A Zimbabwean couple cycling thousands of kilometres across Africa say their journey has reshaped how they see the continent, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the power of human connection across borders.

Thando Tshuma andVusumuzi Mnkandla, currently in Ghana, are documenting their cross-continental expedition aimed at promoting African tourism, cultural exchange and a borderless continent.

“The bicycles brought us here,” Tshuma said on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (21 May), explaining that the journey was driven by a desire to experience Africa beyond their home country of Zimbabwe.

The couple said the idea was born out of both personal curiosity and a shared vision of exploring Africa authentically.

“We wanted to have a real feel of what it’s like to travel across Africa as Africans and how people live,” Mnkandla added.

Travelling primarily between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and resting in cities for days or weeks at a time, the pair have navigated multiple countries, languages and terrains — often relying on basic tools such as sign language and translation apps to communicate.

Their journey has not been without challenges. Crossing borders has at times been difficult, with Mnkandla describing some experiences as “horrible”, including demands for bribes at certain crossings.

“Some border officials make your life a living hell… you have to bribe someone just to get a stamp,” he said, while noting that other crossings — including into Ghana — were smooth and professional.

Beyond the logistical hurdles, the couple say the journey has revealed a different side of Africa.

“The world is still a better place. Human beings are still kind out there,” Mnkandla said, citing the generosity of strangers who have offered help despite language barriers.

Tshuma, who documents their travels as a vlogger, said their mission is to promote tourism and encourage Africans to explore their own continent.

“Let’s explore our continent and tell positive stories about Africa,” she said.

The couple also advocate for a visa-free Africa, arguing that freer movement would unlock opportunities for small-scale traders and strengthen intra-African connections.

“A borderless Africa would make things easier and create opportunities even for small-scale traders,” Mnkandla said.

Their experiences — from navigating Portuguese-speaking Angola to encountering cultural differences in Namibia and sampling local cuisines — have reinforced a growing sense of continental identity.

“We feel more African now… it doesn’t feel like a distant place anymore,” Tshuma said.

Despite the physical and emotional demands of the journey — including illness, online criticism and the strain of constant travel — the couple say the experience has strengthened their relationship.

“We fight a lot, but it has brought us closer. Now we understand each other better,” Tshuma said.

The journey is largely funded through social media support, with no major corporate sponsorship.

As they continue their tour in Ghana until July, the pair say their ultimate goal is to reshape narratives about Africa.

“We need to tell our stories from our own lenses,” Mnkandla said.