Kenyan explorer Becky Kim has earned international recognition after completing one of the world’s toughest overland journeys. She is being recognized as the first Black woman to complete the historic Cape-to-Cape expedition, a remarkable drive spanning more than 45,470 kilometers across over 60 countries.
Known as the “Grenadier African Queen,” Becky spent 122 days crossing deserts, mountains, and icy roads before reaching London. Her achievement is inspiring a new generation of African women to dream bigger and explore farther than ever before.
Becky Kim Completes the Historic Cape-to-Cape Expedition Across 60 Countries
Becky began her journey on February 13, leaving Nairobi with co-driver and navigator Bonnie Koko. Together, they traveled from Cape Agulhas, South Africa’s southernmost point, to Nordkapp in Norway, the northernmost point of mainland Europe.
After reaching Norway, the pair continued south to London, where they officially completed the expedition on June 12. Along the way, they visited more than 60 countries, including Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Bulgaria, Greece, Switzerland, and Denmark.
The incredible journey covered 28,254 miles, or 45,470 kilometers. It also marked a major milestone for African overland exploration and for women pursuing adventure travel.
Becky Kim Faced Deserts, the Arctic Circle, and Countless Challenges
The Cape-to-Cape expedition tested every part of Becky’s determination. She crossed the harsh Kalahari, Namib, and Sahara deserts before driving through the freezing conditions of the Arctic Circle.
Unlike many large expeditions, Becky and Bonnie completed the journey without a support crew or specialist assistance. Instead, they relied on traditional maps, careful planning, and their driving skills throughout the adventure.
To remember each country they visited, Becky placed its national flag on the rear windscreen of her vehicle. The growing collection became a colorful symbol of every border crossed and every challenge overcome.
The INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster Proved Its Strength Throughout the Journey
Becky completed the entire expedition in a factory-standard INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster. The vehicle remained completely unmodified from the beginning to the end of the journey.
It relied on its standard locking differentials, raised air intake, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and BMW B57 diesel engine. Despite the demanding conditions, the vehicle handled every stage of the expedition.
Reflecting on the experience, Becky praised its reliability.
“I can truly testify that INEOS have built the Grenadier to last a lifetime of adventure. I like to call it ‘The Wagon of Wonder.’”
She also thanked Wootton Automotive in Kenya and INEOS Automotive’s Africa team for supporting the expedition.
Becky Kim’s Achievement Inspires More African Women to Explore
Jonathan Hill, Chief Marketing Officer at INEOS Automotive, congratulated Becky on completing the challenging journey without outside support. He described the expedition as another real-world demonstration of the Grenadier’s capabilities.
Beyond the vehicle, however, many see Becky’s accomplishment as a powerful example of resilience, preparation, and courage. Her success highlights what is possible when determination meets careful planning.
The journey has already been celebrated as a landmark moment in African overland exploration. It also encourages more women to pursue ambitious adventures, even when the road ahead appears uncertain.
With more than 60 countries behind her and thousands of kilometers traveled, Becky Kim has shown that persistence can take people across continents. Her story now stands as an inspiration for explorers across Africa and around the world.
