Starting in Johannesburg on 13 February, Ruan Smit set off to cycle the whole of South Africa in ten weeks. Along the way, he wants to document South Africa’s stories, capturing undiscovered as well as known beauty and giving a face to the multiplicity of  South Africa.

South Africa is more than a country with 11 languages, nine provinces and various cultures.  Ruan’s aim is to explore and discover what else is out there, taking 70 days to cycle 9,000kms – taking in the natural beauty, the many cultures and individual people and their stories.

“I will communicate these stories via my blog as well as Twitter and Facebook, radio and print media. I will meet with communities and let them share their thoughts, their understandings, their South Africa. I will share my journey and findings to create a national and international awareness of what South Africa has to offer.”

Ruan’s trek will start in Johannesburg, going north towards the Kruger National Park and then towards northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. He will trek down Kwa-Zulu and into the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, West Coast into the Northern Cape, Free State, North West and returning to end in Johannesburg

“By cycling 150-200 kilometres per day, I will explore a South Africa rarely witnessed in ten weeks. During this journey I would like people to join me for a day or more and experience the journey with me. I also wish to visit people along the way – to stop for a chat – this is not only my journey, but our journey!”