Published August 8, 2025 01:01PM
Destinations & Things To Do
Ranking the Final Three ‘Alone’ Africa Participants
The survival reality show is quickly approaching its finale. Our articles editor assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the remaining contestants.
(Photo: The History Channel)
Perhaps its the dry air. Maybe it’s the thorny bushes and rocky terrain. Perhaps its the skittish nature of the warthogs, kudu, wildebeest, and other delicious animals roaming the plain.
For whatever reason, Alone Africa has had an attrition rate like no other season in the show’s history. And after 19 days, just three survivalists remain.
And of the three, one appears to be teetering on the edge.
(Spoiler Alert) Nobody tapped out during Alone Africa’s eighth episode, which aired on Thursday, August 7. But all three remaining participants—Katie, Kelsey, and Nathan—faced major setbacks.
Kelsey endured another fruitless hunt, and watched as her warthog jerky—she shot and killed a wild pig back on day 1—dwindled to just ten remaining pieces.
Katie also ventured into the backcountry to kill game, and tracked two wild boars across the bush-covered hills. But they escaped and she came back empty-handed, instead opting to once again eat seeds, berries, and roots that she foraged from the Karoo. To add insult to injury, Katie also was robbed by baboons.
Nathan suffered the worst calamity. For the last few days he’s been building a massive house out of sand and rocks, and on day 22 one of the walls collapsed, rendering the structure useless. Then, while fishing, Nathan’s two baited hooks became snagged at the bottom of a lake. He had to dive to the bottom of the frigid water and was only able to salvage one of the two hooks.
In each obstacle, the three survivalists revealed elements of their personalities and mindsets that, in my mind, are good predictors for how they will fare in the final two episodes. And while I don’t always like fixating on Alone’s eventual winner—the show is about more than just who stays out there the longest—I do believe it’s worthwhile to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the three survivors.
A Capable Hunter
Kelsey got out to an early lead in Alone Africa by stalking and killing a wild boar on the first day in the bush. Since then, she’s survived by eating the pig meat, which after three weeks is somehow still there.
The kill showed us just how talented Kelsey is with a recurve bow, and how accomplished she is at cleaning and processing a carcass amid an extreme environment. And huge kudos to her for her innovative water storage system, which has allowed her to venture into the backcountry without having to boil potable water all of the time.
But Kelsey’s major weakness appears to be the mindset that has crept in during the last few episodes. She doesn’t deal with setbacks very well, and has a hard time rebounding from calamity. It’s totally understandable, especially with hunger and malnutrition becoming a daily obstacle.
We saw this back in episode 3 when Kelsey’s shelter was flooded during a downpour. It was obviously a very traumatic and terrifying ordeal—one that other participants navigated as well. But since then, setbacks have really gotten to her.
Kelsey has sought positive energy from the animals she’s seen in the bush. But these bursts of happiness seem to be fleeting.
She’s also tripping into the pitfall that Woniya Thibeault wrote about in her most recent Alone column, which is thinking about her friends, pets, and life back home. As Woniya explained—[colon (:) When] when the mind wanders to normal everyday life, it’s a sign that the survivalist no longer enjoys living in the backcountry.
The All-Star Forager
Katie, meanwhile, seems entirely focused on her life in the Great Karoo desert. Like the others, she’s faced multiple setbacks: flooding, bad days of fishing, and a monkey stealing her warm hat. But after each challenge, Katie has responded with an extremely pragmatic and positive attitude.
Of the three, Katie seems like the one who has most embraced life in the Karoo. It feels like it’s her permanent home, and not just the site of a very challenging camping trip. And Katie has, for the most part, focused on her life out here and not on the one she temporarily left back home in Australia.
She’s turned her attention to other tasks, like building a windscreen for her shelter. And she’s also displayed highly advanced foraging skills that are far beyond that of any other participant on Alone Africa. She’s stayed alive for three weeks primarily by eating the native flora: acacia seeds, mint, prickly pear cactus, and roots.
