Mark’s ambitions and experience developed until after leaving University he set out to make a career in broadcasting and adventure.
Mark’s public speaking takes him to many public theatre events as well as businesses and organisations in the UK and abroad. Please get in touch to enquire about availability.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 8, 2017
In 2008 Mark Beaumont obliterated the record for cycling around the world, taking 82 days off the previous total. Then followed another ride through the Americas including climbing the highest peaks in Alaska and Argentina. This was followed by an attempt to row the Atlantic, that nearly ended in disaster. For this trip he was glad to be back on the bike to attempt breaking the record for the fastest journey from Cairo to Capetown; but this would be the toughest of the lot.
It is a continent that is full of danger and beauty, wild storms and majestic animals. On his fast journey he encountered all sort of terrains, from scorching deserts, smooth tarmac, rolling hills and roads reduced to quagmire with the torrential rains he encountered. He had moments of joy, and some really low points when he suffered food poisoning. He was aiming to ride a minimum of 150 miles a day to beat the previous record of 59 days. The speed that he was moving through the countries meant that he had little time to interact with the local populations, just enough to find places to sleep and the find the enormous amount of food that a challenge of this magnitude meant that he had to consume every day. Most of the people he met were warm, generous and delightful, occasionally soured by the odd group of stone throwing children and one attempted robbery.
It is an enjoyable book to read as you share his elation and pain on this charge through Africa. There is less on the interaction with the native people, but when you consider the pace that he had set himself for the record attempt, it was unlikely that he would have a huge amount of time available. It is a personal journey too, as he is not at home when really needed the most, and he agony of being there is quite poignant. Once again Beaumont has shown that he is a top class endurance athlete in this charge through Africa in his attempt to break the record, and if you liked his previous books this one will be right up your street too.
It is a continent that is full of danger and beauty, wild storms and majestic animals. On his fast journey he encountered all sort of terrains, from scorching deserts, smooth tarmac, rolling hills and roads reduced to quagmire with the torrential rains he encountered. He had moments of joy, and some really low points when he suffered food poisoning. He was aiming to ride a minimum of 150 miles a day to beat the previous record of 59 days. The speed that he was moving through the countries meant that he had little time to interact with the local populations, just enough to find places to sleep and the find the enormous amount of food that a challenge of this magnitude meant that he had to consume every day. Most of the people he met were warm, generous and delightful, occasionally soured by the odd group of stone throwing children and one attempted robbery.
It is an enjoyable book to read as you share his elation and pain on this charge through Africa. There is less on the interaction with the native people, but when you consider the pace that he had set himself for the record attempt, it was unlikely that he would have a huge amount of time available. It is a personal journey too, as he is not at home when really needed the most, and he agony of being there is quite poignant. Once again Beaumont has shown that he is a top class endurance athlete in this charge through Africa in his attempt to break the record, and if you liked his previous books this one will be right up your street too.
April 23, 2018
‘Energy-sapping and seriously tough, it was one of the hardest roads I have ever climbed. The broken tar, the unrelenting gradient and the heat, the sweat making my eyes sting – it was glorious’.
A day-by-day diary of Mark Beaumont’s Cairo to Cape Town cycle ride. He is attempting this 10,000km (6,750 miles) journey in under 50 days solo and unsupported. He is aiming, if possible, to cycle 150 miles per day. This will take in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. My, what a journey.
I am not a cyclist at all so I was hoping this book was not going to get too bogged down in all the technical bike stuff. It doesn’t. It is a great read. It’s like Palin on speed. He fills the book with great observation, a bit of history, interesting facts and an amazing challenge. Boy, does he cycle fast and hard.
Beaumont first goes over a world record attempt where he and a team had set out to be the first to row across the Atlantic in less than 30 days. It failed. Talks about his marriage to Nicci and them having a daughter, Harriet. What was odd for me was that in the first stages of this book I was not sure I was going to like the writing style or his ego. That all went away once the Africa challenge started. He comes across as an honest and bloody determined fellow. Like the cycling at 50km/h the days in the diary just whizzed by.
