Bicycle touring South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland | Cycling around the planet final episode

Cycling through South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. I never would have want to miss it.
When I reached Cape Agulhas in the previous episode, I expected to be flying home soon. But a change in circumstances gave me the opportunity to explore the rest of South Africa, including wonderful Lesotho and Swaziland.
To all of you who have been watching my cycling around the planet adventures; thank you for being a part of my journey! This is the final video of my two year long cycling journey across two continents, covering over 42,000km.
This video was shot in December 2021 - January 2022
Camera gear used to film this bicycle touring video:
Yi 4K+
Mavic Air
Sony DSC-RX100
Follow me also on:
I N S T A G R A M: / cycling_around_the_planet
P O L A R S T E P S: polarsteps.com/cyclingaroundtheplanet
Support the video project
P A T R E O N / cyclingaroundtheplanet
Music
Wills of the River - First Aid Kit
Cinematic Piano Ambient - AShamaluevMusic
Before the Sun - Gregory Alan Isakov
Riverside - Agnes Obel
Jump Mountain Blues - Watchhouse
Comptine d'un autre été, l'après-midi - Yann Tiersen
If I Be Wrong - Wolf Larsen
Aerial Ocean - The Pines
Catch Me - The Jezabels
00:00 Intro
00:14 South Africa
21:35 Lesotho
46:20 South Africa part 2
48:25 Swaziland
53:37 Outro

[@munro12]

What a great unexpected bonus even if brought to us courtesy of Covid. A fantastic video bringing a wonderful adventure to an end. I have enjoyed every minute of every video. You're an incredibly talented film maker Niels ... thank you.

[@cyclingaroundtheplanet]

Thank you 🥰

[@Andy-sj2dv]

Thanks, Niels, for taking us along on this wonderful adventure in which you overcame trials and whatever mother nature sent your way. I looked forward to every episode and I'm sad it's over. Thank you also to the amazing people who helped you along the way, who raised your spirits, who fed you and sheltered you. All the best!

[@KingHoneypot]

This whole series has been absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much.

[@Bernhard20Zoll]

Hello Nils, I am deeply moved and don't know what to write, which is true at this moment. Ok, I'm 66 and cycle 8-12,000 km. I've seen many, many cycling trip videos and none of them have ever given me the feeling that it's a shame, I would have liked to have taken this trip and I would like to look back on it. Then you came. Yes, I would have liked to have taken your trip when I was your age, because I know how much such trips fill you with joy for the rest of your life. Also some trips to Europe that I took 40 years ago. I bow deeply to your performance, your persistent will, your humble nature, your great charisma, your eye for landscapes and moments, your ability to make videos - in short, you touch me. However, there is one thing I don't understand. In my estimation, this channel should have at least 100,000 members. I wish you all the best. Maybe you'll go again, maybe not. May it be what makes you happy. Thank you for taking me! Yours truly! Bernhard

[@cyclingaroundtheplanet]

Thank you so much for these kind words Bernard. I feel blessed that I have been able to make this journey and to be able to share it with people who appreciate it!

[@Velo_Safari]

Exactly this ^. It’s why I subscribed!!

[@alexhofvander]

Another upload finally. What a treat it was. Thank you!

[@johncarlyon]

Congratulations Niels! An incredible achievement - we have watched your videos all the way from when you set out from North Cape in Norway. What an adventure, that most like-minded folk can only dream of. If only we had known that you were passing through our home city, Pietermartizburg, it would have been great to meet you. Thanks for your excellent and enjoyable videos that never failed to entertain.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Simply wow! Well done. Thank you for filming your epic ride and sharing it with us. Every minute every second has been a joy to watch, except maybe when you were robbed in Cairo. Don’t stop cycling and don’t stop filming ever. You are a great film maker. Truly remarkable. You are from the same mould as Johan Gueorguiev.

[@Bernhard20Zoll]

"You are from the same mould as Johan Gueorguiev." 'm happy to agree with that and I don't think anyone could give you a greater compliment, Nils

[@lisacampbell6355]

Niels, what an incredible journey from the top of Europe to the bottom of Africa! I have enjoyed the unique views that you have shown us, masterfully edited with the best choices of music. I can't say enough about the whole beautiful wonderful series. The added journey, courtesy of covid, was a bonus for you and us. Your videos are my absolute favorite on all of KZbin :) and I will be watching them all again. Best wishes and hugs, and Thank You!

[@sharkmentality9717]

Not only beautiful senery but also a motivating rider! Thanks!!

[@TheLockstead]

Thanks for having me on your journey. Sharing your experiences with all of us is so invaluable. Thanks a lot and keep it up.

