Yves de Preux, known as Kino Yves, embarked on an amazing adventure from France to South Africa on an electric trike, traveling over 19,000 kilometers through 16 countries. His journey was fueled by a love for adventure and a desire to connect with different cultures. Along the way, he faced thrilling challenges, like encountering charging elephants and passing through conflict areas, but these only added to the excitement of his travels. By sharing stories and stunning landscapes on his YouTube channel, Yves inspires others to explore the world and embrace new experiences. Now in Cape Town, he dreams of more adventures ahead, reminding us all of the beauty in exploring the unknown.
Yves de Preux was driven by a thirst for adventure and a desire to explore diverse cultures. His journey from France to South Africa on an electric recumbent trike, covering over 19,000 kilometers through 16 countries, aimed to share unique landscapes and local stories with his audience.
Yves de Preux, widely recognized as Kino Yves by his YouTube fans, recently concluded an extraordinary expedition from France to South Africa on an electric recumbent trike. This remarkable journey signifies the closing of one chapter and the commencement of another for a man driven by an unquenchable thirst for adventure.
Yves, who is now in his mid-thirties, embarked on his first global tour at the age of 26. His early years were marked by a relentless curiosity and a passion for exploring new horizons. For seven years, Yves worked at sea, soaking in the diverse wonders of the world. At 35, he decided to leave behind the predictability of a maritime career to rekindle his exploratory spirit. Documenting his adventures on a YouTube channel that has since amassed over 280,000 subscribers, Yves has also authored a book detailing his earlier travels.
In 2022, Yves undertook his most daring venture yet: a journey from Europe to Africa on an e-trike. Starting in Reims, France, he meticulously charted a route spanning 16 countries. These included Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and finally, South Africa. His mission extended beyond merely covering the distance; he aimed to share the diverse landscapes and cultures he encountered along the way with his ever-growing audience.
Yves’ journey was not just geographically expansive but also culturally rich. As he traveled through various countries, he made it a point to interact with locals, capturing their stories and experiences. This endeavor provided his audience with a more profound understanding of the regions he traversed, turning his journey into a comprehensive cultural exploration.
Yves’ expedition was filled with moments of both awe and danger. One of the most harrowing experiences unfolded in Botswana. While traveling from Gweta to Maun, Yves encountered elephants by the roadside. He recalled, “After a very quiet morning, I started seeing a lot of elephants drinking water close to the road. After successfully passing the first one, I tried to pass a second, but things went completely wrong – the elephant tried to charge me.” Fortunately, a police car arrived just in time to help him safely navigate past the agitated animal.
This encounter wasn’t his only brush with danger. Traversing conflict-ridden regions such as Iraq and Sudan added layers of complexity and risk to his journey. Despite these challenges, Yves managed to cover over 19,000 kilometers, finally reaching Cape Town. His joy and disbelief were evident as he shared, “I can’t believe what I did, it’s unreal! I managed to cross Africa on my electric tricycle. I rode all the way from France to Cape Town. It’s pure happiness.”
Although Yves has reached his destination in Cape Town, his adventures are far from over. He plans to return to France via West Africa, but not before taking a well-deserved six-month break in South Africa. Yves’ story intertwines with that of other modern-day adventurers like Deo Kato, a Ugandan-born trail runner who embarked on a monumental run from Cape Town to London. Kato’s mission was to challenge racial prejudices, symbolically retracing the path of early human migrations.
Yves’ journey serves as a contemporary odyssey, reminiscent of the explorers from the Romantic era. He embodies the spirit of adventure for the sake of discovery rather than conquest. His travels take him through not only physical landscapes but also the cultural and emotional terrains of the regions he visits, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that deeply resonate with his audience.
Yves’ use of an e-trike adds a modern twist to his travels, aligning with the growing trend toward sustainable and eco-friendly exploration. This unconventional choice of vehicle underscores his commitment to reducing his carbon footprint and embracing newer technologies in the pursuit of ageless goals.
In documenting his journey, Yves follows in the footsteps of literary greats like Jack Kerouac and Bruce Chatwin, whose works illuminate the inner and outer journeys of the traveler. His videos and writings offer a window into the world, capturing not just stunning vistas but also the human stories that make each place unique.
Through Yves’ epic e-trike adventure, we are reminded of the enduring allure of the road less traveled. His journey from France to South Africa stands as a testament to human resilience, curiosity, and the unyielding quest for understanding and connection. Whether navigating the savannas of Botswana or the bustling cities of Egypt, Yves de Preux exemplifies the spirit of modern exploration—one that honors the past while eagerly looking toward the future.
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Yves de Preux, known as Kino Yves, was inspired by a deep love for adventure and a desire to explore diverse cultures. His epic journey from France to South Africa on an electric recumbent trike covered over 19,000 kilometers through 16 countries, allowing him to share unique landscapes and local stories with his audience.
Yves documented his remarkable expedition on his YouTube channel, which has garnered over 280,000 subscribers. He shares captivating stories, stunning landscapes, and the cultural experiences he encountered along the way, providing his audience with a deeper understanding of the regions he traveled through.
Yves’ journey was filled with both awe-inspiring and dangerous moments. Notably, he had a close encounter with charging elephants in Botswana and faced the complexities of traveling through conflict areas such as Iraq and Sudan. These experiences added layers of risk to his adventure but ultimately contributed to the excitement and richness of his travels.
Yves traveled through a total of 16 countries on his journey from France to South Africa. Some of the countries he traversed include Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and finally, South Africa.
After successfully completing his journey in Cape Town, Yves plans to take a well-deserved six-month break in South Africa. He intends to return to France via West Africa, continuing his adventurous spirit and desire to explore the globe.
Yves’ choice of traveling on an electric trike aligns with the growing trend of sustainable and eco-friendly exploration. His journey embodies the spirit of modern adventurers who prioritize discovery, connection, and environmental consciousness, reminding us of the enduring allure of the road less traveled.
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