Joanna has written such a wonderful blog it seemed futile to try and write another. Instead, I thought I’d share some photos of our journey: our struggles and triumphs, highs and lows, an amazing team that helped and pushed each other (sometimes literally) towards Ndhiwa, the home of Team Kenya, who we did it all for.

When I have the brainpower to put into words just what this trip has meant to me, I will, but for now I hope this snapshots will suffice to explain just how much your support means to us all.

We begin:

The team assembles, fresh from a night of camping at Crocodile Camp, ready for the adventure to begin.

Our first day was an “easy” 35km to get us used to the incredibly bumpy terrain and hot African sun.

You can’t keep a good man down.

Our first day under our belts, we headed to a local pub for a much needed beer.

Day two brought some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever encountered, and plenty of wildlife to boot.

Our leader John Blissett, of Willetts Safari’s arrives to his theme tune The Circle of Life.

Nick trying to join his spiritual herd.

After 65km of cycling, including one grueling, relentless hill, we reached the top of the Oloololo escarpment overlooking the Maasai Mara, and one of the most incredible campsites I have ever had the privilege of experiencing.

Now THAT’s a bathroom with a view.

After a night camping listening out for prowling leopards and hyenas, we were ready for the off on day 3 where we would say goodbye to wildlife, and hello to the roads through Kenya up to our last night of the challenge in Migori.

Poor Nick took another of his tumbles.

The incredible Sylvester, who cycled the whole way with us, fixing our bikes as we put them through some serious hard work.

And we finally made it to Ndhiwa, full of emotions.

From left: Ben, Sylvester, Chris, Jo, Josef (our amazing cook & support vehicle driver), me and Nick.

I genuinely could not have asked for a better, kinder, funnier or more dedicated team of lunatics to share this adventure with.

After a long rest, we set off for a Sunday in Ruma National Park, where the wildlife spotting could continue.

Once our muscles had recovered, it was time to visit some of Team Kenya’s partner schools. First up was Arina Primary.

A performance had been organised for us, and we were to get involved too!

Headteacher Boaz showing off his very successful school farm.

Jo presented to the Girls Support Group the friendship bracelets she had organised to be made for them.

We then visited Ndhiwa Community Hospital Primary where we were lucky to watch one of the Girls Support Groups sessions.

Water tanks installed by Team Kenya meaning the children can have access to safe drinking water. 

We also visited Kodougo Primary, whose levels of attendance for girls has increased so exponentially that the classrooms are now full to bursting.

Maxwell, their inspiring deputy head showed off the impressive business farm.

We also visited Bongu Primary’s Table Banking Group. From table banking and agricultural training, on average these 20 women make 147% more income from their land following the training Team Kenya provides and with access to small business loans on average women like Jemima are making 160% more.

We also spent time at the NCEDP office, with some of their incredible employees and volunteers.

Totally worth all the pain.