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KHUMBA TRANS-AFRICA EXPEDITION

The goal of the Khumba Trans-Africa Expedition taking place between 25 February – 25 April 2018 was for the teams made up of experienced climbers and rally drivers to locate the grave of Count Albert Wass in South Africa. The uncle of writer Albert Wass lost his life in 1902 in the Boer War during an engagement with a British reconnaissance platoon. Carola Szilvássy, his cousin, was the first to seek his final resting place. More than a century after the baroness’s expedition, the association bearing her name also decided to set out on this voyage of discovery.
 
Two teams joined the daring undertaking, the Székelyek a magasban Sport Club and the Sepsi Sic Outland Expedition, who crossed Africa in just 45 days. Travelling from north to south, the teams drove in specially converted vehicles from Port-Said to Cape Town. Their more than 16,000-km route took them through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana and the Republic of South Africa.

Commissioned by the Carola Association and with the assistance of the Balassi Institute, Zsombor Tulit and László Szarukán made a search for the grave of Count Albert Wass on the eastern border of the Republic of South Africa. The search eventually extended to Swaziland and Mozambique. Results of research conducted at the site and fully documented with photographs and sound recordings prove that they discovered the grave of Count Albert Wass in Swaziland. Research documentation was handed over to the Hungarian ambassador to South Africa in Cape Town and they returned home safely.

Accounts from the teams reveal that on the whole locals they met along the way were friendly and willing to help. However, communication proved problematic, particularly in more isolated spots where frequently they could only make themselves understood using hand gestures. The teams took small gifts with them, souvenirs, footballs, sports kit, food and clothing from home and gave them to locals as a way of thanking them for their kindness.

Members of the expedition said that the path to their goal required discipline, persistence and a healthy caution. Despite a trip that included everyday annoyances and trials, they obtained a colourful and attractive picture of Africa. An understanding of the values of Earth, the various cultures and peoples, the special atmosphere of the place entranced them all, so the teams could return to their homeland enriched by countless experiences.
 
Sources:
 
https://www.erdely.ma/...
https://www.sepsiszentgyorgy.info/hirek2/...
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