Cycling Across the World's Largest Desert (Sudanese Sahara)

Рет қаралды 61,174

Күн бұрын

The Sahara desert is the largest hot desert in the world. The whole northern region of Sudan is a part of it. It's a harsh place to live in, yet alone to cycle across, and my expectations were pretty low. The first question I asked myself was "how boring will this desert crossing be?". Little did I know, this was the wrong question to ask. I was about to explore an extremely underrated, rich, and fascinating zone of our planet, that rarely had any light shed on it...
Consider supporting me on Patreon: / robertohelou
Project Africa Website: www.projectafrica.bike
MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:
Instagram: / explorob
Facebook: / explorob
Letterboxd (To read my movie reviews): letterboxd.com/robertohelou/
The music used in this video is from EpidemicSound. Get a 1-month free trial here: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Big thanks to Dylan for the amazing map animations. Check out his KZfaq channel: ‪@DylanBoynukalin‬
Additional Animation by the awesome Rayan Haddad.
Tim's Instagram: / dreamtim___
Flo's KZfaq: ‪@FlorenceRyan‬
Thanks to ‪@Lostshmi‬ for the unreal drone footage she shot the day the war started.
Thanks to Mazin Urso for some of the drone footage: mazinurso?igshi...
Thank you Niels Jansen for some the drone footage: cycling_around_...
Old footage of the road in Northern Sudan by Lars Bengtsson: lostcyclist?igs...
Music by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Chapters in the Videos:
0:00 Intro
1:37 A Brief History of Sudan
2:36 Day 1 in the desert
4:12 Our friend Tim!
5:03 A lot of cash
6:05 Gold in the desert
8:19 The Gold Diggers
10:01 The food is FOUL
10:53 The rocky desert plateaus
12:13 Camping in the sands
12:54 The Mighty Nile
14:16 The ancient mudbrick structures
15:39 A forbidden drink: Araqi
18:34 The civil war and the story of Araqi
20:14 A new lifestyle
21:17 Forced hospitality
22:38 How people drink in the desert
23:40 Nubian Music
25:08 A hospitable scout
26:04 Expanding my perspective
27:25 The Great Desert stretch
28:35 The Pyramids of Jabal Barkal
30:16 Food poisoning and editing
31:40 Karima the generous
32:25 The Camel Market
33:09 Sand's secret
33:48 Why are Sudanese hospitable?
36:01 The last desert crossing
37:33 Arrival in Khartoum
38:15 War?

Пікірлер: 413

@talal2n2 8 ай бұрын

Best on site explorer in modern days! Welcome to Sudan!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

@cjwojoe 6 ай бұрын

@@RobertoHelouI know the challenges of traveling like you are and making content and editing. Mainly from watching your very early videos before this immense challenge. So not trying to stress you just curious if the next long form video is almost finished? I'm so excited I've been checking almost every day cause I'm worried KZfaq won't notify me. 😅

@Jadventure 8 ай бұрын

36:21 "there's something so magical about looking at a map and thinking that my own two legs took me from here to there, human powered adventures are very rewarding" love it love it love it❤

@anthonykettaneh1991 8 ай бұрын

Brilliant storytelling!!!!! This is huge, your efforts will be rewarded. You are pushing the limits of adventure and innovation. I admire your dedication and focus to achieve this extremely difficult goal. Good luck on the rest of your journey!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Means a lot Anthony, thank you ❤

@cy6412 6 ай бұрын

When will you post a new video?

@zoolshift1311 8 ай бұрын

I'm Sudanese, I loved this documentary about my country.

@idlens2268 4 күн бұрын

Mob Love from Kenya........ From Kino Yves

@salmadow 5 ай бұрын

Watching this after war has erupted in the Capital Khartoum and having to flee my country is extremely painful, our country is full of incredible talented human beings and loads of potentials, but we still hope to see it prosperity in all aspects 🤍🇸🇩 Thank you for this wonderful video 🤍

@RobertoHelou 5 ай бұрын

The next video is gonna be a very important one about the wat

@flednanders4601 3 күн бұрын

Dude I’m so glad I found your videos. You’re such a beaming light of positivity.

