06 Nov 2024

The founder of Bush Ways Safaris, Marc Germiquet will embark on a thrilling and an extra ordinary adventure, rowing across the mighty Atlantic Ocean on December 12.

This will be in a mission to raise the much needed funds for the Bush Ways Foundation. 

T.he 50-year-old Germiquet, who is also the director of Bush Ways Safaris, would be rowing 3 000 miles, which is approximately 4 800km as part of the prestigious World’s Toughest Row. 

Briefing the media on his adventure with a purpose on Tuesday, Germiquet confirmed that he would be joining other rowers in the World’s Toughest Row, which is one of the toughest rowing race in the world renowned for testing human endurance and spirit. 

The annual race, which starts at San Sebastian in La Gomera in the Canary Islands and concluding in the English Habour, Antigua, would attract teams from around the world all with the same objective to compete and take on the unique experience of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat and Germiquet, who would be representing Botswana, decided to go solo. 

“Coming from a land locked country, I will be the first from Botswana attempting to row across any ocean and this will be by far the biggest physical and mental challenge I have undertaken and it will be a true test of determination, strength of the body and mind,” he added. 

Germiquet said he would be among adventurers, amateurs and professionals, taking on the challenge battling fierce waves, unpredictable weather conditions and extreme physical exhaustion. 

He appreciated that the race serves as a platform to raise awareness and funds for charitable causes, citing that many teams participate with a mission to make a positive impact and supporting various initiatives. 

The rower is hopeful that his participation in many previous adventure events would in some way add value to his preparations for the World’s Toughest Row, noting that he intends to hoist Botswana’s flag high as he has been training for two years for the race. 

Participants row day and night, maintaining a gruelling schedule of rowing, resting, and navigating, often for several weeks. 

However, the Kuruman-born Germiquet affectionately known as ‘Germ’ in the sports circle is passionate about sports, as he has been participating in other activities such as paddling river/sea, kayaking, mountain biking and running, among others. 

He once peddled the whole Okavango Delta, citing that his journey spanned five days from Shakawe to Maun. 

Following the Peter Van Kets Atlantic races, ‘Germ’ said they completely captivated him many years ago, hence a decision this year to take part in the toughest challenge, which has always been in the background of a must do challenge. 

His life, he said, has been adventure in sport, noting that for the past 15 years, he has been willing to participate in the world toughest challenge and with entry into the 2024 Atlantic, he said his dream is now becoming a reality. 

Meanwhile, Bush Ways Foundation is passionate about the communities and wilderness and ‘Germ’ said they are striving to ensure their activities have a positive impact and contribute to sustainable developments. 

The foundation, he said, focused much on early childhood learning, indicating that currently they have constructed two pre-primary schools and with the proceeds accumulated from the world toughest challenge, they intend to build another pre-primary school at Kumaga village in the Boteti region. 

To support ‘Germ’ during his adventure one can join the 300 club challenge in any activity, be it cycling, running, any 300 of any activity and also pledge donation using Ocean Ways or 300 club. 

‘Germ’, who would soon leave for the race, is expected to return to Botswana in February 2025. 

The foundation is a non-profit initiative that plays a critical role in supporting and empowering the communities of Maun and surrounding areas. Ends