Some of the places he stays and eats at is almost a challenge in itself. A challenge not to get sick and put an end to the race. Paul Theroux ended up with a parasite from eating food in Ethiopia after he had completed his Cairo to Cape Town journey and was heading home. It debilitated him for months. He wrote Dark Star Safari feeling terribly sick. Then there is the stone throwing and aggression also in Ethiopia. Luckily, he is going too fast for them to hit him. On the flipside, he met many people that could not have been nicer and more helpful.
These are not the only factors that he would encounter. There is the weather and the road surface. There are cities to negotiate and a place to sleep and eat each night plus family stuff back at home. Trucks skimming past him at crazy speeds. Being ripped off. Did I mention the wildlife? It is a real feat of physical and mental endurance.
A day-by-day diary of Mark Beaumont’s Cairo to Cape Town cycle ride. He is attempting this 10,000km (6,750 miles) journey in under 50 days solo and unsupported. He is aiming, if possible, to cycle 150 miles per day. This will take in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. My, what a journey.
I am not a cyclist at all so I was hoping this book was not going to get too bogged down in all the technical bike stuff. It doesn’t. It is a great read. It’s like Palin on speed. He fills the book with great observation, a bit of history, interesting facts and an amazing challenge. Boy, does he cycle fast and hard.
Beaumont first goes over a world record attempt where he and a team had set out to be the first to row across the Atlantic in less than 30 days. It failed. Talks about his marriage to Nicci and them having a daughter, Harriet. What was odd for me was that in the first stages of this book I was not sure I was going to like the writing style or his ego. That all went away once the Africa challenge started. He comes across as an honest and bloody determined fellow. Like the cycling at 50km/h the days in the diary just whizzed by.
Some of the places he stays and eats at is almost a challenge in itself. A challenge not to get sick and put an end to the race. Paul Theroux ended up with a parasite from eating food in Ethiopia after he had completed his Cairo to Cape Town journey and was heading home. It debilitated him for months. He wrote Dark Star Safari feeling terribly sick. Then there is the stone throwing and aggression also in Ethiopia. Luckily, he is going too fast for them to hit him. On the flipside, he met many people that could not have been nicer and more helpful.
These are not the only factors that he would encounter. There is the weather and the road surface. There are cities to negotiate and a place to sleep and eat each night plus family stuff back at home. Trucks skimming past him at crazy speeds. Being ripped off. Did I mention the wildlife? It is a real feat of physical and mental endurance.
November 14, 2016
A whirlwind tour of Africa on 2 wheels. I love an endurance athlete and Mark is up there with the best of them. After having met him earlier in the year at an event where he spoke about his challenges I could hear his voice whilst reading the book. He is very eloquent and passionate about his subject. For anyone with an interest in cycling (especially a Scottish) cyclist this is the book for you.
August 28, 2018
Sure it was an achievement of sorts but a little bit pointless to race through a continent just for the sake of it.
April 6, 2020
The unsupported cycling expedition through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa is as thrilling to read as it sounds. Many times my heart was in my mouth anticipating injuries, delays and danger. Especially when he says "...my gut told me not to trust him. Throwing caution to the wind..." No Mark! I hear myself pleading. I am relieved when he finds a motel. I can imagine the taste of the delicious food. Feel the sandstorm. See the elephants and galloping giraffe alongside.
What particularly resonated with me was Mark's description of how to stay motivated as an ultra endurance athlete. To understand the big picture but to focus on daily input, which is simple: what to eat, what you need to drink, how much you need to recover and how long to spend on the bike. Not to base your mindset and contentment in your 'success' each day "But if you realize that over weeks and months these daily mileages will average themselves out as long as you put in the same effort each day..."
What particularly resonated with me was Mark's description of how to stay motivated as an ultra endurance athlete. To understand the big picture but to focus on daily input, which is simple: what to eat, what you need to drink, how much you need to recover and how long to spend on the bike. Not to base your mindset and contentment in your 'success' each day "But if you realize that over weeks and months these daily mileages will average themselves out as long as you put in the same effort each day..."