In episode 8 we saw her forage native garlic and allium vineale, a wild onion, for a soup. She also ground grass seeds into a porridge, which she soaked and ate for breakfast. It was an impressive meal considering it lacked any fish or red meat.
But Katie’s weakness is the lack of protein in her diet. She caught a fish back on day 1, but since then has only eaten plants. And all of the foraging skills and the world’s most positive mindset, alas, won’t be able to overcome food insecurity of that level.
The Problem Solver
Of the three, Nathan is in the strongest position to win. He semi-regularly hauls in massive catfish from the lake near his camp. He has a temporary and a budding permanent shelter. And he has a problem-solving attitude that’s helped him navigate several setbacks.
Nathan can credit this mindset with his advantage in food. Earlier in the season he struggled to catch fish—the meaty catfish in his lake were biting through the fishing line. Nathan innovated. He doubled up the fishing line twice, then braided it together, essentially creating a super-duper mega-strong line that was capable of holding the big creatures. Since then, he’s hauled in at least four giant catfish, which can feed him for several days.
Nathan’s biggest setback came in episode 8, when the rock house he was constructing fell over. I worried that the calamity would send him into a mental spiral. After all, he’s expended considerable energy building the structure, which now appears to be ruined. But Nathan simply sat with the problem, worked it over, and found a way to continue. He also brought this energy to his stuck fish hooks. Despite losing one, he rebounded.
The access to fish, plus the positive mindset, make Nathan a heavy favorite. Sure, Nathan may get sick, suffer an injury, or simply get outlasted by Katie or Kelsey. If I were able to place a bet on Alone at a Las Vegas casino, I’d put $100 on him.
Destinations & Things To Do
Dubai and Riyadh Becoming Top Travel Destinations in 2025 with New Attractions and Infrastructure: All You Need To Know Before Planning a Trip
Published on
August 9, 2025 |
With 2025 approaching the forefront of global tourism, particularly leisure travel, the focus seems to be on Dubai and Riyadh. Both of these cities are undergoing an infrastructural makeover along with the construction of new and modern leisure attractions to accommodate the rising number of tourists. Riyadh is in the regime of catching up due to its vast reforms and investments, while tourism and luxury travel in Dubai is long established.
This exciting development is not just about high-end hotels and impressive skyscrapers; it is about a shift in culture, business, and hospitality. Dubai and Riyadh tourism are becoming more dynamic, offering experiences that are both innovative and enticing for travelers worldwide.
Why Dubai Is Dominating the Global Travel Scene
With 2025 approaching the forefront of global tourism, particularly leisure travel, the focus seems to be on Dubai and Riyadh. Both of these cities are undergoing an infrastructural makeover along with the construction of new and modern leisure attractions to accommodate the rising number of tourists. Riyadh is in the regime of catching up due to its vast reforms and investments, while tourism and luxury travel in Dubai is long established.
The government of Dubai has strategically places major tourism infrastructure like Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Media City. Other businesses and creative industries have also set up offices in these areas which, along with new global attractions like Dubai Opera, Aqua Fun Park, and Dubai Safari Park, makes Dubai a must visit place for corporates and entrepreneurs looking to blend business and leisure.
The Dubai tourism policies have also evolved, with initiatives encouraging global partnerships and enhancing the visitor experience. The city’s commitment to sustainability and smart technologies ensures that its future in tourism remains promising and appealing to the growing eco-conscious traveler.
Riyadh: The New Rising Star of Middle Eastern Tourism
While Dubai’s evolution has been impressive, Riyadh is now catching up at an astonishing rate. Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the capital city of Riyadh is being transformed into a vibrant global hub for business, tourism, and leisure. Vision 2030 has reshaped the city’s tourism and hospitality industry, focusing on the development of cultural landmarks, luxury resorts, and entertainment options that can rival cities like Dubai.
Riyadh has made leaps towards attracting international tourists. By 2025, Riyadh’s tourism infrastructure includes luxury hotels and unparalleled services of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center and Mandarin Oriental Riyadh. Aside from the existing high-end hotels, modern cultural museums, art exhibitions, and even theme parks are under consideration which will augment demand and cater towards leisure tourism.
Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to lift alcohol restrictions in designated areas and host major sporting events signals its intentional pivot toward becoming a more tourism-friendly country. This shift, paired with large-scale investments in tourism infrastructure, makes Riyadh one of the most exciting places for tourists in the coming years.
The Competitive Edge: How Dubai and Riyadh Are Competing in Tourism
The rivalry between Dubai and Riyadh is heating up. Both cities are keen to dominate the Middle Eastern tourism market, and this competition is fueling rapid advancements in infrastructure and tourism policies. By 2025, Dubai was already the destination of choice for many corporates and leisure tourists. However, Saudi Arabia has introduced several new policies aimed at increasing the number of regional hubs in Riyadh.
The change in Saudi Arabia is one of the major economics Saudi Arabia. Riyadh isn’t only erecting new lavish hotels. Riyadh is setting up a new complete system for businesses, events, and recreational activities. In response, Dubai eased its business laws and started granting a number of incentives for foreign companies to establish regional offices there. This rivalry of industrial supremacy is for sure going to add a new layer in the already Dubai and Riyadh fueled innovation in tourism and increasing traveler’s opportunities in 2025.
The Future of Travel: Why You Should Visit Dubai and Riyadh in 2025
As the cities of Dubai and Riyadh strive to diversify and innovate, they are becoming more appealing to travelers. Dubai is a luxury travel destination, and with the new additions of mid-scale and affordable options, it is now accessible to all. Riyadh is emerging as the prime location which serves a dual purpose of business and leisure travel. With its strategic investments and rapid pace of development, it is going to be a tourist hotspot in the coming years.
Both cities now have sophisticated tourism infrastructures, offering modern transportation systems, attractive cultural events, and a growing number of entertainment options for travelers. Whether you’re visiting Dubai’s iconic malls or exploring Riyadh’s cultural renaissance, these two cities will continue to define the future of Middle Eastern tourism.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Dubai and Riyadh are poised to dominate the global tourism landscape in 2025 with new attractions, policies, and experiences.
- Dubai’s tourism scene is expanding beyond luxury to include mid-scale options and sustainable initiatives.
- Riyadh’s rapid transformation under Vision 2030 is making it a competitive alternative to Dubai for both business and leisure.
- As both cities compete for tourism dominance, 2025 will be a pivotal year for travelers looking for unique experiences in the Middle East.
Conclusion: Why 2025 Is the Year to Visit Dubai and Riyadh
With their ever-growing appeal to leisure travelers, Riyadh and Dubai are poised to be the ultimate destinations by 2025. Both cities are sure to stay at the top of travelers’ lists for years to come. This is thanks to their booming infrastructures, fuelled by а sustainable practices, new tourism experiences, and visionary policy investments.
- Hanover Food Coop, NH (1756.7) to Trescott Road (1706.6)
- 1148 feet ascent, 748 feet descent
Today is a nero experiment. The Historian’s back hurts and he is still struggling with getting enough food to run his engine. With our Katahdin climb scheduled so soon, my my engine is running overtime. We decided to do errands in town and then The Historian will drop me off for a quick slack pack to pick up some of the disjointed bits and pieces we have not hiked in the gap between Hanover and Glencliff.
I missed this section in 1975 because The Historian had limited time for a visit with me. Either I could skip ahead to the start of the Whites, or he would have to miss the Presidentials. I decided to skip ahead for love. During the time we lived in Hanover in the 1990s, we day hiked some of the missing parts but not all of them. I am filling in the pieces now.
Morning Garden Patrol
We had another peaceful morning with our friends enjoying their multi-generational family life. One thing we particularly enjoyed is the early morning garden inspections.
A few years ago we had a large raised bed garden spread out along a .15 mile meandering path. Each morning we would take our coffee and our dog out for a lap through the garden. We have since downsized and have a small garden but we still enjoy morning coffee inspection of the garden.
