FROM MALAYSIA TO KILIMANJARO: KATIRAVAN’S ECO-JOURNEY THROUGH AFRICA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- The sight of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, greeted Katiravan Subrayan as he arrived in Tanzania, his 62nd country on a global journey to promote environmental sustainability and introduce Malaysia to the world.

Currently traversing southern Africa on his touring bike nicknamed Parameswara, Katiravan discovered that many countries in the region offer visa-free access for short stays to Malaysians.

The 64-year-old former electrician had no problem crossing borders with his bike using a Carnet de Passages en Douane, a customs document allowing temporary, duty-free importation.

He could also withdraw money using his Malaysian debit card in Zimbabwe and Namibia without incurring additional charges.

Since arriving in Johannesburg, South Africa, from São Paulo, Brazil, on January 10, his initial concerns about safety, infrastructure, and civil unrest have gradually dissipated. On the contrary, he found the continent peaceful, welcoming, and rich in natural beauty.

Katiravan’s daily updates to Bernama feature striking images of African landscapes and communities, reflecting his admiration for the scenery and the hospitality of the people he met.

“Africa is rising,” said Katiravan, noting the continent’s warm welcome towards Malaysians.

English, he said, is widely spoken and understood across much of Africa, a welcome change from the language barriers he encountered in South and Central America.

His journey has garnered attention from local communities, including the Indian diaspora. He has been interviewed by several African TV and radio stations, where he shared his tree-planting mission and introduced Malaysia.

“The people here are respectful and helpful, but many have never heard of Malaysia,” he said. “So far, I’ve introduced our country to 3,890 individuals. Every time, I open a world map and point out where Malaysia is.”

The interest by locals, especially in his tree-planting initiative, has touched him deeply.

In Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam, he met Magesvaran, a Malaysian businessman from Puchong who now owns several businesses in the city, including Marrybrown restaurants. 

After two years on the road, Katiravan was thrilled to enjoy a home-cooked Malaysian meal prepared by Magesvaran’s wife, Lingeswary. 

The menu included sambar, rasam, anchovies sambal, chicken varuval, kesari, rice, and rawa thosai, which he described as “the most comforting meal since starting the journey in 2023.”

His visit coincided with the Tamil New Year celebration, during which he was invited by the Tanzania Tamil Sangam to deliver a talk about his environmental efforts.

While in Zanzibar, Katiravan found roadside stalls selling rambutans, known locally as ‘shoki shoki’, and locals playing a Mahjong-like game called Dominoes – familiar sights reminiscent of home.

In Morogoro, he met his longtime Facebook friend Vicent Gelas Bajuta in person for the first time. With Vicent’s family, he planted four trees, bringing his global total to 130. They celebrated the occasion with a cake topped with decorations of the flags of Malaysia and Tanzania.

In a touching moment, Vicent asked Katiravan to name his daughter. Inspired by his own daughter, Vishalini, he named her Victoria Visha. 

Katiravan travelled 430km to the town of Same-Same to meet the child and later took her shopping for clothes and toys, a heartwarming cross-cultural connection.

Afterwards, he rode 100km to Marangu in the Kilimanjaro region, where he explored the ancient Chagga Caves – man-made tunnels built in the 18th century to protect the Chaga people from Maasai raids. There, he planted his 131st tree.

He also hiked to the first campsite, Mandara Hut, in Kilimanjaro National Park. Upon reaching an altitude of 2,720m and aware of his limitations to reach the 5,895-metre-high summit, he stopped and unfurled the Malaysian flag.

Before Tanzania, Katiravan travelled through Malawi (his 61st country), where he was captivated by the stunning panorama of Lake Malawi, the fourth-largest freshwater lake in the world by volume that borders Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

In Zimbabwe, his 57th country, he visited the majestic Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, with Zambia on the other side. The 107-metre-high waterfall and its constant mist left him in awe.

While crossing Namibia and Lesotho, Katiravan experienced Africa’s wildlife up close. He saw giraffes, elephants, and zebras roaming freely in their natural habitats.

He also visited several national parks and even had the rare experience of hugging a tame cheetah. Next, he plans to continue his journey through Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.

-- BERNAMA