April 15, 2025
Honestly mindblowing how anyonce cycles this far and this quick, and I loved the storytelling and the pace of the book - also appreciate his honesty and self criticism about not always having enough time or energy to properly thank or take the time for the people he meets along the way + his realization that because of his pace his experience on the continent lacks depth or nuance. At some points this made him seem a bit unlikable but it’s totally understandable tbh
October 29, 2025
giving an extra half point because I'm a cyclist. fantastic story of mark Beaumont cycling from top of Africa to the bottom to beat the world record. I love how mark describes the best times, the suffering, the people, and a little history or background of the area he is riding thru. this is my 4th book by this author/athlete. so good!! recommended. the first book mark wrote is the best: The Man Who Cycled the World. get it.
June 24, 2021
An epic adventure
I have nothing but admiration for such intrepid cyclist. This monumental achievement is simply incredible.This book was an easy read. Very well written highly entertaining and excellent in every regard.
I have nothing but admiration for such intrepid cyclist. This monumental achievement is simply incredible.This book was an easy read. Very well written highly entertaining and excellent in every regard.
January 26, 2018
Cycle from the comfort of you r armchair as you follow Mark's route here
I remember holding this book in my hand and thinking – how on earth do you manage to ride from Cairo to Cape Town? However fit you are, that must be tougher than tough. It’s not just the physical side of things but the stamina you must need? I got a bit tired even thinking about it. But I opened up that cover and got stuck in – and it’s quite a journey in more ways than one.
Mark is the kind of guy you get on with straight away – he’s affable, witty and talks openly about his determination yet worries at the same time. He’s nervous about leaving his family but thankful for their support, wonders how he’s going to cope with maintaining his bike etc and all the other everyday challenges such as finding somewhere to sleep. I’m not a cyclist myself unless you count wobbling around Paris on the free bikes (THAT was an experience – maybe Mark could cover this is later books? 😉 but I got the cyclist urge, the terminology dropped in so smoothly as the oil in the bicycle chains. And at the end a hint of what is to come….It might even be Paris after all or then again maybe not.
August 29, 2016
This was pretty good! I didn't enjoy it quite as much as his other books, and the trip sounds completely not fun. But a good read, nevertheless.
November 4, 2019
I just couldn't get into this book. Because he is cycling, most of the writing is about hotels.
July 16, 2017
I stumbled across Africa Solo at a book sale and bought it with no knowledge of who Mark was, what he did and without any knowledge whatsoever of enduro cycling. The reason I was interested in reading it was because I wanted to learn more about cycling and the "off the touirst pamphlet" details of the African countries Mark rode through on his world record attempt.
Africa Solo achieved those two goals for me, and much more.
You have to consider for a moment what a challenge it is to put together 320+ pages of interesting content to read when much of Mark's journey was just pedalling away through arid and featureless landscapes. Yet, every single day is its own small adventure. Mark did incredibly well to tease out the moments in each day that gave them thrill and character, and set them apart from the day before and the day after, even though he was essentially repeating the same task day in and day out.
The book is written really well, with some beautiful descriptive language used that allows you to fully grasp the people, countries and moments being described as well as capture the emotions that Mark went through in his world record attempt. It also comes across as a very honest reflection on each country, the people as well as the claims of previous world record holders on how supported or unsupported they were on their rides through Africa.
This is a fun, fast paced, interesting and informative read. Loved it.
Africa Solo achieved those two goals for me, and much more.
You have to consider for a moment what a challenge it is to put together 320+ pages of interesting content to read when much of Mark's journey was just pedalling away through arid and featureless landscapes. Yet, every single day is its own small adventure. Mark did incredibly well to tease out the moments in each day that gave them thrill and character, and set them apart from the day before and the day after, even though he was essentially repeating the same task day in and day out.
The book is written really well, with some beautiful descriptive language used that allows you to fully grasp the people, countries and moments being described as well as capture the emotions that Mark went through in his world record attempt. It also comes across as a very honest reflection on each country, the people as well as the claims of previous world record holders on how supported or unsupported they were on their rides through Africa.
This is a fun, fast paced, interesting and informative read. Loved it.
