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Oscar Scafidi

Travel writer, international educator, African expedition leader and Guinness World Record holder.

Originally from the UK and Italy, Oscar Scafidi is a professional travel writer, international school educator, endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder. He has lived, worked and travelled across thirty eight countries in Africa, with significant periods of time spent based in Sudan, Angola, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tunisia and Ethiopia. He also maintains the Africa-focussed YouTube channel Scafidi Travels.

Oscar currently works as an MYP Individuals & Societies teacher in the secondary school at ICS Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In the past he has taught IB Diploma History, IB Diploma Theory of Knowledge and humanities-focussed UK-curriculum up to KS5 (History, Geography etc.)

In 2016 Oscar and his friend Alfy Weston completed the first ever source to sea navigation of Angola's River Kwanza, a 33 day journey of over 1,300km. This independent expedition, in a two-man collapsible Klepper kayak, featured rapids, crocodiles, hippo attacks and even saw the pair arrested, jailed for multiple days and threatened with deportation! The expedition was undertaken in support of The HALO Trust, the oldest and largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation in the world, and is now recognised as a Guinness World Record. A documentary film of the 33 day journey, called Kayak The Kwanza, is available to view free of charge on YouTube. A book has also been published, with 25% of proceeds donated to The HALO Trust. Official website here.

In 2022 Oscar and his friend Ben Ziehm Stephen completed the first ever source to sea navigation of Madagascar's longest river, The Mangoky. This 750km, 28 day journey was the first of its kind, and is currently under consideration by Guinness World Records. It featured rapids, parasitic insects and over 200km of portage (with a 40kg kayak) over a remote Malagasy mountain range, known to be the home of bandits known as Dahalo. A book and documentary film about this expedition was released in October 2025, with profits donated to a grassroots educational charity in Madagascar.

Oscar is also the author of the Bradt Travel Guides to Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia. His writing tends to focus on lesser-visited destinations, especially conflict and post-conflict zones. In 2011 he visited Somalia’s Puntland in order to interview pirates as part of his Masters dissertation at King’s College Department of War Studies. When not writing, teaching or kayaking, Oscar is an avid Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) practitioner and ultra-distance runner. He has completed ultramarathons in landscapes as diverse as Tunisia’s Sahara desert and the jungle-covered volcanic mountains of Bali, Indonesia.

Testimonials from Teachers

"Oscar has the ability to connect with students through his stories and experiences. When he speaks about his journey and adventures, he brings a sense of curiosity, authenticity, and enthusiasm that captures students’ attention.

What stands out most is how he goes beyond simply sharing experience, he inspires students to think differently, ask questions, and see the world from new perspectives. His storytelling is engaging, relatable, and often challenges students to reflect on their own journeys and possibilities.

Oscar creates a space where students feel comfortable, curious, and motivated. His impact extends beyond the moment, leaving students inspired and more open to exploring their own paths with confidence and purpose. He has inspired CAS projects and experiences."

– Rene Bradford, Senior School Assistant Principal / IB Diploma Coordinator, International School of Uganda

"Mr. Oscar Scafidi is an engaging and inspiring speaker who connects easily with students and encourages them to be the best version of themselves. His energy draws students in and helps them reflect on their own goals and experiences in a genuine and personal way. His talks have had a strong and lasting impact on our students and the wider school community."

– Mrs. Marci Russell, Head of School, Bandung Independent School

“Oscar Scafidi has been a valued guest speaker at my schools for many years, and he consistently brings an extraordinary energy to every presentation. He has a gift for connecting with primary students—capturing their attention through vivid visuals, engaging storytelling, and his authentic sense of adventure. Oscar thoughtfully tailors each presentation to align with the school's curricular goals, making learning both meaningful and memorable. Our students not only deepen their understanding of the topics he presents, but also leave inspired, curious, and excited to explore the world beyond the classroom.”

– Mara Brasil, Kindergarten Teacher, Grandview Preparatory School