David Clinton’s Expedition — A South African Traveller’s Round-the-World Road Journey
In 2016, the Kazakh Geographic Society helped South African traveller David Clinton resume his journey following a road accident in Kazakhstan. His subsequent drive from Kazakhstan to South Africa lasted 133 days and covered more than 30,000 kilometres. What began as assistance to a stranded traveller developed into a project connecting the two countries through cultural exchange.
A Long Journey Interrupted
David Clinton had spent several years travelling internationally by road, exploring different landscapes and ways of life. Kazakhstan was a country he had visited repeatedly.
On 22 April 2016, an accident near Balkhash interrupted his journey. He was travelling from Karaganda towards Almaty while towing a second vehicle. The incident left his vehicles unable to continue.
David began selling personal belongings to raise money for repairs or a return home. Continuing his overland journey was no longer certain.
Support from the Kazakh Geographic Society
After learning about his circumstances, KazGeo representatives contacted David. A meeting with Nurlan Abduov explored ways to resolve the transport difficulties and help him continue.
The Society’s support made a new stage possible: an overland journey from Kazakhstan to his home country. Members of the Kazakh and South African diplomatic missions also became involved.
The expedition acquired a wider purpose in promoting cultural connections between the two countries. David’s experience provided a personal setting for conversations about hospitality, mutual assistance and international travel.
Setting Out Again from Almaty
The renewed journey began at Kazakhstan’s Independence Monument in Almaty. Before departure, local elders offered David a traditional Kazakh blessing, or bata. Kazakh motorcyclists accompanied him to the city limits.
The departure marked a practical turning point. Following a period of uncertainty, he could once again concentrate on the road ahead, supported by people who had helped him recover from the interruption.
Across Asia, Europe and Africa
The completed route took David through Central Asia and Europe before continuing into Africa. From Morocco, he travelled through western Africa and onward towards Angola, Namibia and South Africa.
This stage covered more than 30,000 kilometres and involved 33 border crossings. The journey from Kazakhstan to his home country lasted 133 days. These figures describe that particular expedition rather than his entire multi-year journey around the world.
Border formalities, unreliable communications and route safety presented recurring difficulties. His original plans changed, but he ultimately reached Pretoria.
A Journey That Connected Two Countries
After his return, David joined Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to South Africa, Talgat Kaliyev, and South Africa’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Shirish Soni, on the Ubuntu radio programme to discuss the expedition.
Their conversation addressed tourism, cultural exchange and opportunities for closer contact between the two countries. An individual traveller’s experience had become a shared international story.
For the Kazakh Geographic Society, the project illustrates a practical role in supporting travel: helping someone overcome a setback and continue towards a meaningful goal. Its lasting value lies in both the completed route and the relationships that made it possible.