28 years around the world

After travelling nearly 50,000 kilometres across four continents and almost 30 countries, British explorer Karl Bushby has completed his extraordinary journey.

British explorer Karl Bushby, 57, has finally completed his 28-year journey around the world. On November 2, 2026, he arrived at his mother's home in Hull, England, where local residents welcomed him with applause.

Bushby began his journey on November 1, 1998, in Punta Arenas, Chile. His goal was to travel around the world without using any form of transport for the onward journey and without returning home until the expedition was complete.

Over nearly three decades, he travelled approximately 50,000 kilometres across four continents and almost 30 countries. His journey included some of the world's most challenging routes and conditions.

Among the most difficult stages were crossing the frozen Bering Strait, travelling through the Darién jungle and swimming across the Caspian Sea and the English Channel.

The journey took much longer than initially expected. Visa complications, the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts repeatedly delayed his progress.

Despite these obstacles, Bushby remained committed to his two original rules: he would not use transport to move forward, and he would not return home until he had completed the journey.

When he finally arrived in Hull, residents gathered to welcome him. His mother embraced him as he reached the end of a journey that had kept him away from home for 28 years.