Extreme adventurer Ash Dykes, 35, is poised to embark on a daunting 434-mile expedition along the Sangha River, located in the Congo Basin of Central Africa. This journey marks the beginning of his ambitious “Project Six” series, which features a sequence of six formidable expeditions scheduled to take place consecutively.
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Dykes, accompanied by a dedicated team, will traverse the unpredictable waters of the Sangha River using inflatable rafts. Over the course of more than a month, they will navigate the challenges of a rugged and sometimes hostile environment, camping along the riverbank and relying on ration packs for sustenance. This undertaking not only highlights Dykes’s passion for adventure, but it also emphasizes the extreme conditions associated with exploring such remote areas.
The seeds of Dykes’s adventurous spirit were sown during a trip to Cambodia at the age of 19. During a moment of dissatisfaction as a tourist, he and a friend decided to seek out unique experiences rather than rely on conventional travel methods. A spontaneous decision to rent bicycles led them on a journey across Cambodia and Vietnam—an experience that catalysed Dykes’s transformation into an extreme athlete.
Reflecting on his past escapades, Dykes has undertaken numerous daring adventures, including illegal treks through the Himalayas, and survival training amidst indigenous tribes. Though he candidly admits these travels were at times reckless, they ultimately led him to a career in adventure that few can claim. In 2014, he made headlines as the first person to walk across Mongolia solo and unsupported, further solidifying his reputation in the adventure community.
As the departure for his next expedition draws near, Dykes is engrossed in extensive preparations. This trip is no small feat, involving meticulous planning that encompasses route scouting, securing necessary permits and vaccinations, as well as ensuring reliable communication through satellite equipment. With nearly 600,000 followers on Instagram, Dykes aims to document his journey live, sharing real-time updates from his hazardous adventure.
The risks associated with the expedition are extensive, encompassing threats from wildlife, such as crocodiles, hippos, and gorillas, as well as a medley of diseases prevalent in the region like malaria and river blindness. Dykes has previously encountered dangerous wildlife on his other adventures, but he acknowledges that the Congo presents unique challenges. He quips, “There’s no way I’m not coming back with a parasite,” highlighting the reality of navigating the complexities of such a perilous environment.
Dykes will be joined by a local guide and a fellow UK-based interviewer as they make their way from Nola in the Central African Republic to Mossaka in the Republic of Congo. The choice of inflatable rafts is deliberate—both robust enough to withstand the journey and portable for navigating obstacles. Their route will demand careful attention to safety, especially given the presence of wildlife corridors.
Camp facilities along the river will be rudimentary, and Dykes acknowledges the necessity for vigilance while setting up their nightly accommodations. He explains, “Even camping at night, there are a lot of elephant corridors throughout the forest,” underscoring the need for caution as they navigate their environment.
For nourishment, Dykes and his crew plan to rely on 80 ration packs, containing freeze-dried meals such as spaghetti bolognese and chicken tikka masala. Despite daily caloric intake designed to meet their needs, they anticipate burning around 7,000 calories daily through physical exertion.
Dykes has outfitted his team with measures for potential emergencies, including communication devices for summoning help if necessary. He mentions collaborating with Global Rescue, who will have a contingency plan for rapid extraction in the event of a serious incident.
Building anticipation online, Dykes has received sceptical comments from followers doubting his ability to complete the challenging river expedition. However, he remains undeterred, confident in his skills and experience. “This is the sixth time I’ve had all of these comments,” he remarks. “It’ll be the sixth time that I succeed.”
In addition to achieving personal milestones, Dykes sees his expedition as an opportunity to promote awareness about the regions he will traverse. He notes that officials from the Republic of Congo have expressed enthusiasm about the adventure, emphasising the potential for raising the profile of the area through his journey.
Despite the inherent uncertainties of such exploration, Dykes approaches his adventure with an informed perspective. He acknowledges the possibility of unforeseen challenges, while concurrently trusting in his experience to lead his team safely through the wilderness. “I feel that I’ve got what it takes to bring us all back safe and alive,” he asserts, as he prepares for the journey that lies ahead.