With only his bicycle, Daniel Vivier will embark on an epic solo journey between the two furthest points in South Africa.

The journey, which will be this 20-year-old student’s first expedition, will cover roughly 3 700km, stretching from Beit Bridge to Cape Point and taking up most of his holiday. Pedalling from Polokwane on his way to Musina to start his adventure, Daniel made a quick stop in Louis Trichardt last Thursday.

Even at a young age, Daniel spent all his free time outdoors and dreamed of becoming a professional hunter. Only after he met the famous adventurer, Mike Horn, did he fall in love with the idea of being a solo adventurer.

Daniel, who was born in Johannesburg, lived there for 11 years before he and his family moved to Stellenbosch. At the age of 14, the family emigrated to Geneva, Switzerland, where they still live.

As he got closer and closer to his matric year, he began to realise that the corporate life was not for him.

“This is my worst nightmare, trading your dreams and aspirations for the safety and security of a life that is or was never really yours, setting yourself up for a mildly exhilarating and pleasing career,” said Daniel.

But six months before he returned to South Africa, he worked for Horn on his sailing boat. During this time, he got to experience exotic destinations such as the Papua Islands, Yokohama, Hong Kong and Singapore. This trip, says Daniel, changed his life. He will still complete his BSc Conservation Ecology degree at the University of Stellenbosch, but has already decided that adventure is the life for him.

On his way to Louis Trichardt, says Daniel, he appreciated the cool weather, even though a truck had almost run him over. “I will have to keep my eyes open on my way to Musina,” said Daniel.

Daniel will travel along the Kruger National Park to Malalane, through Swaziland, past Durban, stopping for a pit stop at Lesotho. After this, he will resume his journey, travelling along the east coast, through Port Elizabeth to reach his destination, Cape Agulhas.

At the end of each day, Daniel will set up camp. His travelling bundle, weighing approximately 38kg, consists of his tent, food and water and spare tyres. According to Daniel, if he travels an average of 100km a day, he will be back in time for next year´s classes at the university.

For an extra bit of motivation, Daniel has also decided to use his trip to raise funds and awareness for the Give Me a Chance Children´s Foundation in Stellenbosch. The foundation was established in October 2004 in an effort to make a tangible contribution to South African society by means of a scholarship fund.

Before the trip, he had already raised about R4 000 for the fund by means of friends and family members.