[@aadviola3421]

Hi Niels, gewoon héél kort, "bedankt!!" Alles is al gezegd, het gaat je goed 🫂

[@niallshakeshaft1524]

Thank you so much for making and sharing this extraordinary series of films. The KZbin algorithm suggested your videos to me as you were setting out and I remember watching the early episodes (up until Finland) pretty soon after you posted them. But for some reason I lost track of you. But you popped back into my feed a few weeks ago and I have really enjoyed catching up with all episodes. The adventure you undertook is truly incredible and inspiring. I also dream of someday doing a long-haul bike tour (maybe when I retire). It seems like you had a great (if challenging) time almost everywhere, although it looks like the Egypt/Sudan/Ethiopia sections were perhaps not as fun as some others. I found the later episodes on Namibia and Lesotho particularly interesting as I knew so little about these places. There are many bike touring channels on KZbin but yours is perhaps the best. It is quite rare to have someone who combines spectacular imagery, nice music and an easy-going presentation style. But I think your real skill is editing. There is no filler in your videos. They are all the perfect length. You must have left so much footage out! I hope life back in NL is treating you well and I wish you the very best for whatever you decide to do from now on. Thank you again!

[@jackkline7299]

Nils you have such a beautiful positivity man...congratulations on your trip. I hope two years later it is still serving you well. With love from Canada.

[@dr.kashifulhaq6372]

Greatest of all Vloggers I have seen yet on a bycycle. Very nice photography and direction. I just found you on internet. It was amazing.❤ Thanks for such lovely vlogs. God bless you. Take care.❤

[@olofbout1380]

Heb genoten van al je afleveringen. Prachtige opnames van al het moois dat the planet ons te bieden heeft. Respect voor je doorzettingsvermogen. Er moeten toch momenten zijn geweest dat het niet zo makkelijk ging. Begrijp dat je dat niet zo de nadruk op wil leggen. Maar waarom zou je er geen boek over schrijven. Ik ben bijvoorbeeld erg nieuwsgierig naar de ontmoetingen die je ongetwijfeld hebt gehad. Daar moet toch veel over te vertellen zijn. Ook de fiets heeft een dergelijke tocht niet zonder meer overleefd. Hoe ben je daarmee omgegaan. Zo moeten er talrijke mooie en minder mooie aspecten aan je avontuur verbonden zijn. Ik zou er graag over lezen. Als je het zelf niet ziet zitten om te gaan schrijven zijn er echt wel mogelijkheden om een boek te realiseren.

[@denohking4377]

Niels you have inspired me to follow my dream of traveling the world..next time allow me to join you on your next adventure from ***from Kenya***

[@dooley-ch]

Congratulations. You strike me as an exceptional young man with a great ability to meet every challenge life sets you. Hopefully you will achieve great things in live that will benefit the world and it's peoples.

[@clumsytriangle2436]

I never knew my home country had such unknown beauty! I guess one only sees the places most travelled by visitors. I live abroad presently and have been wanting to do a solo cycle trip somewhere, and I think I'll do it in SA. I've quad-biked up Sani Pass from the SA side into Lesotho-the untarred route to the top to visit the highest pub in Africa - was amazing-took like 8 hours...4 up and 4 down. Being in the Drakensberg Mountains is like being in Heaven.

[@eriknikkels1009]

Just one word... RESPECT !!!!

[@pavlosioannides9316]

Hello Niels! You have been my everyday entertainment! Stunning videos! This was the ultimate adventure! You are an inspiration for many people! Thanks!

[@Bwarestudio]

Fantastisch!

[@greglangot1538]

Very beautiful places you have came have a good journey

[@ewamurawska6028]

Thank you for disseminating so nice stuff. We have enjoyed watching every scene of it. Greetings from Lublin, Poland, and more so exciting adventures!

[@abc-zz5zf]

Thank you for sharing your experience and showing the beauty of this planet. I have been watching your videos for over a year and this journey is beyond words!!!

[@TOBI10795]

insane achievement ! congrats !

[@anilgadhvi2853]

Very nice 👍

[@Pippinthepooch]

Congratulations on a huge achievement. I’ve enjoyed following your journey, thank you for sharing all your wonderful films with us. What will be your next adventure ?

[@roland6976]

You raised the bar again. I hope this was not your last bike tour.

[@MarkoSalmela]

I have really enjoyed watching your awesome videos. You dare to do and accomplish things that I can't. I'm a bikepacker myself, but I would not dare to go Africa. And that is one of the reasons I really enjoy watching your videos. You are doing things I'd like to do, but not dare to do. Thx & kudos!

[@aidassemetas3511]

well done man!

[@plofkraak6536]

Fantastico. Inspirationes de todos! Also much respect to your tent, bike, shoes and sunglases (model 1998) who survived and excelled all the way! And I almost forgot to mention your drone. Great things you did with that. Quality matters.

[@cmym00]

Thankyou for sharing your beautiful journey. brilliant.

[@janebrommet7942]

Joh geweldig wat n prachtige reis. Ik heb genoten...ben heel benieuwd wat het met jou gedaan heeft...alleen zijn leer je jezelf goed kennen. Zeker in zulke omgevingen.. Ben er ook geweest lang geleden..prachtig. nog altijd n vaag heimwee gevoel. Heb diep respect voor jou.. Mijn heritage in de Betuwe staat altijd voor jou open..dank voor dat ik mee mocht reizen en groeten aan je zus❤❤😊

[@cyclingaroundtheplanet]

Ben nu alweer een hele tijd thuis, maar moet zeggen dat ik toch wel behoorlijk veranderd ben als persoon

[@Japio1955]

Hey Niels…, vanaf dag 1 heb ik je met diep respect gevolgd…, ik heb enorm genoten van je reis…, vanaf je huis tot het hoge noorden…, en vandaar naar het uiterste zuiden van Afrika…, kortom, een adembenemende reis…, super bedankt dat ik met je “mee mocht”…, ik weet niet of je nog iets van je laat horen…, wie weet ga nog een keer richting China…, het ga je goed…!