Our friends have a large vegetable garden plot and multiple berry patches as well as flower gardens, fruit trees, and nut trees. Morning garden inspection made us think about our gardens past and future, and appreciate the slow and exciting process of food production.
Town Chores
After breakfast we made a list of our town chores. We have all of our meals already; they arrived in our mailed resupply. We needed to add some protien bars, rasins, m and ms, chia seeds, and protien drink. We knew we could find the very things we wanted from the Hanover Food Coop. We also needed more bug spray, available from the outfitters nearby.
The drive to town included passing over several bridges, two of them covered bridges. Even having lived in the area before, the novelty of covered bridges never wears off.
The light from inside the bridge is as much fun as seeing the bridge from the outside.
Hanover Coop
The Coop store on the Appalachian Trail is a lot smaller than I remembered. There is a large, modern supermarket version but I wanted nostalgia so we went to the original store.
The food selections were amazing, as always. It was hard not to over buy dramatically. We had some car days coming up so our over selection of food did not punish our backs.
When we got to the checkout, they asked if we were members. Low and behold, we were still in the member records from 1996.
A Snippet of Hiking
Town chores accomplished, we ate our Coop-acquired lunch in the car at the Dartmouth playing fields, literally parked on the Appalachian Trail.
After downing the last of my sparkling water, I tightened my shoe laces and took off. The Historian would drive to the next trail crossing and I would race to meet him, covering the short 4 miles as quickly as I could.
This would fill in one of the gaps and allow me to advance to the next non-contiguous needed section tomorrow.
New Terrain
I scampered along as best I could. However, the trail character was very different from Virginia. When you walk from one geographical region to the next, the changes are noticeable but more gradual. Leapfrogging 700 miles was a surprise.
My brain felt like it could move along but the surface under my feet was unfamiliar and my steps were less sure. Looking around, I was reassured by the vegetation and rocks. We love the northern mountains, in New England, and in Montana. I felt more at home than I had in a long time.
Gradually, my feet grew accustomed to the terrain and I made good progress.
Boggy Area
Virginia has swampy areas filled with water and rhododendron. New England has ponds and bogs. Today, smack in the middle of rocky, wooded uphill trail was a boggy section. Thankfully, the majority of the transit was accomplished by a bog bridge. Although it listed left and right as you passed over it, it did not sink or bob like the bog bridges of old.
In 1975, if present, bog bridges were half logs with the cut side up. They were slippery devils. Often they immediately sank when you stepped on them. Occasionally, when you stepped on one end, the other end sprang up like a teeter totter and down you would go.
Mostly Uphill Hiking
Most of the hike was uphill. I was good with that. Although the temperatures were warm, it was in the 80s with moderate humidity so it was a welcomed relief from the back-to-back Virginia heatwaves.
The trail showed little evidence of use and I saw only one other hiker. I was surprised by that since it was a nice trail right outside of town.
Wow, Glad it Wasn’t Me
As I pulled up the summit of Velvet Rocks, a SOBO who looked a little harried zoomed by me. I was somewhat surprised, as we were used to the “say hello and share trail names” routine with other thru hikers.
I called out, “Hello! Are you one of the rare, elusive SOBOs?” The hiker, who was by then past me, looked back at me and it was as if he was registering my presence for the first time. He acknowledged he was a SOBO and said he was hurrying to town.
We shared a laugh about the intensity of town-drive. I encouraged him that he was close, and told him how to find the Coop and where all the cold drinks were in the store. He was appreciative.
We passed on. Very soon I came to a long skid mark at the top of a 10 foot drop-off. I could only shake my head. The slide must have been heart-stopping. Save for a tree, he would have skidded off the cliff. No wonder he seemed a little fuzzy.
Thankfully, the tree was there to stop him. Below the tree would have been a rough landing. The tree with the blaze in the photo below is the opposite side of the same tree with the skid mark.
We all are guilty of dashing to town on occasion, but prudence is always in order. I won’t judge, maybe his shoes were worn out and he had new shoes waiting for him in town.
