Since 2013, journalist Paul Salopek has embarked on a gruelling and fascinating mission: to walk 21,000 miles and uncover the historical routes taken by the first humans as they left Africa. Throughout this unique journey, Paul not only traces a compelling story but also addresses current events, politics, climate change, culture, and more. His goal is to humanize the news we consume.
“The walk is primarily a storytelling project. When I worked in Africa and elsewhere as a foreign correspondent, I pondered, ‘Can there be a more human way to convey the global news of our day that doesn’t involve putting current events into artificial boxes?’ This idea led me to the walk, which weaves these issues together in a truthful manner—because in real life, topics like conflict, health, and culture are intertwined; they affect one another,” Paul shared with iBestTravel.
Known as the Out of Eden Walk, this project allows the National Geographic Fellow to slow down his storytelling to a human pace—walking at 5 km per hour—thus uncovering hidden connections that are often overlooked when we rush through life. The journey starts in Africa and weaves through the Middle East and Asia before continuing with a planned boat journey to the Americas. Initially expected to take seven years, Paul has covered 9,000 miles thus far, realizing that the experience will require more time than anticipated. He embraces this extended timeline, asserting that tracing humanity’s routes genuinely enhances the experience. “Walking the paths of our Stone Age ancestors enriches the story, transforming it into a collective journey of rediscovery,” he commented.
During his journey in southern Turkey, Paul walked through pistachio orchards and observed the plight of Syrian refugees escaping civil war, subsequently navigating the historic Silk Road through Central Asia. He has engaged with local communities and families, capturing images that reveal the rich tapestry of life across diverse cultures. Moreover, he has witnessed the tangible effects of climate change and experienced significant political unrest firsthand.
Like many, Paul has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; consequently, his travels are currently paused. Presently, he resides in Myanmar, utilizing this time to finish a project he is working on.
For additional information on the Out of Eden Walk, visit the dedicated National Geographic Page.
