A year and eight months after Nigerian adventurer, Kunle Adeyanju, successfully rode from London to Lagos on a motorcycle, UK-based Nigerian, Pelumi Nubi, has been inspired to make a similar trip — this time, by car.
She’s already visited 80 countries across six continents, so the seemingly impossible task is in capable hands. Here’s everything we know about the road trip.
Photo source: Instagram/@pelumi.nubi
Why is Pelumi embarking on this trip?
The trip is an important one to 29-year-old Pelumi for four reasons: She loves adventure, wants to inspire other female solo travellers, especially by driving representation among black female solo adventurers, and she simply wants to show people what’s possible.
“As a traveller, I wanted to do something quite adventurous. It was something that was in the books for me. We also don’t see a lot of solo black female travellers. It’s just like, representation matters. It’s important to see people do things and just open your minds to what’s possible. Some people don’t know it’s possible to go through London to Lagos by road,” she revealed during a podcast interview on Friday, January 19, 2024.
But that’s not all. She was also inspired by Kunle Adeyanju’s aforementioned 2022 solo trip.
“He did it by bike two years ago. I was on the phone with him and mentioned how it was so cool what he did.”
How long will the trip take?
Pelumi plans to traverse 17 countries in two months, and explore every city and country on her way.
Her transatlantic journey will pick up from England and take her through France, Spain, Morocco, West Sahara Desert, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and finally, to Lagos.
She’s expected to arrive in Lagos at the end of March.
When does the journey begin?
No official announcement of a commencement date has been made, but tweets suggest the last week of January. On Wednesday, January 24, she shared a video of her car going through some modifications for the long journey ahead.
The next day, she shared a tweet indicating that the start date is just a few days away.
Her previous road trips
Photo source: Instagram/@pelumi.nubi
Prior to this trip, Pelumi has travelled by road from Lagos to Ghana twice. She’s explored Namibia for two weeks and gone on a road trip from London to Lake Como, Italy. These experiences have served as test runs for her latest and most ambitious adventure yet.
How is she funding the trip?
During her podcast interview, she revealed that the entire trip will cost $15,000 – $20,000, covering fuel, accommodation and other essential needs.
A year of planning and saving up personal funds have made Pelumi’s adventure a reality. However, she still seeks support from brands looking to partner.
Is she receiving any support?
Pelumi’s trip has received attention from fellow Nigerians, travel enthusiasts and the internet community through the hashtag, #London2LagosByRoad.
Interest is expected to pick up once she starts making stops in the different countries and cities.
Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
This is a developing story.
