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Currently taking a break in Melbourne from her Saharan trek, Australian adventurer Paula Constant began walking from Trafalgar Square, London, in 2004. Since then, she has walked over 12,000 kilometres, through France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, the Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali and Niger. Since September 2005, Paula has walked with camels and nomadic guides, - over 7000km through the North African Sahara.
After her mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Paula chose to use her walk to raise money for Breast Cancer Research, through the National Breast Cancer Foundation of Australia.
In 2006, Dove Australia, and their Campaign for Real Beauty, generously offered to sponsor Paula in the next stage of her walk – a West to East crossing of the Sahara, with just camels and local guides. Birkenstock Australia kindly agreed to offer not only specially adapted sandals, but finance as well. Utopia travel insurance have underwritten the entire cost of insurance for Paula on this leg of the walk. In addition, they provide the Red 24 service; this is an extraordinary crisis coverage that means Paula can be airlifted out of a life threatening situation at the touch of a telephone number. Utopia have also contributed financially to the walk, greatly assisting in the cost of camels and sat comms. Utopia have already been tried and tested, after a camel crisis meant Paula lost both her laptop and satellite connection in the first week of walking. These guys are the complete deal when it comes to travel insurance, and Paula is proud to be associated with them, and grateful for their support and encouragement in difficult circumstances. These forward-thinking companies have enabled Paula to embark and endure in her endeavors.
Paula commenced in October 2006, and walked 4,200km through Mauritania, Mali, and Niger, before political instability in the North of Niger forced her to a temporary halt. Back home in Australia for the Saharan summer, Paula hopes to return to the desert in October, walking the final 3,700 km through Niger, Libya and Egypt, to Cairo. It is the first time a woman has made a solo crossing on foot of the Sahara without backup of any kind.
The diary page of this site contains a blog from the entire walk. Paula is grateful to all of those who have supported her through her adventure – especially the Walshe and Constant families; the brilliant folk at the Timmissartok foundation, who donated to the walk; and the many wonderful friends and cyber mates who have offered everything from accommodation to practical advice during her stays back in the UK and Australia. Paula is committed to the Rat Feeder Philosophy, and is proud to be supported by the guys at the Lactic Factory – for details, see www.feedtherat.com, and be inspired.
All media enquiries to be directed to Justine Campbell: justine@podcreative.com.au.