Thursday 13 / March / 2025
Muscat: The bond between humans and camels in the Arab world dates back millennia, and that connection is being redefined through The Hope Voyage, a 2,200 km humanitarian expedition on foot and camelback led by American adventurer Mike Metzger.
Launched from Abu Dhabi on January 1, 2025, The Hope Voyage is a four-month trek blending heritage, endurance, and a mission to support Yemen’s most vulnerable communities.”
Metzger’s journey, alongside his trusted camel Sheba, is not only a test of endurance but also a mission to provide free medical care, fresh water, and sustainable livelihoods for struggling communities in Yemen.
Now at its halfway point in Oman, the expedition has encountered both remarkable generosity and immense challenges.
Oman has been a defining chapter in The Hope Voyage, where its vast, open landscapes have made camel travel an unparalleled experience. “It’s the best country for camel travel,” he said.
However, Metzger’s time in the country has been a test of physical and mental resilience.
“I sprained my ankle and couldn’t walk for nine days,” he told Times of Oman from Haima, the halfway point of his challenging journey.
He added: “At one stage, a friend in Nizwa rescued me in the middle of the night. It was one of the toughest moments of the journey.”
From battling severe sandstorms for over a week to enduring painful foot blisters, Metzger has faced relentless challenges.
He recalls a particularly unsettling night in Saih Al Zamayim, where fear gripped him and even his camel due to the vast emptiness of the terrain. Despite these hardships, Oman has also been a place of unexpected wonders - most notably, a crow that has followed him from Ibri to Haima.
“It’s mind-blowing. I believe it’s a guardian watching over us,” he said.
Omani hospitality and support
While the trek through Oman has been largely a solo endeavour - aside from the occasional one-day visitors from around the world - Metzger has been deeply touched by the kindness of the Omani people.
“We have so many Omanis supporting us - providing food, water, dates, and even covering hotel stays,” he said. This generosity has underscored the spirit of hospitality that Omanis are known for.
Initially, Omani adventurer Nabil Al Busaidi was set to join the expedition for a segment of the journey, but health issues prevented his participation. Nevertheless, Metzger continues to draw strength from the support of locals as he makes his way toward the Oman-Yemen border.
The Mission: Hope for Yemen
At its core, The Hope Voyage is about more than just endurance. The expedition is raising awareness and funds for critical initiatives, including
The Nesma & Sindibad Medical Clinic, which has provided free healthcare to over 15,000 people in Yemen since 2021 and freshwater well construction to help alleviate water shortages for nomadic and farming communities.
Also funds are being collected for a national livestock training programme designed to equip Yemenis with sustainable income opportunities.
The journey is also a deeply personal one. Metzger has dedicated the expedition to his beloved camels, Nesma and Sindibad, who passed away in 2019. Their spirit, he says, continues to push him forward.
“Sheba and I are continuing in their memory,” he said. “This isn’t just about walking across the desert - it’s about making a difference.”
As Metzger and Sheba trek across Oman’s rugged desert landscapes, the expedition highlights the enduring relationship between humans and camels - a bond woven into the fabric of Arabian culture.
The desert routes he follows are the same paths once travelled by Bedouins, traders, and explorers for centuries. Every step through Oman is a nod to an age-old way of life that is slowly fading in the modern world.
At each stop, he engages with locals, exchanging stories and learning about Oman’s deep-rooted traditions.
Whether sipping Omani kahwa with village elders or resting under the shade of an acacia tree, the journey has become as much about human connection as it is about endurance.
“I invite anyone to come and join - even if just for a day,” he said. “This isn’t just my journey. It belongs to everyone who believes in the power of tradition, resilience, and hope.”
With the halfway mark reached in Haima, Metzger now looks toward the final leg of his journey - crossing into Yemen and reaching Tarim in Wadi Hadhramaut. Tarim is renowned as a historic town and a centre of Islamic learning.
As Metzger and Sheba press on toward Yemen, their journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of resilience, tradition, and human kindness. To support or follow their progress, visit www.thehopevoyage.ae