@mdfaiz8943 7 ай бұрын

This is just PURE Africa. LOve from INDIA. YOUR work is Masterpiece

@Tehbestestevasss 8 ай бұрын

Incredible video man. You only ever hear terrible things coming out of Sudan here in the West, so to see someone there directly interacting with the local people and seeing how nice and amazing they can be, it's honestly (and I don't say this lightly) world changing. Completely changes my perspective on a country and it's people. Great video Roberto!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

One of my fav comments. If that impacts you this way, all the weeks I've put into making this piece have been worth it🙏🏼

@user-to8xx9oh5t 7 ай бұрын

as a Sudanese people we feel comfortable 😌 ✨️ when you see a positive side of Sudan 🇸🇩 and write this nice Comments about our County .We hope also that you visit this place soon ❤❤❤🎉

@Sonny_Black 8 ай бұрын

This series just gets more impressive.. The storytelling, camera work and editing are incredible. It was crazy to me when I looked at the sub count, id say it's almost criminal this channels not more popular than it is.. KZfaq algorithm do your thing!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏🏼🥹 Yes I really hope the algorithm starts helping me, I'm not playing the consistency game but I would like to believe that putting a good story that I'm passionate about together (even if once in a while) could potentially make me live from it. It gets tough sometimes with barely any income from YT adsense

@Sonny_Black 8 ай бұрын

Just keep it up, it's only a matter of time. 👍 @@RobertoHelou

@mamumadu2140 7 ай бұрын

Sonny brought me here... New subscriber❤

@DaveVargas90012 7 ай бұрын

Yup!

@kittysnowshoe6475 24 күн бұрын

me too and he's a WAY better storyteller than Sonny.. WAY WAY better.. all Sonny does is eat blood and brains and then act all smug about it.. Rob is way more likeable, humble, nuanced and sensitive.. new fan right here!

@FlorenceRyan 8 ай бұрын

Love this video Rob! You told the story beautifully and with a lot of interesting info! Nubia was truly amazing, wow. So happy we are sharing these memories ❤️

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

One of the best parts of Project Africa, so grateful to have shared memories there 🙏🏼

@fredrickochieng8112 4 күн бұрын

New subscriber from Nairobi recommended by Yves kino

@petrl7964 8 ай бұрын

I've been looking forward to another video. LETS GO.

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

LET'S GOOO

@sohamroy9779 2 ай бұрын

u are a breathtaking storyteller

@valyrianchicken 8 ай бұрын

The dose of positivity I needed for the day! In these tough times in the middle east, as a Lebanese bro from Tripoli, I am happy that you're showing us that kindess still exists in the world. Keep doing what you do 💪

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

🥹 thank you so much brother!! Are you currently in Tripoli??

@githice Күн бұрын

Kino Yves has mentioned you couple of times in his journey in the Southern Tanzania Mpanda as he heads to Zambia ... I shall come back to watch your vids

@cjwojoe 8 ай бұрын

I have been checking your pages weekly to see if the new long form video was released so excited to watch this after work!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! I'm doing my bestnto be consistent, but it's hard😅

@cjwojoe 8 ай бұрын

@@RobertoHelouabsolutely not criticizing. I know how insanely difficult managing traveling, time, sleep, planning next steps, and editing all this takes while you continue to film and travel more lol. I am just happy a new video is here!

@Nepomuk. 6 ай бұрын

One of the most underrated channels, I know. The effort, you put in the videos is insane.

@reesedern5096 8 ай бұрын

What a beautiful video, getting personal perspectives like this on the world and countries you may never get the opportunity to visit yourself is exactly what KZfaq should always be about. Cant wait for the next one!!!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

♥️🙌🏼

@salmadow 5 ай бұрын

Great video 🇸🇩🤍 the greatest treasure of Sudan is its people 🤍and the hardest reality for them is that their country is extremely rich in resources but it’s not them who get the benefits 💔🇸🇩 Pray for this beautiful country

@user-mu9ke9ex9f 8 ай бұрын

The quality of the content is incredible! The best bike touring channel.

