400-Mile Walk on Rim of Africa Mountain Passage Photograph by
Charles Powne From solo diving to the ocean's deepest point to
uncovering a hidden sea monster, National Geographic explorers
have had an eventful and exciting 2012. Here are just a few
examples of the work that's left us looking forward to another
year of incredible exploration. Storms, the sweltering African
sun, and limited access to water were all challenges that Jay
Simpson overcame when walking over 400 miles on the Rim of
Africa Mountain Passage. After walking alone for 15 days before
being joined by others to finish the journey, Simpson became the
first person to walk the entire route, aiming to excite and
educate South African youth about conservation and the
environment. Photograph by Tyrone Turner, National Geographic
Those who were anxious about the 2012 Maya-predicted apocalypse
need not worry thanks to a discovery made by archaeologist Bill
Saturno. A roughly 1,200-year-old home found in Guatemala
features wall art and calculations th