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

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...
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Project Africa Website: www.projectafrica.bike
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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 KZbin channel: ‪@DylanBoynukalin‬
Additional Animation by the awesome Rayan Haddad.
Tim's Instagram: / dreamtim___
Flo's KZbin: ‪@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?

[@idlens2268]

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

[@Jadventure]

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❤

[@talal2n2]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you!!!

[@cjwojoe]

​@@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 KZbin won't notify me. 😅

[@salmadow]

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]

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

[@flednanders4601]

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

[@zoolshift1311]

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

[@githice]

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

[@anthonykettaneh1991]

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]

Means a lot Anthony, thank you ❤

[@mamumadu2140]

Sonny brought me here... New subscriber❤

[@DaveVargas90012]

Yup!

[@kittysnowshoe6475]

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!

[@fredrickochieng8112]

New subscriber from Nairobi recommended by Yves kino

[@mdfaiz8943]

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

[@TheWorldSucks]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

Thanks bro!! Always trying to improve!!

[@cjwojoe]

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]

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

[@cjwojoe]

​@@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!

[@FlorenceRyan]

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]

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

[@sohamroy9779]

u are a breathtaking storyteller

[@cy6412]

When will you post a new video?

[@salmadow]

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

[@Tehbestestevasss]

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]

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]

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 ❤❤❤🎉

[@valyrianchicken]

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]

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

[@petrl7964]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

LET'S GOOO

[@Natures_Son]

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

[@Natures_Son]

Fantastic trip and documentary. Thank you. Safe travels.

[@UXMC2]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

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

[@Geopoldd]

Incredible videos man

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you!!!

[@Jadventure]

17:26 legendary handshake 😆😆😆

[@RobertoHelou]

My fav handshake of all time

[@mrhonkhonk6116]

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

[@rastkosimic6975]

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]

When the war ends, you definitely should!!!

[@reesedern5096]

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 KZbin should always be about. Cant wait for the next one!!!

[@RobertoHelou]

♥️🙌🏼

[@cjwojoe]

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.

[@mohsin20003]

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

[@Lostshmi]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

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

[@NennMichBoss]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you!!

[@Nepomuk.]

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

[@mira1641]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you!! Next one will be EPIC

[@user-mu9ke9ex9f]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you!!

[@WaleedTravels]

The BEST storyteller in the game

[@RobertoHelou]

Love u bro!!! Waiting for your vidsss

[@abupibiketoursandtraveler0991]

Enjoy your journey and stay safe big brother

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you!!!

[@HazemKhattab-gk1ul]

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.

[@CalArresz]

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

[@hondablack1]

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]

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

[@lockssista]

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]

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

[@Sonny_Black]

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.. KZbin algorithm do your thing!

[@RobertoHelou]

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]

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

[@josecarloelpescadero9164]

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

[@wouterkabouter2716]

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]

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

[@TheHiyy]

Dude are you alive?

[@MbjDaWheelman]

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

[@JoolsUK]

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]

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

[@FerranCanetTorra]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

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

[@FerranCanetTorra]

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

[@alvarvisted]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you so much Alvar!

[@kiwi-kt2bo]

Big love from New Zealand. Amazing story telling

[@RobertoHelou]

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

[@patrisha573]

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

[@scenic9437]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you!!

[@takawiragwazazani7194]

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

[@sihsmosis3716]

I am egyptian .. Praying for Sudan peace ..

[@user-uf4ky9rk9h]

Just saw ur video from Dr 911 on tik tok ... he met you guys on the road ....can't wait for you to reach South africa Cape Town ....safe journey

[@timjrz]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

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

[@danielcaracache1074]

Epic! Enjoyed every moment of it!

[@RobertoHelou]

So glad you did 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Jadventure]

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 KZbin has seen. God bless you brother, I'm proud of you

[@RobertoHelou]

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

[@szczupaczex]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

Do so!! It's bery rewarding

[@blacksignaturevisuals694]

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]

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]

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

[@vreyevans7550]

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]

Hey!! I'm actually passing by Namibia!

[@RobertoHelou]

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

[@vreyevans7550]

@@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.

[@ogmannyy]

Great job! I love the authenticity and the amazing story telling skills. You truly have a gift 🙌🏾🥂

[@ifyouknowyouknow5618]

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]

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

[@moabdullahsonnie4464]

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

[@LexieLimitless]

Love this so much!!😊

[@RobertoHelou]

So glad Lexie!!! I'm sure you experienced similar interactions with the locals there :)

[@BEANimations]

Love this series 😄

[@RobertoHelou]

So happy u are🙌🏼

[@khalidsaad26]

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

[@finlaycb2961]

Love the videos

[@RobertoHelou]

Thanks!!

[@ingachasazyroviene6189]

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!

[@Razorstudiosinc.]

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

[@sangomoon5456]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

So glad you are!!

[@MaxMorrisTV]

here before ur channel blows up

[@ChiefsTribe]

Absolutely incredible what in the world..!!

[@kimanimuiru1102]

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.

[@WaleedTravels]

🔥Always wanted to visit Sudan

[@RobertoHelou]

You will one day inshallah. Such a special place. I feel you will especially like it

[@Dengwale2]

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

[@airportabbas9079]

thanks for your visit beautiful video

[@mosabhamed3701]

It’s like you are Sudan’s! God bless you, you have a pure heart❤

[@mimiorourke4978]

Wonderfully done. Merci du Canada. I love you're perspective eye of how kind humans are and can be! Bon voyage a ton equipe.

[@RobertoHelou]

❤🙌🏼

[@mazinesam8590]

this is the best vlog I have ever watched about my country Sudan, thank you brother 🙏❤️❤️

[@xiaofanli1085]

24:17 magical 🧙‍♀️ ❤

[@ahmedsaeed8751]

Your ability to storytelling is amazing man, keep it up.✌ Ahmed from khartoum

[@RobertoHelou]

Thank you, I will!!

[@bengore1997]

Production is incredible mate!

[@Jankz1]

I love this so much because the road he took is the same road me and my family took to immigrate out of Sudan to Egypt and its a very needed reminder of how amazing my home country is,thanks alot🫶🏽

[@Jelyfixe]

Damn I'm so inspired by the project, the channel, your charisma, very glad I found the channel! Thank you :)

[@RobertoHelou]

So happy to read this :) thanks!!

[@kubonsdl9609]

its crazy how underrated this is, Great stuff!

[@stevenvaloyi2439]

I follow C's I saw DR 991 interview u, u great person welcm to Africa

[@NeverTilt96]

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

[@SuperTD]

Your best video yet! Keep it up

[@BenjiBlabs]

Wow wow wow! It’s been a while since I’ve seen a video like this. ❤

[@jerkkub]

Waiting for a new video!

[@CambodiaNomadTips]

Honestly speaking, you've got the best show on KZbin. Just digging your style and cool narrative. Ill follow you guys till the end 🙏🤓❤️

[@RobertoHelou]

What a compliment! Thank you♥️

[@murayaisaac]

Hamed needs to hit the studio!!!

[@nobeeguyman5877]

You are so underrated! keep it up!

[@boibawang4403]

im here before it become big

[@RobertoHelou]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@cubikcube337]

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

[@BenjiChai]

Ima start a new saying "as generous as the Sudanese"

[@kevintrottier9959]

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!

[@aboodkamr.t5516]

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

[@sweetsweet3753]

great to see the ongoing positive engagement with the local communities. backpacking is the best for this. well presented and thanks

[@jaisendesai]

This man deserves way more attention, well done.

[@ingvar1996]

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

[@RobertoHelou]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 loved Sudan