August 3, 2017
The first chapter's an open goal, setting the scene for this adventure with an account of the conclusion of his Atlantic rowing challenge. If that doesn't draw you in, nothing will.
It's a record attempt focused on speed and covering distance, and as the author often admits, that means so missing out on so much local life as he flies past it on the most direct roads possible between Cairo and Cape Town. If, like me, you've enjoyed his other books cycling the Americas and round the world, you may find a lack of variety here about the stops overnight and along the way. It's a change and rather a good one in the end: I appreciated how it's purer, with the filming much more low-key than the previous adventures. The stand-out moments, such as why you should never ride alone through nature reserves at night, came across as chance encounters, rather than something dreamed up and awkwardly inserted by a TV producer.
Ultimately it's an uplifting read full of humanity. Character, kindness (and otherwise) he met along the way, the highs and lows of brief moments of contact snatched with loved ones back home, and proper appreciation of the support crews (and the remarkable problem-solving powers of social media) that made it all possible. Likeable and engaging writer, unassuming despite what he does, with a great eye for people and details.
It's a record attempt focused on speed and covering distance, and as the author often admits, that means so missing out on so much local life as he flies past it on the most direct roads possible between Cairo and Cape Town. If, like me, you've enjoyed his other books cycling the Americas and round the world, you may find a lack of variety here about the stops overnight and along the way. It's a change and rather a good one in the end: I appreciated how it's purer, with the filming much more low-key than the previous adventures. The stand-out moments, such as why you should never ride alone through nature reserves at night, came across as chance encounters, rather than something dreamed up and awkwardly inserted by a TV producer.
Ultimately it's an uplifting read full of humanity. Character, kindness (and otherwise) he met along the way, the highs and lows of brief moments of contact snatched with loved ones back home, and proper appreciation of the support crews (and the remarkable problem-solving powers of social media) that made it all possible. Likeable and engaging writer, unassuming despite what he does, with a great eye for people and details.
August 24, 2023
The nitty gritty.
I can see why people might not like this book. A man cycles 10,000 Kilometres across Africa and we get no history, very little scenery, not even much human interaction.
There are, I suspect, better travel books.
...but if you have done endurance events then the drive of this book will be familiar and inspiring. The focus on getting to the next town, the next hotel, the worry about that niggling pedal, that niggling knee. The wind. The remarkable nuances of tarmac.
And, really, the micronarrative. I liked the way the Mark calls out everyone who helped him. The dude who gave him some pedals, the cook who was friendly, the security guy, the hotel manager, the kid at the bar.
What I also liked were the practicalities. Hotels. Guards. Police. Customs. Bribes. Elephants. Telecoms. Cash.
I felt like I was with the Mark pushing the pedals and dealing with shit, not the Instagram Mark selling a fake dream. For me, at least, that made for a far more interesting read.
I can see why people might not like this book. A man cycles 10,000 Kilometres across Africa and we get no history, very little scenery, not even much human interaction.
There are, I suspect, better travel books.
...but if you have done endurance events then the drive of this book will be familiar and inspiring. The focus on getting to the next town, the next hotel, the worry about that niggling pedal, that niggling knee. The wind. The remarkable nuances of tarmac.
And, really, the micronarrative. I liked the way the Mark calls out everyone who helped him. The dude who gave him some pedals, the cook who was friendly, the security guy, the hotel manager, the kid at the bar.
What I also liked were the practicalities. Hotels. Guards. Police. Customs. Bribes. Elephants. Telecoms. Cash.
I felt like I was with the Mark pushing the pedals and dealing with shit, not the Instagram Mark selling a fake dream. For me, at least, that made for a far more interesting read.
July 27, 2017
Wonderfully gripping description of Mark Beaumont's world record cycle race from Cairo to Capetown. You get an insight into the several countries he rode through and the characters and hospitality (or not) of the people he met - although, as others have mentioned, he's going at such a speed that he is never able to stop anywhere very long (something he is quite conscious of and remarks on several times). And then also you're right inside the mind of a talented and stubborn endurance athlete - 150 miles a day for 42 days is an extraordinary achievement, through illness, numerous punctures and bike issues, and varying weather conditions. It's exhilarating and inspiring, and makes you want to get out on your bike! (albeit for much shorter distances in my case!).
