An account of the first source-to-sea descent of the Congo, an epic solo journey which took ex-marine Harwood from the highlands of Zambia through war-torn Central Africa. It's a classic tale of adventure, danger and extreme conditions, and encounters with locals who ranged from hostile to hospitable.
At 2,922 miles, the Congo is the eighth longest river and the deepest in the world,with a fl ow rate second only to the Amazon. Ex-Marine Phil Harwood embarkedon an epic solo journey from the river’s true source in the highlands of Zambiathrough war-torn Central Africa. With no outside help whatsoever he facedswamps, waterfalls, man-eating crocodiles, hippos, aggressive snakes and spiders’webs the size of houses. He collapsed from malaria, and was arrested, intimidatedand chased. On one stretch, known as ‘The Abattoir’ for its history of cannibalismand reputation for criminal activity, the four brothers he hired as bodyguards wereasked by locals, ‘Why haven’t you cut his throat yet?’But he also received tremendous hospitality from proud and brave people longforgotten by the Western world, especially friendly riverside fi shermen who helpedwherever they could on Phil’s exhilarating and terrifying five-month journey.Author’s documentary film of the journey, available on his website ww.canoeingthecongo.com, won several awards and went on tour in North America with the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival.