Burundi: Jordanian traveler Saddam Suleiman Al-Alaya embarked on a remarkable journey from Cape Town, South Africa, to Magadan, Russia, covering nearly 23,000 km on foot with a mission of promoting peace, coexistence, and children's education. Al-Alaya began this journey on January 1, 2026, at the southern tip of Africa, and aims to complete it by 2028, traversing 18 countries across three continents. Currently, he is navigating through Burundi, the sixth country on his route, having already covered over 4,900 km through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Burundi. He is set to enter Rwanda soon.
According to Jordan News Agency, the idea for this ambitious trek began in 2021 and materialized after more than five years of planning. Al-Alaya emphasizes that his journey is not just about covering distances but about connecting with people and communities, spreading a humanitarian message beyond borders and cultures. "Walking is no longer just a sport or an adventure for me. It has become a language through which I can reach people where they live, listen to them, learn about their cultures and lives, and build direct bridges with them," he shared.
The journey is centered around the themes of walking, peace, and education, while also promoting Jordan and Petra. Al-Alaya selected the challenging route from South Africa to Russia to symbolize perseverance in the face of adversity. He remarked, "I chose the harder route because I wanted to say that the difficulty of the road does not mean giving up on the dream, and that people can continue pursuing their goals regardless of the challenges."
Throughout the trek, Al-Alaya has encountered diverse climatic, security, and logistical conditions, including areas with temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius. He has faced challenges such as communication and internet access, accommodation, and the long distances between populated areas. Despite these difficulties, the human interactions he has experienced have been a major motivation for him to continue.
The journey has evolved from a solo endeavor into a collaborative experience involving individuals, institutions, and official bodies in the countries Al-Alaya has crossed. He has made it a point to visit schools and engage with students and teachers, visiting 46 schools and meeting over 14,000 students to discuss peace, coexistence, and the importance of education. "Meeting children is one of the most important stages of the journey because the message we carry today is connected to the future," he stated.
Over 5,300 people, including local leaders and community figures, have joined Al-Alaya for segments of the journey. He has received more than 95 invitations for hospitality and has been featured in over 90 media reports. Key milestones of the journey include completing the first 1,000 km in Kimberley, South Africa, and the 4,000 km mark upon entering Tanzania, where he was warmly welcomed with traditional performances and the planting of a "peace tree." In Burundi, he received an official welcome attended by the Burundian consul general, who walked with him across the border from Tanzania.
The project has garnered support from the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority and various national bodies in Jordan. Official authorities in the countries along the route have also provided essential assistance with border crossings, visas, security, and logistical support.
Al-Alaya, a native of Wadi Musa, chose Petra for the official launch of the project, symbolizing the connection between the journey's message and his heritage. The route through Jordan starts in Aqaba and traverses the Kingdom toward Syria, making it a key stage in linking Africa, Asia, and Europe. He aims to introduce Jordan to the communities he meets along the way and showcase Petra as part of a global experience. "I am not carrying only a Jordanian passport on this journey. I am carrying the story of Jordan and Petra with me," he expressed.
Organized by Hike With Me, an initiative promoting walking as a means of engagement with remote communities, Al-Alaya continues to document his journey toward Magadan. His goal is to reach the final destination while preserving the message that inspired the journey, believing that "great messages require patience and perseverance."