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Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
ANSH Mishra (AM) is a 32-year-old Indian national who intended to set a world record as the first Indian to visit all African countries.
What makes his bid unique is that he wants to “conquer” Mother Africa through hitch-hiking without paying from one city to another and from country to country.
Mishra, who is in Zimbabwe, his 10th nation, was in Rusape and Nyanga this week.
Our Rusape Correspondent, Lovemore Kadzura (LK) caught up with Mishra to get a better understanding of his ambitious plan.
LK: It’s great meeting you in person, I have been following you on social media. Can you tell me more about yourself and your journey around the African continent?
AM: My name is Ansh Mishra. Basically, I call myself an Indian hitchhiker who is travelling the entire Africa continent. I want to cover all the 54 African countries without using any flight, using road network only.
I am attempting to set a record as the first Indian national to visit every African country using this method.
LK: What motivates you to carry out such an audacious task?
AM: There are many reasons, people say when travelling you need a lot of money. I want to send a message to the world that even if you do not have anything in your pocket, you can still travel anywhere in this world.
You just need to find the possibilities of making it happen. You should not lose hope and give up. They say don’t talk to strangers, they will do something (bad) to you, but my message is that there are no strangers in this world.
I will travel to villages, cities, provinces and countries where I do not have relatives and friends. I will have conversations with them even when I don’t understand their local language. It is possible.
People say Africa is backward and there is no hospitality at all. But what I have found so far is totally different. Africa is the second largest continent and is blessed with natural resources. Its people are happy, caring and hospitable.
Since I left my home country almost a year ago, I have now covered ten countries. Everywhere I have been, I am hitch-hiking for free from the people.
Right now I am talking to you, but I don’t even know you! That is the reality and beauty of Africa. I am trying to collect memories, create relationships and spread humanity.
LK: You started with which country and what is your travelling itinerary?
AM: I came to Africa on February 1, 2021 and Kenya was my first country to visit. I have been to Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, back to Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, back to Mozambique again and now in Zimbabwe.
From here, I am travelling to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, DRC, all the way to West Africa.
LK: In Zimbabwe, you have been to which places and how many days are you going to spend in this country?
AM: I entered Zimbabwe through Forbes Border Post from Mozambique on January 25. Mutare was the first town. I spent 15 days in Harare, visited Lake Chivero, Chinhoyi Caves and other places.
I still have to go to Bulawayo, Great Zimbabwe, Kariba, Victoria Falls and other places. After Rusape, I am heading to Nyanga. Most probably I will spend one month in Zimbabwe before leaving for South Africa.
LK: How were you received in Zimbabwe and can you describe your experience here?
AM: The first interaction I had with Zimbabweans was at the immigration office. They were very warm and welcoming. I was received with warm smiles everywhere I go. I used two lifts from Harare to Rusape without any payment.
There are a lot of negative reports on Zimbabwean politics and the country’s currency, but the people are so nice. I have spent months in other countries and if I am to compare it with the experience here, Zimbabwe is the best.
Zimbabwe has one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, but the people of Zimbabwe are the Number One wonder. I encourage the entire world to visit Zimbabwe and see its unique people.
Online Reporter