Ash Dykes Begins 700km Congo River Expedition
British-Welsh adventurer Ash Dykes has begun a 700km kayak expedition through Central Africa’s remote rainforest as the first challenge in Project 6, an ambitious mission to complete six extreme expeditions across six environments in 12 months.
A dangerous journey through Central Africa
Dykes is navigating the Sangha River by inflatable kayak, travelling from Nola in the Central African Republic to Mossaka in the Republic of the Congo, where the river joins the Congo River. The expedition presents significant challenges, including unpredictable river conditions, dangerous wildlife, disease risks and long periods of isolation in areas where emergency assistance may be difficult to access.
First challenge in Project 6
The river journey marks the opening stage of Project 6, which aims to take Dykes through six extreme environments around the world within a year. The expedition is expected to last approximately three to four weeks, with arrival in Mossaka anticipated in late October or early November 2026, depending on conditions along the route.
Missing equipment delays preparations
Before reaching the river, Dykes and his team encountered logistical problems while travelling through Cameroon. Essential luggage went missing, including equipment required to inflate the kayak, along with tents, food and water needed for the journey. Although the luggage was eventually recovered, further complications emerged when visa issues prevented the team from entering the Central African Republic as originally planned.
Difficult journey to the starting point
The team had to revise its travel arrangements and continue overland to Nola, facing bad weather, roadblocks and fallen trees along the way. By the time they reached the expedition’s starting point, the team had already experienced several setbacks that demonstrated the uncertainty of travelling through the region.
The real test begins on the river
With the logistical obstacles behind them, Dykes has now begun paddling through hundreds of kilometres of remote wilderness. The coming weeks will test his endurance and preparation as he navigates the river and rainforest. The outcome of this first expedition will set the tone for the remaining challenges planned under Project 6.
