Podcast Nowak Completes Iconic African Mission on Kanzo Adventure Alu
In the spring of 2025, we already announced that three adventurers were hard at work preparing for their unique mission. Nearly a hundred years later, they would follow in the footsteps of Polish world traveler Kazimierz Nowak, the very first cyclist to cross the African continent. At the beginning of October, the moment finally arrived: author and writer Tom Ysewijn, actor Titus De Voogdt, and podcast creator Jeroen Franssens stood at the starting line of their unforgettable route. Their adventures can now be heard in the podcast ‘Nowak’.
After a 24-hour flight, the three men from Ghent arrived in Namibia. They first found shelter in a former police station that now serves as a guesthouse. The sturdy aluminum Kanzo Adventure Alu bikes had survived the long journey well and traded the drizzly Flemish fields for a golden-yellow landscape filled with rugged rocks. Their first stop was the studio of Radio Nova in Windhoek, where they shared their story. Then, 250 kilometers further in Gumuchab, they reached the place where Nowak’s bicycle once broke down and he switched to a horse.
Under the African sun, the first days were immediately a challenge. The loose sand, in particular, proved difficult at times, but fortunately the Kanzo Adventure Alu bikes offered enough tire clearance to handle the terrain. Still, a stretch of asphalt in Gobabis felt like a relief. The men also chose to cover many kilometers early in the morning, when temperatures were lower and progress felt more rewarding. In this way, they safely reached Waterberg.
After a 24-hour flight, the three men from Ghent arrived in Namibia. They first found shelter in a former police station that now serves as a guesthouse. The sturdy aluminum Kanzo Adventure Alu bikes had survived the long journey well and traded the drizzly Flemish fields for a golden-yellow landscape filled with rugged rocks. Their first stop was the studio of Radio Nova in Windhoek, where they shared their story. Then, 250 kilometers further in Gumuchab, they reached the place where Nowak’s bicycle once broke down and he switched to a horse.
Under the African sun, the first days were immediately a challenge. The loose sand, in particular, proved difficult at times, but fortunately the Kanzo Adventure Alu bikes offered enough tire clearance to handle the terrain. Still, a stretch of asphalt in Gobabis felt like a relief. The men also chose to cover many kilometers early in the morning, when temperatures were lower and progress felt more rewarding. In this way, they safely reached Waterberg.
About Titus De Voogdt
Titus De Voogdt (1979) is a Flemish actor known for numerous series such as De Dag and De Twaalf, as well as the international series The Missing. He has also appeared in several films, including Steve + Sky and Welp. Recently, he showed another side of himself as an amateur cook in Celebrity MasterChef Vlaanderen. This creative all-rounder adds a new chapter to his career with this project, supported by the Flemish Audiovisual Fund. During his preparations, he also visited the Aero Performance Lab in Beringen and received expert assistance from Fietsen Vandeputte in setting up his tires tubeless.
Ghent Waterzooi
Dust clouds, abandoned mining landscapes, cattle and gemsbok along the roads… the trio was literally immersed in the Namibian experience. At times, they even had to continue on foot, but they never lost courage. Via Gaub and the deserted Tsumeb, they reached the border with Angola. With Titus’s MasterChef specialty – Ghent Waterzooi – they concluded the first chapter of their journey.
With considerable effort, Titus and his companions managed to get their bikes across the border as well. From Carola, they continued to Omupanda, where humidity levels were higher and the heat more intense. For the first time, they spotted baobab trees along the roadside. As they traveled further north, Portuguese increasingly became the main language. The remnants of the civil war also inspired the Nowak trio to raise funds for APOPO, an organization that locates and neutralizes old landmines.
After more than three weeks, their impressions became more grounded in reality. The surreal nature of Namibia gave way to the somber remains of war near Cuvango. “Next to us, children live in a half-collapsed house,” the travelers noted in true diary style. “They laugh, cook together, and come to us in the evening. When they start singing, we respond with Vrolijke Vrienden. Shortly after, they join in—hesitantly, but beautifully. We stay an extra day. In the valley, we can purify water and wash ourselves. Life here is simple, but full.”
With considerable effort, Titus and his companions managed to get their bikes across the border as well. From Carola, they continued to Omupanda, where humidity levels were higher and the heat more intense. For the first time, they spotted baobab trees along the roadside. As they traveled further north, Portuguese increasingly became the main language. The remnants of the civil war also inspired the Nowak trio to raise funds for APOPO, an organization that locates and neutralizes old landmines.
After more than three weeks, their impressions became more grounded in reality. The surreal nature of Namibia gave way to the somber remains of war near Cuvango. “Next to us, children live in a half-collapsed house,” the travelers noted in true diary style. “They laugh, cook together, and come to us in the evening. When they start singing, we respond with Vrolijke Vrienden. Shortly after, they join in—hesitantly, but beautifully. We stay an extra day. In the valley, we can purify water and wash ourselves. Life here is simple, but full.”
Numerous Bike Bags
For his bike setup, Titus opted for Vaude bike bags. At the rear, he mounted two bags: one containing food, cooking gear, and leisure items, and the other holding solar panels, batteries, and cables. His sandals are also attached at the back. A large frame bag is filled with repair gear and tools such as a pocketknife, tape, and rope. On his top tube, he keeps essential items like his wallet, earbuds, electrolytes, and phone within easy reach. His Snack Pack contains a water bottle, while the tent and camping gear are mounted on the handlebars. On the front fork, one side carries a water bottle and the other a bag of clothing. Fully equipped, he is ready for all the challenges of a multi-day adventure.
At the end of the journey, a long stretch of asphalt appeared leading to Cuima. In a somewhat more prosperous region, the men completed their final kilometers. With gigantic rocks scattered across the road like sleeping elephants, the route continued via Quipeio to the final destination in Boa Sera. There, Titus and his companions left behind a small statue of Nowak and his bicycle, hoping that one day another adventurer will follow in his footsteps.
After recovering from their incredible experience, Titus, Tom, and Jeroen returned to their professional routines. The podcast could now be fully developed, recorded, and edited. The letters will be read by actor Jan Bijvoet. Starting June 6, 2026, you can listen to the podcast ‘Weg van Nowak’ on your favorite podcast app. Will you be tuning in too?
After recovering from their incredible experience, Titus, Tom, and Jeroen returned to their professional routines. The podcast could now be fully developed, recorded, and edited. The letters will be read by actor Jan Bijvoet. Starting June 6, 2026, you can listen to the podcast ‘Weg van Nowak’ on your favorite podcast app. Will you be tuning in too?
Kanzo Adventure Alu
Destination UnknownThe Kanzo Adventure Alu brings all the features and versatility of the award-winning carbon Kanzo Adventure into an aluminum package. This bike is ready to explore the world. Its geometry inspires confidence on rough terrain with a slacker head angle, lower bottom bracket, and steeper seat tube, while a shorter stem keeps the handling lively. With 52 mm tire clearance you can mount the toughest tires, and the numerous mounting points allow a setup with extra bottles, multiple bikepacking bags, and smart add-ons.
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