Mombasa-based chef Yusuf Garani has completed a remarkable 130-hour barbecue marathon, surpassing the current Guinness World Record benchmark.
Garani started the barbecue challenge on August 2 and concluded on August 8 at the Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa, drawing attention from residents, food enthusiasts and supporters who gathered to witness the historic attempt.
Garani’s feat exceeded the existing official Guinness World Record for the longest barbecue marathon by an individual, which stands at 98 hours and 8 minutes.
“We finally hit the end of the road. It was a hard journey but Alhamdulillah we made it. I am thankful to all who supported me through this tough journey. I really appreciate the mob love,” Yusuf Garani stated on his social media platform on August 8.
The marathon was conducted under Guinness-style regulations that require detailed documentation, witness verification, and adherence to strict rules governing rest periods and continuous activity.
Throughout the challenge, Garani remained focused on grilling and preparing food for more than five consecutive days while showcasing his culinary skill.
Who Is Chef Yusuf Garani?
The Kenyan chef is professionally known as Chef Yusuf Ali Garani and is a Mombasa-based private chef, entrepreneur, and culinary judge within Kenya’s hospitality industry.
In his professional career as a chef, Garani has worked with several hospitality establishments, including Maasai Bars & Restaurant, Voyager Beach Resort, Jocham Hospital, Blue Room Restaurant, Masters Coffee Shop & Bakery, and Kivulini Beach Villa & Cottages.
Over the years, Garani rose from a cook and grill chef to head chef before becoming a self-employed private chef.
His contributions to the culinary sector earned him recognition through the Mombasa Youth Award in 2024.
Garani credits much of his journey to the mentorship of renowned Kenyan chef Maliha Mohamed.
He previously served as Mohamed’s sous chef during her cooking marathon attempts and says the experience inspired him to pursue ambitious culinary challenges of his own.
Chef Mohamed has publicly expressed pride in her former protégé’s achievements and described his success as proof of the impact of mentorship within the culinary industry.
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Garani’s World Record Challenges
Before participating in the 130-hour barbecue challenge, Garani completed an unofficial 100-hour home kitchen cooking marathon in Bamburi in October 2025
During the home cooking marathon, Garani prepared a variety of Swahili and international dishes showcasing traditional Kenyan cuisine, including biryani, pilau, and viazi karai.
According to Chef Garani, his objective extended beyond personal achievement and aimed to spotlight African culinary professionals and demonstrate the richness, diversity, and sophistication of Kenyan and African cuisine to a global audience.
Beyond record-breaking attempts, Garani has consistently used his platform to advocate for greater appreciation of African culinary traditions.
His initiatives are aimed at inspiring young people to pursue careers in the culinary arts while displaying the creativity and resilience of African chefs.
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Official Guinness Verification
The current recognized record remains Basson’s 98-hour, 8-minute barbecue marathon until Guinness reviews and approves the evidence submitted by Garani’s team.
Gielie Basson is a South African restaurateur and community advocate and the current official Guinness World Record holder for the longest barbecue marathon by an individual.
The Calitzdorp-based businessman, who owns Zamani Grill along the popular Route 62 tourism corridor, achieved the record in September 2025 after barbecuing continuously for 98 hours and 8 minutes.
During the challenge, he prepared a variety of foods including boerewors, chicken, pork, beef and corn on the cob.
If ratified, Chef Yusuf Garani will replace the current record of 98 hours and 8 minutes set by Basson in Calitzdorp, South Africa, in September 2025.
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