Pelumi Nubi, a Nigerian-British travel content creator is attempting to go on a solo trip from London, the United Kingdom to Lagos. Pelumi made it known to the public via her recent Instagram post, informing her more than 40,000 followers that she will begin the two-month solo trip in a car on Tuesday.
The Nigerian UK-based blogger also disclosed that before she embarked on her journey, she engaged with individuals who had “taken on comparable experiences”.
According to her, she realized that “no black woman has made this journey before”. Nevertheless of the outcome, she further expressed excitement to be embarking on the trip.
She wrote on her Instagram post, “London to Lagos solo road trip. Hey, everyone! I have a crazy idea that I’m turning into reality – I’m driving solo from London to Lagos starting 30th January 2024.”
She went on to say; “For months, I have been chatting with folks who have tackled similar adventures. As far as I know, no black woman has made this journey before. But hey, this is not about breaking records. It is about showing the world that “impossible” is just a word, especially when you’ve got enough grit and determination. I can’t fully describe my emotions right now but I am just so excited to put it out there -no matter the outcome finally!”
Using a Peugeot 107 customized with features that will enable space for sleeping and dining, Pelumi intends to journey across 17 countries in two months, visiting every city and landscape along the way.
“I’m stepping out of my comfort zone compared to others I have done in the past. I’m travelling through different continents, different from others I have done. I want to explore each destination that I stop in. The total is about 17 countries where I’ll be able to explore some European countries, then cross into. Morocco and keep making my way down West Africa.”
Her journey begins in England through France, Spain, Morocco, and over the large West Sahara Desert. She will proceed through Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin before arriving in Lagos.
Pelumi referred to the adventure as “a big investment after a year of planning and saving”. She disclosed in her podcast interview that the whole cost of the journey, including lodging, fuel, and other necessities will be between $15,000 and $20,000.
About her mental preparation, she said, “Truthfully, you are never 100% ready for something this massive. My strategy is to decide on a date and simply do it. I get excited sometimes and not so much on other days.”
This development occurs nearly two years after Nigerian tourist Kunle Adeyanju cycled from London to Lagos. He undertook a 41-day journey to raise funds to battle polio in Nigeria.
The 44-year-old became the first Nigerian to achieve the feat after leaving London on April 19, 2023, and arriving in Lagos after traveling over 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) over 13 countries.