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

@Natures_Son 4 ай бұрын

Hey Rob, I just visited your channel after watching your feature on Best Ever Food Review Show. I subscribed to your channel too.

@cjwojoe 8 ай бұрын

The look on Tims face when he realized he was being given that man's boy scout scarf...... 🥲 He was so honored. I know enough about the hospitality of people there to know you can't refuse a gift. I can totally understand why he wouldn't want to take it but also why it would be such an honor to recieve.

@HazemKhattab-gk1ul 2 ай бұрын

In Egypt they have those big pots for water but are uncommon the more common thing is called an Ulla it is like that pot but is smaller and has a handle and you drink straight from it.

@UXMC2 8 ай бұрын

after visiting egypt now you going to suadan!!!! man you are going on a true adventure fr

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

And next Ethiopia...during civil unrest... wait for it😌

@TheHiyy 2 ай бұрын

Dude are you alive?

@MbjDaWheelman 12 күн бұрын

He's alive. Just met him. A very good guy

@JoolsUK 8 күн бұрын

Instagram shows him in Cape Town! Think the commitment to such good videos is hard when also cycling, much more content on Insta it seems

@MbjDaWheelman 3 күн бұрын

@@JoolsUK exactly in Cape Town where i met him.

@TheWorldSucks 8 ай бұрын

The quality of your videos keep going 📈📈📈📈its unbelievable!!!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thanks bro!! Always trying to improve!!

@Jadventure 8 ай бұрын

Rob you're one of the most talented storyteller I know. The high quality, well researched content coupled with your genuine authentic energy is one the best thing KZfaq has seen. God bless you brother, I'm proud of you

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Man🥹 coming from you this means a lot, truly. Thank you brother🙏🏼

@wouterkabouter2716 8 ай бұрын

This video made my day! Love that you're spreading the good word about the people of Sudan. Especially in these times of civil war where people can be really close minded and overlook their beauty. Part of me wants to experience something like this as well but i know i'd be dead by the first day 😂

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Some of the world's most misunderstood and hardh places to live in are where the kindest people are. And we tend to forget it because of overshadowing wars and other sad circumstances

@CalArresz 8 ай бұрын

The Sudanese people are such honest, welcoming and hospitable people! This might genuinely be one of my favourite videos I've ever watched on KZfaq!

@rastkosimic6975 8 ай бұрын

Another great episode 👌 Sudan could not have better advertisement than this. Just perfect mix of everything you need to get interested in visiting this country

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

When the war ends, you definitely should!!!

@lockssista 4 күн бұрын

Yves sent me here and I just saw your video in which you explained what you're up to. And now I see that there hasn't been anything new in a long time! It's a shame, you seem to be a really nice guy with a great sense of humor and it looked very interesting! I'm going to take a look at your trip to Africa so far and hope that you're doing well and that new videos or an update will appear soon. I'll keep my subscription...

@RobertoHelou 4 күн бұрын

Hey! thanks for showing interest! I'm currently working on a +1hour documentary about the war in Sudan, it will hopefully be released later this July

@mrhonkhonk6116 8 ай бұрын

This advanture made me think of making this same type of advanture to see other culture and understanding more of the world we are living in, being out of our confort zone some time it's the best. Thank you for your video and keep this beautiful work you are making

@mohsin20003 8 ай бұрын

After watching the video I realized I'm not home anymore during the whole length of the video I was there living back in my country I hope we return someday and I hope that peace will come to Sudan

@FerranCanetTorra 8 ай бұрын

Thank you, Roberto! Another amazing video. The only downside is that we now have to wait for the next one...

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you🥹 I promise I'll do my best to post the next one quickly

@FerranCanetTorra 8 ай бұрын

@@RobertoHelou ne t'en fais pas... C'est incroyable ce que tu fais ! On attendra le temps nécessaire...

@Jadventure 8 ай бұрын

17:26 legendary handshake 😆😆😆

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

My fav handshake of all time

@Natures_Son 4 ай бұрын

Fantastic trip and documentary. Thank you. Safe travels.

@blacksignaturevisuals694 8 ай бұрын

Wanted to ask you to post more often , but after seeing what you going through to edit, and being an editor myself , i understand what you going through to produce this videos.. keep up the good work.

