Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve-Victoria Falls Reporter
AMERICAN adventurer Eddie Bond arrived in Victoria Falls on Saturday afternoon, completing the latest leg of his audacious trans-African trek from Cape Town to Cairo, a journey that, in Zimbabwe, transformed from a solo pursuit into a powerful story of companionship, hospitality and shared purpose.
Bond’s arrival at the world-famous resort city followed a gruelling two-week walk from Bulawayo, undertaken alongside two Zimbabweans who joined him along the way, Prince Ncube popularly known as Dr Gasolo and conservationist Nqobile “The Rhino Man” Mkhwananzi.
Dr Gasolo linked up with Bond in Plumtree, the moment the American set foot in Zimbabwe, while Mkhwananzi joined the journey at Kenmore.
Together, the trio traversed the heart of the country, forging friendships and exchanging stories as they walked through towns, villages and protected wildlife areas.
Bond said his Zimbabwean leg had been the most enriching stretch of his journey so far.
“I am walking across Africa; there’s no real big cause except for adventure, but what was so cool is that when I was in South Africa and Botswana, I was mostly alone,” he said.
“As soon as I entered Zimbabwe, I was joined by two guys. My whole time here, I have been accompanied by locals who said, ‘we must get behind this, we must be part of this story.’”
Bond described the experience as eye-opening, saying the warmth of communities far exceeded his expectations.
“I have never seen a community come together quite so strongly. I have been blessed. The primary schools are looking after us, the councils are looking after us, the artists are coming together,” he said.
One of the standout moments of the journey was the trio’s walk through Hwange National Park, an experience Bond said left him humbled.
“It felt surreal — like, I can’t believe I’m doing this. I feel extremely privileged walking with these guys,” he said.
“The Rhino Man, for instance, is focused on conservation. He told me the history of the place as we walked. I am learning so much — about the culture, the language — it has been incredible.”
For Dr Gasolo, a long-distance walker in his own right who undertakes an annual Long Walk to Success to amplify the voices of creatives, joining Bond was a natural fit.
“I decided to join him so that I could continue amplifying the voices of artists as he goes on his adventure,” he said.
Although Dr Gasolo will return to Bulawayo to mobilise resources for the longer stretch of the journey, he plans to rejoin Bond in Kenya and walk with him all the way to Cairo. He said the journey had also become a showcase of Zimbabwe’s national character.
“It shows that Zimbabwe is a very welcoming country. We are showing Eddie the Ubuntu that defines us. I am also marketing our country as a tourism destination and as a cultural hub of Africa,” he said.
Mkhwananzi used the journey to champion conservation awareness, particularly among young people.
“My thrust is on catching them young. That is why I am saying we must revive environmental clubs in schools,” he said.
Mkhwananzi also raised concern over environmental degradation witnessed along major highways.
As Bond prepares to resume his northward trek beyond Victoria Falls, he departs with more than memories and mileage.
He leaves carrying a renewed perspective on Zimbabwe — shaped by shared miles, shared values and the enduring spirit of Ubuntu.
