Extreme adventurer Ash Dykes has encountered an unexpected hurdle in his journey toward the remote Congo River Basin, where he is set to embark on an ambitious 434-mile expedition. This venture forms the first of six planned expeditions under his new initiative, “Project Six”. Dykes’s journey has been delayed due to missing luggage that contained vital equipment necessary for his adventure.
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The delay, which could push back their start date by one to two days, was disclosed by Dykes in a video shared on his TikTok account. In this update, he expressed his frustration, stating, “We have arrived in Cameroon, but it’s not the best of starts. We are missing a bag.” The lost luggage, which was recently recovered, included essential kayak pumps, tents, food, and water, all critical for an expedition of this nature.
In a follow-up video, Dykes shared the somewhat reassuring news that he had reunited with his missing belongings after just a couple of days. He expressed surprise at the contents of the bag, realising he had almost forgotten that vital supplies for sustenance and shelter were included. The recovery of his luggage comes as a relief, allowing the team to prepare to head to Nola, a city in Central Africa from where they will begin navigating the Sangha River.
Dykes, who boasts a substantial following of over one million on TikTok and nearly 600,000 on Instagram, is utilising these platforms to document the preparation phase of his expedition. The planned river journey amounts to a month-long adventure, which is part of a series of challenging undertakings he has in store. Following this trek, he has indicated that his next project will take place in much colder conditions, with temperatures likely to plunge to around -15°C.
The preparation for this challenging expedition has required meticulous planning. Dykes shared insights into the logistical efforts involved, which included route scouting, obtaining necessary visas and permits, and ensuring that the technology for communication and live streaming was in place. He also took precautions for health and safety, setting up medical kits, evacuation plans, and securing appropriate insurance.
Dykes has described the multitude of dangers he anticipates facing during his time in the jungle. Speaking to PEOPLE earlier this month, he outlined the risks, including encounters with wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos, forest elephants, and various snakes and spiders. Additionally, he noted the prevalence of diseases like malaria and dengue fever in the region, which heightens the stakes of his journey. “The Congo is the world’s most dangerous and deadly jungle for a reason,” he remarked, emphasizing the significant risks posed by both animals and illnesses.
Alongside Dykes in this adventure are a local guide and a fellow videographer from the UK, who will accompany him and help document the journey as they travel down the Sangha River from Nola to Mossaka, which is situated in the Republic of Congo. Dykes explained his choice of an inflatable kayak for this expedition, stating, “It’s the most robust, but it’s also easy to portage.” He previously faced challenges while navigating the Amazon and needed to deflate his kayak to traverse a significant waterfall.
The expedition is expected to involve camping along the riverbanks, with Dykes and his team aiming to cover between 30 to 40 kilometres each day. He has noted the strategic considerations that must be taken into account when choosing camping locations, especially given the presence of elephant corridors in the area. “We cannot pitch our tent on one of those corridors, because they won’t really care if you’re in the way,” he explained, highlighting the reality of camping in such a wild and unpredictable environment.
Despite the inherent risks, Dykes is confident in his ability to navigate the dangers and ensure the safety of his team. “There’s definitely the fear that anything can happen,” he acknowledged, reflecting on the uncertainties that come with adventure. His extensive experience in extreme expeditions has equipped him with the skills to anticipate potential challenges and react appropriately to unforeseen situations.
As Dykes prepares to take on the Congo River Basin, he remains determined to undertake his mission, firmly believing that with careful planning and the right mindset, he and his team will return safely from this remarkable exploration.