PREVIEW

A team of kayakers has made history with the first-ever descent of some of Gabon’s most formidable and uncharted rapids on the Ivindo River, one of Africa’s last great unnavigated natural frontiers.

Adrian Mattern, Dane Jackson, Kalob Grady, and Bren Orton embarked on the daring expedition, which is the subject of the new film Gabon Uncharted: Sending Ivindo Falls, now streaming on Red Bull TV.

Over 10 to 12 days, the group navigated 145 kilometres of the pristine waterway, pushing the boundaries of whitewater kayaking while highlighting the untouched beauty of Gabon’s rainforest.

Their journey included braving Kongou Falls’ immense 3km-long cascade, tackling the towering waterfalls of Mingouli, descending Kouata Mango’s breathtaking 20-metre drop, and overcoming the perilous Tsengue Leledi, the river’s most challenging rapid.

This groundbreaking adventure was not only a feat of physical and technical skill but also a mission to document and conserve one of Africa’s hidden natural treasures. Equipped with 49kg of specialised gear, including drones and high-definition cameras, the team captured stunning visuals of the river’s uncharted regions.

They underwent meticulous preparation, including survival training to mitigate risks from wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles, ensuring their safety in one of the continent’s most remote landscapes.

For Mattern, the Ivindo has long been a dream, inspired by a 2007 expedition by Olaf "Big O" Obsommer that had to bypass many of the river’s wildest stretches.

This latest effort, meticulously planned over years, marks a new milestone in kayaking and river exploration, blending adrenaline-fuelled adventure with an enduring respect for nature’s raw power and beauty.