Velvet Rocks
I finally arrived at the aptly named Velvet Rocks. It is crazy that I never hiked here when I lived here. They are just a short distance from town and so pretty!
Meeting My Trail Magician
After passing the rocks, it was a short distance to where The Historian was waiting for me.
Just at the road crossing someone had thoughtfully left a small cooler of frozen water bottles for hikers. I looked in the cooler but didn’t take any since I was done for the day and had my very own trail magician waiting for me.
I found him sitting in a small parking lot attentively watching for my reappearance. It had been strange to hike without him, but it had been OK too.
I knew he was supporting my hike from the car as much as if he was on the trail beside me. I was grateful he had time to rest his back and keep a little weight on.
Tomorrow we will go back on the trail together to complete the hike to Glencliff. It has been good to have the time off, zeros and neros, but I miss the trail. I look forward to getting back out there and the rhythms of being on the trail and sleeping where you end up each day.
I slept in! And in a big bed. The robot vacuum turned on around 11 pm last night, and I disorientedly scrambled to try and shut it off. We got picked up to get back on track just after 8 and were back on the Bear Mountain campus before 9. It was a late start, but we got into the groove pretty quickly.
Bear Mountain held a great view for us and restored my faith in this state. I hope I’m emerging from my funk, but it’s tough to say. I truly love it out here, but the heat and general exhaustion are bringing me down sometimes.
This stretch of trail has minimal water, and we’re going through somewhat of a drought. We took a blue blaze to a state park to fill from their bathroom sinks and have lunch. We both had the midday sleepies, so we took a small nap at the picnic table.
We crossed mile 800 today! We plan to be out of New York in a day and some change and to PA before the end of the month.
Eventually, we made it to Tiorati State Park. This was located a mile from our campsite, which did not have any water present. We filled our bottles, 2 L CNOC bags, and packed out sodas to have with dinner.
Tonight was our first official night without the stove. We cold-soaked ramen, and it was…. Good! It’s so hot out that I don’t want warm food anyhow. Just prep your dinner, set up camp, and then it’s ready for eating! I love ramen so much still. That and a spam single packet is an ideal dinner for me. Followed by a few scoops of Nutella, of course.
The following day was going to be a heat advisory. We didn’t have a ton of miles planned because the terrain was also pretty rocky, and our water sources were becoming more scarce.
I used my Seek App to identify some slime mold, and I’ll never ever forget about it. It’s called Dog Vomit Slime Mold. Crazy, insane name for anything. It’s so vibrant and cool looking.
The heat of the day was a struggle but manageable. I took it slow and had a few extra pack-off breaks than normal.
We got to a small waterfall and each took a dip. We only had about four miles to go til our evening destination, which was back to Nick’s friend’s house! We planned to meet them at Bellvale Creamery for ice cream, then ride home with them.
Neither of us wanted to sleep outside in 80-degree heat all night. This was a welcome break. We had London broil and potato salad, and regular salad with watermelon for dessert. Replenished our spirits. Their daughter, Juliana, is my new best friend. She’s such a happy baby and even let me hold her!
Sam and Matt dropped us back at the creamery around 6:30 am. The terrain today looked to be fairly easy, and we were excited! The NY/NJ border was only a handful of miles away. We started to cruise some miles until we got our last gifts from New York.
The whole state of New York felt like purgatory. After climbing up and down so many little pointless hills with little to no views and overgrowth tick heaven, we were ready to transcend beyond this place.
Just about as soon as we crossed over into New Jersey, we were gifted beautifully even terrain and well-maintained trails. It was a miracle. We were cruising at a 3 mph pace consistently for the first time since what felt like Massachusetts.
We made it up Wawayanda Mountain and got a glimpse of hazy, smoky views. Wildfires from Canada are happening again, it seems. There were tons of day hikers out. The famed Stairway to Heaven is what we got to walk down. It wasn’t bad at all.
We stopped at a hot dog and ice cream spot for some nourishment.
Our campsite for the night was at a shelter, and we were sure to find one with a bear box tonight. Well-adjusted bears are rampant in these parts, so we needed to secure our food!
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