Yemeni man to travel through continents on camel

A Yemeni man plans to travel, on his camel, through Australia, South America and Europe to promote a message of peace and tolerance, Al Hayat newspaper reported.

Ahmed Al-Qassemi will be joined by a convoy of photographers and interpreters to document and promote his trip. His travels are set to begin in Australia in October while South America is scheduled for 2016 and Europe for 2017.

According to Al Hayat, Qassimi chose the camel as a means of travel as it "opens a clean slate in the book of dreamers' of peace and love for all humanity".

He adds that travelling through the world's cities on a camel is reminiscent of the "old days" and invoked a sense of nostalgia.

Qassimi has travelled on 16 different camels, four of which were given to him as a gift. This will not be Qassimi's first trans-national trip on a camel. He has travelled extensively since 1999, passing through Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Qassimi tries to crowd-fund his trips, but has sold his personal belongings on occasion to finance his adventures.

The father of 10 calls travelling the greatest school in his life. “I came to know myself, know others and their traditions and customs. I learned how to be generous and patient” he told the Yemen Times. Before his expeditions, Qassimi served in the Yemeni military. In his younger years, he competitively played football in Sana'a.

Through his travels, Qassimi says he was able to introduce the world to his heritage. Travelling the world has been a life-long dream of the adventurer. He explains that these 'adventures' have helped him achieve his ambitions.

Once he reaches his goal, Qassimi says he would like to give lectures and write a book about his adventures, all while continuing to travel. He also hopes to establish a home in Yemen where he will develop the skills of ambitious travelers.