KACZKOWSKI'S AFRICA
"Jan's good rides on through Africa"
LOGLINE: Six men, including actors Dawid Ogrodnik and Alan Andersz, embark on a charity motorcycle expedition through 5 African countries. Following the values of the late Father Jan Kaczkowski, they face off-road wilderness, their own weaknesses, and explosive group dynamics to bring help and build lasting good.
Idea and Legacy
Father Jan's philosophy on the road
The "Kaczkowski's Africa" project is not just another motorcycle expedition. It is a mobile platform of values developed by Father Jan Kaczkowski – a man who taught us unconditional respect for everyone, empathy, dignity, and living life to the fullest.
The expedition is a journey: both the literal, African gravel route, and the internal transformation of the participants and viewers. Our goal is to support and publicize social projects run by the Foundation.
Instead of constantly waiting for something – start living, today. It is much later than you think.
— Father Jan KaczkowskiSuccess of the film "Johnny"
Over 1,000,000 viewers in cinemas and megahit status on streaming platforms have proven how powerful the demand is for the values that Father Jan represented.
Real Charity Goal
Building a stable donor base within the "19.07 Club" and raising funds for the Foundation's educational and aid projects.
Clash of Characters
Six strong personalities, extremely different life stories, physical exhaustion, and daily discussion panels around themes of dignity, loss, hate, and bioethics.
Foundation and Legacy
Foundation's Mission
The Father Jan Kaczkowski Foundation was created out of love for Jan and the desire to preserve His legacy. Its goal is to spread unconditional respect for others, promote empathy in medicine, and help people in life crises.
As part of its educational activities, the Foundation is developing the proprietary Kaczkowski Academy training program. It focuses on improving the communication skills of doctors and medical staff in relation to the patient and their family, with a particular emphasis on empathy, mindfulness, and the patient's subjectivity.
In turn, through initiatives such as Project PAKA, the Foundation offers professional psychological support and resocialization programs for youth from educational centers. These activities help young people find their self-worth and reverse the course of difficult life stories.
Together with Jan's relatives and friends, we run educational projects, social and resocialization workshops, proving that Father Jan's words about dignity, tenderness, and mindfulness can change human lives for the better here and now.
Training for medical staff in empathy and doctor-patient communication.
Resocialization and support programs for youth in difficult life situations.
Gosia Regocz-Kaczkowska
President of the Foundation BoardJan Kaczkowski didn't give people ready-made prescriptions.
He asked questions that changed the way of thinking and helped find one's own answers.
Każdy odcinek łączy doświadczenia ekipy z konkretnymi działaniami Fundacji pokazując, jak filozofia Jana jest przekładana na codzienną praktykę poprzez Akademię Kaczkowskiego, Project PAKA i inne inicjatywy.
"Kaczkowski's Africa" is not just a travel series but an invitation to one's own "course" in being human.
Expedition Crew
Dawid Ogrodnik
Actor & Expedition Guide
"The role of Father Jan Kaczkowski in the film 'Johnny' was not a regular professional challenge. It became a direction and a need through which I began to better understand life and its meaning. On a motorcycle since 2018. In love with Adventure motorcycles. Africa has always been my great dream. Thinking about Jan provoked the fundraiser. Thinking about Africa put Adaś and Alan in my path. Adaś introduced me to the man of Africa – Sebastian, and the fight for a better tomorrow with Piotr and Maciej."
Alan Andersz
Actor & Security Training
"Born in '88. I am an actor and have many passions. In 2012, I had an accident and I have plastic and titanium in my skull, so my approach to life is slightly changed. Since I was a kid: extreme sports, skateboarding, bike trials, speedball, climbing, skydiving. If I need to descend on ropes - I will handle it. I am an active shooter, compete in shooting competitions, train cross-fit and martial arts. I can find my way in dangerous situations. I know how to give first aid. Riding since 2017. I don't touch sports bikes because I like to speed. I am a Varsovian and I live here. I have quite severe ADHD."
Piotr Szmyt
Endurance Sports Coach
„Organizator HardejSuki. Endurance Sports Coach. Długie dystanse pokonywałem zazwyczaj na rowerze. Przez lata przygotowywałem ekipę Medicover do charytatywnych rajdów przez Polskę. Najdłuższa pokonana trasa to Warszawa-Tbilisi. Przygotowywałem wszystkich uczestników fizycznie, byłem ich trenerem personalnym. Jestem najsilniejszy i najbardziej wytrzymały z całej ekipy. Zrobię co w mojej mocy, by sprawność fizyczna nie była jedną z trudności.”
