AMMAN — A Jordanian adventurer is set to lead what may become one of the most remarkable walking expeditions ever recorded, a continuous journey from Cape Town at the southern tip of Africa to the Russian city of Magadan near the edge of the Arctic.
Spanning nearly 23,000 kilometres across 18 countries, the initiative, launched by "Hike With Me" and led by trail expert Saddam Al Alaya, is positioned to be a global undertaking unlike any before it.
Running from 2026 to 2028, the project carries a clear message aimed at promoting peace, strengthening human connection, and enabling youth and communities along the route to take part in a shared international experience.
Jordan will serve as a "key" waypoint on the trail, which will cut through the Kingdom from south to north, with Petra standing out as one of its most symbolic stops, a reminder of the country’s deep cultural roots and global heritage value.
Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Al Alaya said the initiative aligns with His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision of encouraging a culture of peace and reinforcing Jordan’s visibility on the world stage.
He described the walk as one of the most "extensive" humanitarian and cultural journeys attempted, noting that it will feature a continuous two-year live broadcast, an international documentary production, a comprehensive archival book, and efforts to break seven Guinness World Records.
According to Al Alaya, the project is also designed to spotlight Jordanian youth as active contributors to global dialogue, demonstrating their ability to lead initiatives with reach far beyond national borders.
The walk is backed by official sponsorship from several Jordanian ministries and national bodies, along with international support from governmental institutions, media partners, and embassies of participating countries.