BULAWAYO — Zimbabwean adventurer Nkosilathi Mathe, 49, has completed a gruelling 30,000-kilometre road trip from Birmingham, UK, to Bulawayo, crossing 34 borders in two months and 15 days.

Mathe arrived home on September 19 to a heroes’ welcome from family, friends and supporters after driving his 2017 Nissan X-Trail across Europe and Africa.

What began as a 15,500km journey quickly doubled in distance after border delays, rough roads, breakdowns and detours.

The adventure included alleged demands for unofficial payments at several borders, a four-hour detention at the Rosso border, a failed starter motor in Angola and a 700km round trip to secure paperwork after being denied entry into Liberia.

His vehicle was also damaged along the way, with repairs and other expenses pushing the trip’s cost to around £15,000.

Despite the setbacks, Mathe said he never seriously considered abandoning the expedition.

“I am glad to be finally home and to complete this journey. It has been a wonderful experience. A once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he told Khulumani FM.

Beyond the adventure, Mathe used the journey to reconnect with his African roots and raise funds for SOS Children’s Villages.

After covering thousands of kilometres across 34 borders, the adventurer has finally completed his extraordinary road journey — from Birmingham to Bulawayo.