On the cusp of turning 30, Mario Rigby flew from Toronto, Canada, to Cape Town, South Africa, to embark on a crazy, personal quest:

To walk and kayak the entire African continent, south to north.

Solo.

Along the way, he battled malaria. Was bitten by snakes – twice. Survived false imprisonment; a terrifying shootout between rebels and army soldiers in Mozambique...

And was enveloped by the friendliness, protection, and hospitality of the locals, time and time again.

Two years, 9 countries, and 7,450 miles (12,000 km) later, Mario arrived in Cairo, Egypt, with a grin of accomplishment on his face.

And a burning desire to long-trek solo yet again. Across lakes, oceans, and another glorious continent.