Max Wax: Africa under the skin

This vocation began when he realised that more than half of the donations he gave to organisations went to their internal operations. “So I decided to become active myself with my modest means. I distribute the donations as needed, but no money is spent on anything else, no kickbacks,” Max Wax assures us.

Motorcycling is a family affair for him: “My grandfather owned a Terrot, my father took part in the Bol d’Or and the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man. Travelling by motorbike was a matter of course, along with the freedom it offers for getting around and the authenticity that comes with it. When I arrive in a village, sweaty and covered in dust, it gives me a certain legitimacy. You can see that I’ve made an effort, that I’m not arriving in conquered territory. I am completely in tune with the country and its customs, I am experiencing the journey authentically. I eat like the locals, sleep with them and absorb everything I discover,” he explains.

Despite the advantages of travelling on two wheels, there are also challenges. A certain amount of preparation is necessary. “The problem is the weight. I have to take tools, medication, emergency rations, water and – most importantly – petrol cans,” says Max Wax. In the end, “Vega” weighs more than 350 kilograms.

His help manifests itself in various ways: It supports the construction of schools, donates food or school materials. “There are no small donations. If you see a child in Mauritania learning to write with a stick in the sand, it’s obvious that a notebook and a pencil will help them learn,” explains Max Wax, who has spent several days travelling the sandy slopes of Mauritania.

A wound in the shape of Africa

He does all his travelling alone, which he says is a real advantage: “I approach people more, if only to ask for directions. I talk to them. That’s how I get in touch with people. I need them, their experience and their knowledge.” This thought gave rise to his mantra: “lonely and in solidarity”.

On 23 February 2023, his love for Africa took on an even more symbolic dimension after he was severely hit by a bus in Senegal. The result: 14 fractures, months of rehabilitation and, on top of that, a wound in the shape of the continent. “You can even see Madagascar. The whole village thought I was bewitched,” says Max Wax with a laugh. An almost poetic way of showing that he has Africa in his skin.

In order to successfully organise his excursions, the philanthropist collects donations and cooperates with partners. This is how he decided to get in touch with the ACL: “As a Luxembourg resident, I am a member of the ACL. The employees do so many good things and work hard for road users to ensure their mobility. It made sense for me to work with them. The ACL provided me with safety waistcoats for children, which enabled me to run road safety courses for children in a village in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. These children sometimes have to walk six to seven kilometres to school. There are hardly any traffic rules, which can lead to dangerous situations. This can lead to fewer children going to school over time.”

As for the future, he has no plans to stop. After travelling through Mali, the Ivory Coast and the sandy tracks of the red Laterite, he will return to Mauritania at the end of July: “The misery is constant. Unfortunately, I will always have projects. It will always be necessary to renovate schools and build more wells because of the drought …”

His last word is for anyone who wants to help others and is looking for advice: “You have to pursue your wishes and dreams, remain humble and, above all, be prepared to experience difficult things, both physically and mentally.”

If you would like to support Max Wax and follow his adventures, you can follow him on Facebook at Max Adventure and at the organisation he supports, AyadiAlkhaire