UPDATE: Hull adventurer Karl Bushby has unveiled the two most terrifying locations he encountered during his incredible 27-year journey around the world. As he nears the end of his epic trek, he reflects on the dangers faced while crossing some of the globe’s most perilous terrains.
Beginning his journey in November 1998 in Chile, Bushby aims to become the first person to complete a continuous round-the-world walk, covering an astonishing 36,000 miles. Now, he is approaching Budapest as he heads back to his hometown of Hull, a return he describes as a “very strange place to be” after nearly three decades on the move.
Bushby, a former paratrooper, has faced countless perils, but two experiences stand out as particularly harrowing. The first occurred while navigating the infamous Darién Gap, a treacherous corridor linking Central and South America. He described it as being “in the middle of a war zone,” highlighting the threats posed by drug cartels and the harsh jungle environment.
“And then there’s a whole layer above that of cartels and drug plantations, and then really, really tough jungle,” Bushby told CBS News.
The Darién Gap stretches approximately 60 miles across Panama and Colombia, known for its extreme climate and dangerous wildlife, including venomous snakes and mosquitoes. With risks of human trafficking and violent crime, it is recognized as one of the most dangerous migration routes on Earth.
Another daunting experience occurred during his trek across the Bering Strait, located between the Pacific and Arctic oceans. There, Bushby encountered a polar bear, warning that “you’re in a very serious world that will kill you in 20 minutes if you mess up.” This strait serves as a wildlife sanctuary and is home to various marine species.
Despite the challenges, Bushby successfully crossed from Alaska to Siberia alongside his American companion Dimitri Kieffer. Their adventure included navigating ice flows and swimming through open water, only to be arrested by Russian authorities for illegal entry, leading to their deportation.
As of November 6, Karl Bushby is nearing the completion of his monumental journey, which he expects to finish in 2026. He has expressed concerns about readjusting to normal life after such an extensive period of traveling. “It’s going to be hard,” he admitted, referencing conversations with other long-distance walkers.
Bushby plans to tackle another mission post-expedition, stating, “The key will be throwing myself into another mission, to have another goal.”
Despite the dangers he has encountered, Bushby maintains a positive outlook on humanity, asserting that “99.99% of the world is good” and that the world is not as frightening as one might think. His journey has not only tested his limits but has also provided profound insights into the nature of the world and the people within it.
As Karl Bushby’s journey continues, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see how this incredible explorer will adapt to life after his historic trek.