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

This gives me relief. I always stress about not being consistent enough because of focusing on the quality of the video. But if people like you perceive the value behind the longer hours of work, then I will keep going!

@blacksignaturevisuals694 8 ай бұрын

@@RobertoHelou We are rooting for you 😊😊😊😊...

@Lostshmi 8 ай бұрын

And the last one to cycle sudan for a long time probably 😢. Incredible video! Keep it up ✌️

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Still makes me so sad...I hope all those people aren't too affected and that everything will end soon. Very few international aid there rn

@hondablack1 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for telling your story ! As good as any mainstream production. I enjoyed every minute of it. Bon voyage mon ami. 👍

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! What a compliment, and with barely any budget hahaha🙌🏼😁

@NennMichBoss 8 ай бұрын

Just came over from Sonnys video. Super cool challenge. Definitely going to follow your journey across Africa

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

@mira1641 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your journey! Can't wait for your next video of project Africa !

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! Next one will be EPIC

@josecarloelpescadero9164 8 ай бұрын

Never heard about that Peanut Oil from Sudan, Egypt & Sudan were Always ONE since very ancient times. Good Luck Ya Helou

@patrisha573 8 ай бұрын

I appreciate you guys, I am from USA, Watching your experience, Thank you Much love

@Razorstudiosinc. 8 ай бұрын

This guy came to my school 2 days ago, really nice guy! Glad to meet you in person.

@timjrz 8 ай бұрын

I love the videos from you guys! You deserve way more recognition

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you! I hope we'll soon be able to fully live from this

@mrTeebwoi1 7 ай бұрын

How this video has 26k views shocks me , the amount of knowledge I’ve learnt and the high level of videography had me shocked well done man and good luck on your journey :)

@vreyevans7550 8 ай бұрын

I am loving your Journey!!! I know you are missing my country, Namibia, on your way down Africa... But if you do feel like stopping by on your way back up, it would be a pleasure to host you in Windhoek. You would be so welcome. I really admire your journey and the amazing side of Africa you are sharing with us. Thank you so so much. Keep going strong! You can do it!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Hey!! I'm actually passing by Namibia!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

And thank you so much, glad you enjoy what i share from my journey!

@vreyevans7550 8 ай бұрын

@@RobertoHelou Yeah, I figured you would be riding past... If you do feel like stopping by, there is a warm bed, flushing toilet and wifi waiting here for you =P Good Luck and Safe travels friend. Looking forward to the next update.

@scenic9437 8 ай бұрын

Loved the episode. Love the series. Keep going and Greetings from switzerland. Can't wait for the next episode :)

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

@Dengwale2 8 ай бұрын

Not gona lie bro you actually good with pronouncing Sudanese words not easy 🙏🏼🙏🏼 Great video ❤

@kiwi-kt2bo 8 ай бұрын

Big love from New Zealand. Amazing story telling

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

I love New Zealand so much!! I would love to go back

@alvarvisted 8 ай бұрын

It's wonderful to see a new video from you. you always deliver great stories.

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Alvar!

@ingachasazyroviene6189 5 ай бұрын

when is the next video bro? This is one of the best content ive ever seen. Been waiting for 3months already! Let us know please!

@Geopoldd 8 ай бұрын

Incredible videos man

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

@sangomoon5456 8 ай бұрын

YAY!! You're back! Im loving this journey you're on!

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

So glad you are!!

@abupibiketoursandtraveler0991 8 ай бұрын

Enjoy your journey and stay safe big brother

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

@szczupaczex 8 ай бұрын

Some day i won't to go on adventure like yours

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Do so!! It's bery rewarding

@ifyouknowyouknow5618 8 ай бұрын

Amazing! I have learned so much more! Bless u and ur trip. It’s better then all bbc sir‘s . I feel just tracking w you.! Hopefully this will been seen. Love it so much

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Thank you !!!! So glad to read your comment

@MaxMorrisTV 8 ай бұрын

here before ur channel blows up

@ingvar1996 8 ай бұрын

What a milestone! Incredible amounts of persistence to cross the sahara by bycicle 😱 Very interesting to learn about Sudan and its people 🤩

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 loved Sudan

@sihsmosis3716 18 күн бұрын

I am egyptian .. Praying for Sudan peace ..

