Life’s a beach, all the way from Mozambique to Namibia
Walking to help the tourism sector and raise awareness of the coastline
A couple in their 50s have used up their life savings to take on their most daring challenge yet — walking from Mozambique along the coast of SA.
Leanne and Ian Louw from Port Edward have sacrificed their normal lives to live on the road to promote the beauty of the coastline and show how the local tourism sector has suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact of lockdowns.
The couple has since February 22 2022 walked along the coast of the Indian Ocean, with their final destination on the Namibian border at the Atlantic Ocean .
The Dispatch team caught up with the couple at Kaysers Beach, where they were taking a seven-day hiatus from their trip.
On Friday, they will continue on their journey by taking on the Tsholomnqa river.
Leanne said they started at the border between Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal, where they were delayed by the torrential flooding in the province earlier in the year.
Ian said: “The big rainfalls put our journey on hold as it was too dangerous to walk in that weather.
“We took all of our life savings and invested it in this walking journey and our business.
“We arrived in the Eastern Cape on July 1 and we have probably crossed more than 30 rivers so far, with some of them being very dangerous.
So far we have walked for 130 days.” “There was a day in the former Transkei where we had to cross three rivers.”
The Louws said that the major highlights of their adventure, so far, had been visiting beautiful places along the African coastline and experiencing the generosity of the many people who had assisted them with accommodation and food.
Leanne said: “We are so grateful for the help we have been getting from people.
“People have been opening their homes to us, and offering us home-cooked meals.
“It is very interesting and inspiring to come across people who are willing to assist us in achieving our goal.”
The couple walk about 20km a day and face challenges like steep cliffs and deep rivers to navigate.
Ian said: “We have been getting warnings about dangerous animals so we are always vigilant and cautious, especially when crossing rivers.”
Their trip is aimed at promoting and sustaining the tourism sector while raising awareness about looking after our natural resources, such as the coastline.
Leanne said: “We intend to share the funds we raise with businesses across the coastline.
“During our journey, we have witnessed how there is a lack of holiday goers, and that many businesses are dying.”
“We are also wanting to keep our coasts pristine, as some businesses depend on the coasts to bring in revenue.”
The couple carry hiking bags which each
We have probably crossed more than 30 rivers so far, with some of them being very dangerous
weigh about 23 kilograms and cross rivers with the heavy bags and tents.
They are documenting their journey on Facebook and YouTube, Africanna Walks.
“We are hoping to finish the journey within a year, and we are truly grateful for the support we have been given,” Leanne said.