[@erifyllhkaravia8273]

If I had a child I would like him/her to be like you! Thanks for your wonderful videos and hope to see you in another adventures.

[@GrumpyOldMan70]

I was sad to read "final episode" but I'm happy for you. Thank you for the gift of your journey.

[@cyclingaroundtheplanet]

All good things come to an end, but for me the journey never really ends, as I will always carry it with me

[@robertmcwilliams610]

Nicely documented, great work.

[@pandionparvis]

Amazing achievement Niels! Great to see that you made after your bumpy ride of the Mediterranean sea. It takes a special man to complete this adventure.

[@boerinmetkoeien7190]

Wat heb je een bijzonder avontuur beleefd, fietsen van Noord naar Zuid. Vooral de Afrikaanse beelden zijn prachtig! Ik zal jouw video's missen, keek er altijd naar uit. Ik hoop dan ook dat deze reis een vervolg krijgt! Maar vooral hoop ik dat je zelf je doel/plek vindt in de wereld /maatschappij. Succes en veel geluk!

[@karlschreiber9286]

Funny Animal at the beginning. Will You be understood in ZA with dutch? If you ever began with this lifestyle You ll never find an ending. But today I hope better possiblities to finance your life. High qualities always gets its good prices. Never give up to be modest and good.

[@jayp.1455]

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your most interesting adventure.

[@chakrambinoystraveldiary4223]

Oh dear ... you are my solo rider hero...watched every video... wonderful...no words.... especially the way of you shooting is excellent....I am also now imitating you... thanks for excellent exploration you gave us through your video...I am from india...kerala state .. welcoming you once you visit India... Thanks brother... expecting more exploration in other continent.... Thank you....👍👍🥰🥰🥰🚵🚵💞💞

[@bernieraverty4319]

Amazing journey❤thanks for all the great videos! Hopefully many great tours ahead for you.

[@skepticRN]

What a wonderful trip.

[@jbrearley12]

Well done. What an epic achievement and adventure

[@rider2731]

wow. wow. gorgeous scenaries along the coast. thank you for sharing. one feedback for you…I think your video would have been more enjoyable to watch without the background music. Thank you for sharing.

[@Nis_Ma]

Hi Niels, another great video. Thanks for sharing with us your experiences. Hope to see your next video in another countries 😊

[@cezarywojs2131]

Thanks for sharing this with us

[@sharkmentality9717]

China top to bottom next? Become cliche to do Alaska to Patagonia.

[@alanhanley9515]

So magical but slightly bittersweet....how will you ever adjust to less magic if you stop travelling?

[@Velo_Safari]

What’s next? Also, what’re you using for route planning, maps, navigation, cycle comp etc? How do you plot your next destination point?

[@goldtoothcat4578]

Hey dude love watching all your videos . What do you think of the brooks saddle. I also have a trek 920 and I'm after a more comfortable saddle .cheer

[@jeffneumann4872]

Love your videos…was curious…I’m getting ready to do a 36 day tour…what tire pressures do you run? Max?…or some percentage of max? Thanx…Jeff

[@DatuSumakwel7]

Were you using cable-actuated disc brakes or hydraulic disk brakes?

[@Velo_Safari]

How do you edit your vids? I’m new to all this. Care to share?

[@chrissik997]

Du bist das Maß aller Radfahrer!

[@roosjansen8800]

Zou graag een eenmalige donatie doen. Lukt moeilijk. Hoe kan dit eenvoudig? Groet Roos

[@cyclingaroundtheplanet]

Dat zou ik heel leuk vinden Roos! Kun je een mailtje sturen naar [e-mail]? Dan kan ik mijn rekeningnummer met je delen. Dankjewel!

[@driewiel]

Ik heb een wereldreis gemaakt naar België. 't Was een eind maar na een week toch weer veilig thuis gekomen.

[@driewiel]

Ik heb eens een video gezien van een echte expert en die zei dat je een halve rol wc-papier moest meenemen. Maar ik denk dat je voor zo'n lange reis toch wel een hele rol nodig heb. Wat je ook moet meenemen klaarblijkelijk is een hele partij remblokjes. Ik ben nog steeds geen voorstander van schijfremmen. Ze remmen goed, maar ik heb liever velgremmen. Alles zo simpel mogelijk wat zo overal verkopen. Dus ook geen hydraulisch of Rohloff naaf of riemaandrijving. 't Is mooi, totdat het stuk gaat. Nou dit was weer een fantastische video. Je zult best in een 'gat' vallen na zo'n avontuur. Wat nu? De Amerongseberg beklimmen? Wild kamperen in het Vondelpark? Vlieland op een skippybal? Welke uitdaging blijft er over?