@Yinglong70 6 ай бұрын

I am very impressed and concur with my fellow commentator below. For my generation the cutting sequence might be hyper-quick (I am an old guy and so not really part of the target group ;-) but I very much appreciate the story telling. I watch many vlogs created by global cycle tourists. Some are good, some not so, but yours really do stand out. On the one hand you do take time to tell more than just the cycling and the camping, i.e. stories from the sideline. What also is a cut above the rest is the sound quality. Including your commentaries and moderating. You do seem to have a great talent and after your tour I guess there will be a job waiting for you with some famous, global media network. Finally, I do admire your language skills, switching from English to Arabic and as I have just heard in this part, excellent French, too! I look forward to all the other tour reports from Africa. Good luck with the ongoing journey and stay safe!

@aboodkamr.t5516 7 ай бұрын

Amazing work, well done guys. Hope to see part 2 soon, God bless.

@shagoesfar 5 ай бұрын

As usual - amazing :)

@SuperTD 8 ай бұрын

Your best video yet! Keep it up

@mekadragon86 8 ай бұрын

This is great ,wish you all the best

@moabdullahsonnie4464 8 ай бұрын

You are such a good storyteller, I watched this to the end and loved it so much, you inspire me.

@takawiragwazazani7194 5 ай бұрын

Brilliant bro l saw you on Dr 911 yestrday l'm here in capetown

@khalidsaad26 8 ай бұрын

17:26 🤣 That is the best part of this video.

@kimanimuiru1102 7 ай бұрын

Such an awesome storyteller, perfect documentation, feeling part of the journey behind my screen. This is such an inspiration. Eagerly waiting for the Kenyan edition and also waiting for you in Nairobi Kenya.

@laetitia7621 8 ай бұрын

Rob this feels like such a privilege to be able to share your experience through your immaculate storytelling, these beautiful images and this very informative documentation. I miss you loads and keep going, every thing you do is so impressive. Hands down one of the best human beings I have the chance of knowing. The sudanese people seem genuinely so kind and interesting. Good luck for the rest of your journey, I can't wait to follow what's next

@lynmcfadden4469 8 ай бұрын

How are you not picked up by NatGeo or something? Agree with a comment a while ago…how do you not have more followers?

@RobertoHelou 8 ай бұрын

Love u so much Laet♥️ thank you for such a heartwarming comment🙏🏼 can't wait to meet again and speak for hours about all this

@NeverTilt96 7 ай бұрын

you have a bright future on youtube you got this, really good content man!

@cubikcube337 8 ай бұрын

dude this video was simply beautiful man, like goddamn. huge respect to your efforts for putting this out there and showing all these cultures and ppl. I love how you have a big focus on the culture and experience instead of just cycling. Like i feel like i should be paying to see this stuff, you honestly inspire me to do something like this, like i have always wanted to travel by like hitchhiking or cycling but i always thought of doing it in a european country or something but you really inspire me to go do it in a lesser known country and meet the ppl there and experience their culture. I wish you the best man and i hope you dont stop making these

@ryndevich 6 ай бұрын

Man, you’re amazing! Best travel content I’ve seen in a long time 🔥

@bengore1997 8 ай бұрын

Production is incredible mate!

@airportabbas9079 8 ай бұрын

thanks for your visit beautiful video

@kevintrottier9959 8 ай бұрын

Your videos are incredible. It shows you put a lot of effort into them. I don’t understand why you’re not getting more attention. Keep it up man!

@chroniclesofmanliness8697 8 ай бұрын

I've been following you for a while now, ever since the start of this amazing project. I can't describe to you how impressed I am by all the effort and dedication you've put into this. I'm Lebanese as well and have been working in France for a while. I always dreamed about travelling one day like you did but due to current circumstances, I'm weighed down by responsibilities that take priority. In a way, with your amazing storytelling, it feels like I am living my dreams through your words and I can't thank you enough for this. Good luck on the rest of your journey, I can't wait to see what you have for us next.