I was first introduced to the book by a talk by the author at the Edinburgh Book Festival, and am now looking forward to watching the documentary.
I was first introduced to the book by a talk by the author at the Edinburgh Book Festival, and am now looking forward to watching the documentary.
October 12, 2025
A good read for people like me who a) like cycling and b) have travelled in parts of Africa. Beaumont does an impressive job of interweaving the different components: technical, logistical, psychological, and travelogue - although the last is comparatively (and, to me, disappointingly) light, given his focus was to set a World Record rather than experience new cultures. His achievement is remarkable and I dont know that I would have been capable of persevering as he did.
My biggest critique is that there is only one map charting his journey. I think a smaller map for each section would really help readers such as me follow his progress and connect with what he shares. I was also hoping for the pic with the Indian family that bought him lunch, which wasn't included.
My biggest critique is that there is only one map charting his journey. I think a smaller map for each section would really help readers such as me follow his progress and connect with what he shares. I was also hoping for the pic with the Indian family that bought him lunch, which wasn't included.
May 13, 2018
een spannend / interessant boek schrijven over een fietstocht waar je zo hard mogelijk probeert te gaan is eigenlijk onmogelijk. ongetwijfeld ongelofelijk een enorme atletische prestatie, maar de lezer blijft onverschillig bij de zoveelste lekke band. of een dag volvtegenwind. aan de schrijfstijl lag het niet, dit boek voelde eerder als een verplicht nummer, iets wat nu eenmaal bij een dergelijk expeditie hoort
May 13, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed Mark's adventure in Africa.
Having visited some of the places that he'd cycled it was great to read about it from a different perspective.
There's cool insights and you ride (pun intended) the highs and lows of his trip and they aren't all related to the cycling.
Having visited some of the places that he'd cycled it was great to read about it from a different perspective.
There's cool insights and you ride (pun intended) the highs and lows of his trip and they aren't all related to the cycling.
July 6, 2020
Another great Mark book. Tales from the highways as Mark rides from Cairo to Capetown. I wasn’t ready for the speed of this record breaking ride, so it took me awhile to adapt from Mark’s more wistful previous books. However once I learned to enjoy it for what it was I really got into it.
March 4, 2021
I love adventure travel writing. The suffering that Mark is able to put himself through is astounding! Despite the pain and race to Cape Town, Mark is able to comment on the countries he passes through in an inspiring, entertaining and informative way.
December 3, 2022
This book was so interesting! It was amazing how much he was willing to suffer to achieve this record. I really enjoyed reading about his exploits and learned something about Africa in the process. This book really kept my interest and captivated my attention.
February 12, 2023
Great example of endurance cycling
Interesting account of Marks journey through Africa unsupported , detailing his adventure , the lows and highs over varying road surfaces from mud to smooth tarmac .
Interesting account of Marks journey through Africa unsupported , detailing his adventure , the lows and highs over varying road surfaces from mud to smooth tarmac .
June 20, 2025
Hard to respect someone who doesn't like injera! (Although, it was genuinely a bit weird that he hadn't done some research on food before he went). An impressive feat and good book to detail it, does well to mostly avoid the natural issue with books like this of just listing how far he went, what he ate etc.
June 7, 2017
Great account on his solo traverse of Africa. Easy read which is perfect for this type of book.
July 8, 2018
Excellent!
Terrific read from Mark and as a reader felt as if you were joining him with every pedal stroke. Thoroughly recommended read.
Terrific read from Mark and as a reader felt as if you were joining him with every pedal stroke. Thoroughly recommended read.
December 3, 2018
Really interesting account of his world record ride. It really talks about his emotional as well as physical journey down the continent.
April 9, 2019
A great account of an amazing journey
October 23, 2019
Enjoyed the boom bit took me a while to reasd
March 27, 2020
Interesting read of one man's bike journey chasing records in Africa
April 30, 2020
I loved this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews