Malkit Rooprai, a 63-year-old British data migration consultant with Kenyan roots, embarked on a remarkable journey of a lifetime. Driving a Toyota Land Cruiser from the United Kingdom, he traversed over 30 countries and completed a six-month-long expedition to reach the East African nations of Kenya and Uganda.
This extraordinary adventure allowed Rooprai to explore diverse landscapes, experience different cultures, and fulfill his long-standing dream of driving from the UK to Africa.
In this article, WoK details of his journey, why he took the long drive and countries he toured.
Who is Malkit?
According to his LinkedIn profile, Malkit Rooprai is an experienced Data Migration Consultant has a strong background in Salesforce and other CRM systems.
He has worked on various migration projects and has expertise in data migration, integration, and development using ETL and SQL scripts. He has been involved in the migration and standardization of applications and business processes globally.
Some notable projects include the migration of business units to the Global Salesforce Platform and Workday Finance System at Clarion Events, the migration of Informa Business Intelligence’s Marketing System and CRM Instance to Salesforce and Eloqua at Appirio, and the migration of Thomson Reuters’ “Risk” Business Unit to Salesforce.
He has also worked on migration projects for Telstra Global, Alfresco, and Michael Page International, among others. His experience includes data analysis, mapping, profiling, extraction, validation, and cleansing.
Rooprai embarked on this extraordinary journey out of a desire for adventure and exploration. He sought to discover new experiences that few have dared to attempt, pushing the boundaries of conventional travel.
His inspiration stemmed from childhood memories of his parents’ visit to Uganda in 1967, where he vividly recalls a photograph taken at Kakira Sugar Works. Fascinated by the history of Kakira and captivated by sugarcane farming, he yearned to visit the factory and explore Uganda’s rich heritage.
How Was the Driving Experience From UK to Africa?
Covering an average distance of 350 kilometers daily, Rooprai’s driving experience was an immersive journey of self-discovery. As he ventured through Europe and Africa, he encountered diverse landscapes, encountered local communities, and marveled at the beauty of both continents.
When nightfall approached in remote areas devoid of hotels or lodges, he sought shelter near roadside cafes. Throughout his adventure, he gained a newfound appreciation for Africa, recognizing its development, abundant resources, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality, which starkly contrasted with Western stereotypes.
Which Countries Did Malkit Rooprai Drive Through?
Rooprai’s epic road trip took him through a myriad of countries across Europe and Africa. Some of the countries he drove through include Ghana, Angola, Gambia, Senegal, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Namibia, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, Rwanda, and Kenya.
Additionally, he also utilized a ferry to cross France, Portugal, and Morocco, ultimately arriving in Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa.”
Rooprai’s Encounter with Kakira Sugar Limited
During his journey along the Jinja-Iganga Highway in Uganda, Rooprai spotted a signpost leading to Kakira Sugar Limited and seized the opportunity to visit. Welcomed by the Managing Director, Mayur Madhvani, he was delighted to discover that some of the products he encountered in the UK originated from the Kakira factory.
Rooprai’s Equipped Car and Challenges Faced
To ensure secure communication, accessibility, and allow his family to track his progress, Rooprai equipped his car with satellite technology. Throughout his journey, he encountered minimal disruptions from police and security agencies, except in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, where navigating a right-hand vehicle proved challenging.
Although Rooprai initially intended to drive back home to the UK through Sudan, the ongoing political unrest in the region necessitated a reconsideration of his route.
Malkit Rooprai’s African Connection
Rooprai’s deep-rooted fascination with Africa is evident through his social media presence, particularly his popular Facebook page called “Rooprai Overlanding Africa.” While he is currently based in the UK, his visits to Kenya and interactions with local communities reflect a profound connection to his African heritage.
During his journey, he made a special stop in Kitale, Kenya, where he checked on the Bansal Family, who operate an old engineering workshop in the area. This testament to his ongoing tradition of exploring temples and engaging with local communities underscores his enduring connection with Africa.
