In a world where travel often means airports and resorts, two Zimbabwean adventurers are proving that the real beauty of Africa lies on the open road — and in the hearts of its people.
Meet Vusumusi Mkandla and Thando Tshuma, two passionate cyclists from Zimbabwe who have set out on an incredible journey across Africa, pedaling from village to village, crossing borders, and capturing the rhythm of the continent — one community at a time.
Their goal isn’t just to conquer distance. It’s to connect cultures, celebrate African unity, and tell the stories of everyday people living in the villages that make up the soul of this continent.
A Journey Rooted in Connection
As they travel, Vusumusi and Thando are stopping in local communities to experience authentic traditions — cooking local meals, joining dances, listening to elders’ stories, and sharing moments that can’t be found in guidebooks.
And now, they’ve partnered with Cultural Villages, a booking platform that connects travelers with real cultural experiences hosted by local people.
Through this collaboration, their journey will not only inspire others but also help promote the very communities they visit — showcasing them as destinations for meaningful, responsible travel.
How the Partnership Works
As part of the partnership, Vusumusi and Thando have registered on CulturalVillages.com as official Cultural Ambassadors.
Here’s how it works:
- Registration – They signed up on the Cultural Villages platform, creating verified traveler profiles that allow them to document and share each community they visit.
- Community Connection – When they arrive in a new village, they connect with hosts who are already listed on Cultural Villages or help new hosts register their experiences — from homestays to cooking classes and local tours.
- Cultural Exchange – They participate in these experiences as guests, recording short videos, interviews, and photos that highlight local culture, traditions, and hospitality.
- Sharing the Journey – All their stories, videos, and updates are shared on Cultural Villages’ social media pages and blog, giving viewers a firsthand look at the diversity and beauty of African life.
- Empowering Hosts – For each community they visit, Vusumusi and Thando help locals understand how the Cultural Villages registration system works — from uploading photos and setting prices to receiving bookings and payments.
It’s a beautiful cycle — quite literally.
The cyclists move forward, and the communities they touch gain visibility, bookings, and sustainable income from cultural tourism.
The Human Side of Adventure
“Every village has a heartbeat,” says Vusumusi. “When we ride into a new community, we’re not just passing through — we’re learning, listening, and leaving something behind that can grow.”
For Thando, the journey is as personal as it is powerful:
“We want young Africans to see that you don’t need millions to explore your continent. You just need purpose, passion, and people who believe in you.”
Their partnership with Cultural Villages is more than a campaign — it’s a movement to remind travelers that Africa’s greatest treasures are its people, its traditions, and its stories.
Join the Journey
Follow Vusumusi and Thando’s African Cycling Adventure on Cultural Villages’ official platforms.
Each week, new stories from their route will highlight different hosts, experiences, and communities they encounter.
If you’re a traveler seeking authentic experiences, visit www.culturalvillages.com to explore real cultural stays and activities.
And if you’re a local host — or know someone in your community with a story to share — registration is simple and free.
Just visit the website, click “Become a Host”, fill in your details, upload photos, and start welcoming travelers from around the world.
❤️ A Journey That Belongs to All of Us
Through dusty roads, green hills, and bustling markets, Vusumusi and Thando are proving that connection is the true destination.
Together with Cultural Villages, they’re not only cycling across Africa — they’re weaving a map of human stories, one village at a time.
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.