Maciej Silski
Expedition Doctor & Medic
"Gynecologist - meaning ideal medical support for a male motorcycle expedition. On a daily basis also a farmer and beekeeper. On a motorcycle since 2022. I left some sweat and health on the dunes of Morocco and the passes of the Pamir. I can handle simple injuries to the rider and motorcycle."
Adam Lenart
Cameraman & DOP
"Albert Adam Lenart - cinematographer, director of photography, and documentary creator with over 20 years of professional experience. I co-created over 40 feature and television films. I also took part in about 20 television series. At the same time, I made documentary films and series, being responsible for cinematography for nearly 20 documentary productions. I graduated from the film school in Łódź and have some master of arts degree. I have been riding a motorcycle since 2010."
Sebastian Sielewicz
Logistician & Service Technician
"Privately a workshop graphic designer (lithography), drummer, and passionate carpenter. Since 2005 I have been living and working in Africa. I spent the first 6 years in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya. Since 2011 I have been living permanently in Africa. I own and run the Papaya Lake Lodge in Uganda and House Casa Sabi in Tofo. My younger son goes to school in Johannesburg. Motorcycles: since 2013 I have been traveling African roads. As a long-distance rider, I am not afraid of challenges. Doing 1100km in 10-11 h is a doable norm for me. As a lover of classic motoring, I not only ride but also service - motorcycle tools have no secrets from me."
Preparations and Workshops
Father Jan Kaczkowski Foundation Workshops
Kaczkowski Academy: Budowanie Relacji
The relationship workshops "Hocus-Pocus, or magic words: please, thank you, sorry" teach youth active listening, asking for help, begging for sorrow and forgiveness. They develop future relational competencies, essential in the blurring world of direct closeness.
Doctor-Patient Communication
Empathy workshops during which Dawid Ogrodnik and Alan Andersz act out scenes with doctors and medical students simulating the delivery of the most difficult information (diagnostics of terminal diseases). We teach that empathy and communication – just like math – can be learned.
Anti-Hate Initiatives
The workshop program for school youth "Does only beating hurt?" focuses on the problem of verbal violence and hate. Participants learn responsibility for words and proper giving and receiving of feedback as the foundation of mature peer relationships.
Culinary Workshops at "Johnny's"
Conducted in Sopot, the joint cooking and eating workshops show that the table is the oldest and most effective place for building bonds among homo sapiens, a space for reconciliation and building belonging. The culmination is a gala dinner with beneficiaries, donors, and partners.
Project PAKA (Resocjalizacja)
Prowadzony m.in. przez Patryka Galewskiego program resocjalizacji i pomocy młodzieży z zakładów poprawczych (np. poprzez malowanie murali w Poznaniu). Project PAKA udowadnia, że żaden błąd życiowy czy kryzys nie musi być końcem historii człowieka i każdy zasługuje na nową szansę.
Conversations about Life
A deep existential experience where participants spend several hours in a closed coffin. This extreme test under controlled conditions forces direct confrontation with one's own mortality and ultimate themes, constituting a key lesson in humility and creating space for conversations about faith and the afterlife.
Expedition Preparations (September – December)
Physical Preparation
Extreme gym workouts, cross-country running, and weekend endurance camps in Kashubia coordinated by coach Piotr Szmyt.
Mental Preparation
Mental training, building cohesion and trust in the group to cope with fatigue, off-road stress, and conflicts on the route.
Health Security
Comprehensive medical diagnostics, a cycle of vaccinations for tropical diseases, and selection of optimal anti-malarial prophylaxis under the supervision of Dr. Maciej Silski.
Safety Training
Survival training, first aid rules in conditions lacking access to professional medical services, operation of GPS rescue devices.
Conversations with Families
Psychological support for families and loved ones of the participants before the dangerous route, recordings of farewell video cards for the first episode.
Motorcycle Training
Specialized off-road riding training in deep sand and clay terrain, simulating the hardest stages of the Kalahari desert and the mountains of Lesotho.
Motorcycle Customization
Suspension modification for expedition load, installation of additional covers, trunks, and power systems for recorders and cameras.
