Sandra Sischka Cycled From Portugal to Cape Town Alone

Sandra Sischka shares the incredible story of cycling from Portugal to Cape Town over two years with almost no prior bikepacking experience. From crossing the Sahara Desert to navigating conflict zones in West Africa, Sandra reflects on fear, freedom, hospitality, and the people she met along the way. This conversation dives into border crossings, survival, cycling culture, and what long-distance travel teaches you about humanity. Along the journey, she experienced overwhelming generosity, dangerous moments, and life-changing friendships. A powerful conversation about adventure, resilience, and seeing Africa beyond the headlines.# === CHAPTERS ===================================00:00 - Welcome Sandra Sischka02:10 - Growing Up With Bicycles in Germany06:00 - Why Sandra Sischka Chose Africa10:15 - Planning the Route & Preparing for the Unknown15:30 - Starting the Journey in Portugal19:45 - Entering Morocco & First Impressions of Africa27:30 - Hospitality, Family & Culture in Morocco35:00 - Crossing the Sahara & Mauritania40:00 - West Africa: Food, Borders & Daily Challenges50:30 - Malaria, Recovery & Finding Human Connection55:00 - Ghana, Travel Advice & Perspective on Africa57:00 - Nigeria, Conflict Zones & Dangerous Decisions01:02:00 - The Open Water Boat Crossing to Cameroon01:08:00 - Jungle Routes, Wildlife & Cycling Through Cameroon01:15:00 - What Africa Taught Sandra Sischka# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling