The Route
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Pedals & Pathways Expedition
Wayfinding Wisdom for Modern Humans
Join us on a transformative journey through Namibia's vast landscapes as we reconnect with the ancient wayfinding wisdom of the San people.
Our Expedition
Pedals & Pathways is more than a bikepacking expedition—it's a wayfinding immersion that blends movement, storytelling, and cultural heritage.
I'm Kobus du Toit, founder of the School of Wayfinding, and alongside Gavin de Klerk, founder of the Unity Djembe School, we will navigate the rugged desert terrain, retracing the footsteps of the San.
Our expedition will culminate at the BARHP Spitzkoppe Festival (April 25–27, 2025)—a celebration of music and cultural expression under the vast Namibian sky.
Why This Journey?
The San people have been master navigators for millennia, reading landscapes, stars, and the rhythms of nature to survive and thrive. As modern life pulls us away from these intuitive skills, we seek to rediscover, document, and share how these ancient practices can help us navigate both the physical world and the challenges of contemporary life.
This journey also aims to raise awareness for !Khwa ttu, a heritage center dedicated to preserving and sharing San culture. Along the way, we will share stories, insights and lessons learned—offering a bridge between the past and the present.
The Route
Our expedition spans over 1,200 km of some of the most striking landscapes in Namibia, following the paths once traveled by the San:
1
Vioolsdrif to
Fish River Canyon
Estimated Date: April 1–7
Distance: ~300 km
We start by crossing into Namibia and rideing through the Namibian Richtersveld, a remote, rugged terrain filled with dramatic mountain passes. We then arrive at the eastern rim of the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world.
2
Fish River Canyon to
Namib-Naukluft Park Boundary
Estimated Date: April 8–14
Distance: ~400 km
We enter Namib-Naukluft Park, riding along the edge of the world's oldest desert. Encountering vast dune fields and rocky outcrops, and experiencing one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
3
Namib-Naukluft Park Boundary to Swakopmund
Estimated Date: April 15–21
Distance: ~400 km
We cross the Kuiseb River Canyon, a natural barrier dividing the Namib. Navigate between shifting sands, rocky ridges and stunning coastline to Swakopmund
4
Hitchhike from
Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
Estimated Date: April 21
Distance: ~200 km
Take a break from biking after crossing almost 1000 km already and get to the festival
5
Rest at Spitzkoppe
Estimated Date: April 22–24
Distance: ~400 km
Namibia's "Matterhorn," an ancient rock formation sacred to indigenous communities is here. Explore the landscapes, visit ancient San rock art sites, and prepare for the festival.
6
BARHP Spitzkoppe Festival
Exact Dates: April 25–27
Distance: ~400 km
Celebrate in a surreal desert setting with a mix of Afrotech, House, and Techno music, gathering with fellow adventurers under the vast starlit sky.
7
Spitzkoppe to
Walvis Bay International Airport
Estimated Date: April 28–30
Distance: ~200 km
Descend from the highlands towards Walvis Bay, where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean.
8
Kobus Flies Back to Cape Town
Estimated Date: May 1, 2025
Kobus packs his bike up and heads home back to Cape Town
9
Gavin Goes Solo!
Estimated Date: May - June 2025
Gavin will continue exploring the Northern lands of Namibia solo, and then will eventually make his way back down to Cape Town

Google My Maps

Pedals & Pathways Route

The waypoints for our bikepacking journey

Gallery
The Team
Kobus du Toit
Founder of School of Wayfinding
Gavin de Klerk
Founder of Unity Djembe School
School of Wayfinding
At School of Wayfinding, we help humans navigate life's uncertainties & transitions via reflective, immersive experiences inspired by indigenous wayfinding traditions.

This journey is a living embodiment of our philosophy: learning through movement, intuition, and deep connection to the land.
Unity Djembe School
At Unity Djembe School, we bring people together through the rhythms of West African drumming. Much like wayfinding, drumming is about attunement—listening, responding, and moving in sync with natural and communal rhythms. Our journey will integrate rhythm and movement, highlighting the power of ancient practices to guide us in modern times.
How You Can Get Involved
1
Follow Our Journey in Real-Time
We'll be documenting Pedals & Pathways on Instagram, sharing live updates, route tracking, and reflections from the road.
Follow along and immerse yourself in the landscapes and lessons of this journey.
2
Support & Partner With Us
We are seeking sponsors and brand partners who align with our mission.
If your company values sustainability, cultural preservation, and adventure, we'd love to collaborate.
Opportunities may include:
  • Gear Sponsorship – Equip us with eco-conscious bikepacking gear
  • Brand Visibility – Feature your brand in our media coverage, social content, and festival presence
  • Content Collaboration – Work with us on storytelling, video production, and post-expedition reflections
3
Visit & Support !Khwa ttu
The !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre is a vital cultural hub preserving the knowledge, language, and traditions of the San.
You can support their mission by visiting, donating, or sharing their work.
Learn more about !Khwa ttu →
This is an opportunity to reconnect—with the land, with the wisdom of the past, and with the deep knowing that guides us forward.
Whether you ride with us in spirit, support us through sponsorship, or help spread the word, you are part of this movement to rediscover indigenous wisdom for modern life.
Join us. Follow the path. Find your way.
You can financially support us here:
In exchange, I'll bring you along for the journey by posting throughout our expedition and sharing nuggets of wisdom along the way.
You'll help contribute to an inspiring mini-doccie about the expedition, highlighting the importance of indigenous wayfinding wisdom for the modern world.