Stage I: Angola - Zambia
Route Itinerary (Day by Day)
Episodes Structure
"Start living, it's much later than you think" (44 min)
Angola (Bay of Luanda -> Ndalatando)
Episode Hero: Dawid Ogrodnik
Arrival in Luanda, customs clearance and the first cultural shock. The participants set off on motorcycles into the murderous heat of the Angolan summer. At the same time, we meet Dawid Ogrodnik at the Kaczkowski Academy, where he mentally prepares for the expedition and shares his reflections after playing Father Jan.
"There are no mistakes that cannot be fixed" (44 min)
Angola (Malanje -> Luena -> Caripande / Chavuma Border)
Episode Hero: Alan Andersz
A hard crossing through the Angolan wilderness and jungle. Ubiquitous mud and heavy rains make the first limits of endurance break. In Poland, we recall anti-violence workshops and the story of Alan Andersz, who was given a "second chance" by life.
"The most important things in life are relationships developed in everyday life" (44 min)
Northern Zambia (Zambezi -> Lusaka)
Episode Hero: Dr Maciej Silski
Medical and logistical challenges in the heart of Zambia led by surgeon Dr. Silski. The crew reaches the Chawama slums in Lusaka to spend Missionary Day with children from local centers. In Poland, we observe training for young medics in empathetic communication with the patient.
"The power of nature and reflection on passing" (44 min)
Southern Zambia (Choma -> Livingstone / Victoria Falls)
Episode Hero: Sebastian Sielewicz
A spectacular clash with the elements at the foot of Victoria Falls at the peak of the wet season. Fatigue and repairs give way to the power of nature, evoking deep reflection in the crew. At the same time, the work of the hospice in Puck and support for terminally ill families are shown.
"Instead of constantly waiting for something - start living, today" (44 min)
Botswana (Kasane / Chobe -> Gaborone)
Episode Hero: Piotr Szmyt
Complete change of environment to the desert roads of Botswana. After a river cruise among elephants, the crew must face the monotony and 40-degree heat of the Kalahari. Coach Piotr Szmyt helps the team overcome their own psychophysical barriers. We interweave coverage of murderous preparatory training in Poland.
"Shots from life don't have to end everything..." (44 min)
Kingdom of Lesotho (Katse Dam -> Sani Pass)
Episode Hero: Adam Lenart
Entry to the "Roof of Africa". Extreme climbing, temperature drop, thin air and acclimatization at the Katse Dam. Finally, a confrontation with the legendary, breakneck Sani Pass. In Poland, a juxtaposition with moving resocialization workshops of the PAKA Project in prisons.
"You can disagree on many things, but you have to look for what connects" (44 min)
South Africa (Drakensberg Mountains -> East London -> Knysna)
Episode Heroes: Whole Crew
A battle against material fatigue along the Wild Coast and the famous Garden Route in South Africa. The last test of solidarity for the entire group. Fatigue is growing, but the finish line is on the horizon. The episode shows the dynamics of a fully integrated, but extremely exhausted male team.
"Time is the most valuable thing we can give another" (44 min)
South Africa (Cape Town -> Cape of Good Hope)
Episode Heroes: All Participants & Ambassadors
The culmination of a 7,000 km expedition! Triumphant descent to Cape Town and reaching the Cape of Good Hope. Summary of the hardships of the journey, the transformation of the heroes and the great TV Finale in Poland (charity auction for the Father Jan Kaczkowski Foundation).
Production Schedule
Kick-off & Hero Profiles
Recording interviews and profiles for Alan, Piotr, Maciej, Sebastian, and Adam.
Set Visits & Tests
Recordings with Dawid and Alan, Dawid Ogrodnik's profile, and psychological tests.
ADV & Medical Training
ADV motorcycle training and emergency medical training.
Foundation Workshops
Foundation workshop series: anti-violence, resocialization (Project PAKA), and doctor-patient communication.
Farewells before departure
Final studio recordings and touching, official farewells with families right before departure.
African Expedition
The main stage of the expedition. Drive through Angola, Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa.
Post-production
Editing, sound design, color grading. Combining African and Polish threads.
Auction & Grand Finale
TV premiere of the documentary series and Grand Finale combined with a charity auction.
About Us
Dawid Ogrodnik
Board Member, Co-owner, Screenwriter and Director
Makary Janowski
Founder, Board Member and Creative Producer
Katarzyna Zyg
CEO and Producer