In a daring expedition that redefines adventure, kayakers Adrian Mattern, Dane Jackson, Kalob Grady, and Bren Orton have achieved the first-ever descent of Gabon’s untamed Ivindo River. Spanning 145 kilometers through dense rainforest, this journey tackled some of the wildest and most remote rapids on the planet, marking a milestone in whitewater exploration.
The Ivindo River, often described as one of Africa’s last great natural frontiers, unleashed its full force on the team. Over 12 grueling days, they conquered the roaring Kongou Falls—a 3-kilometer maze of channels and slides—and braved the raw power of Mingouli’s towering waterfalls. At Kouata Mango, they descended a 20-meter drop crowned by the fearsome Eldorado rapid, while Tsengue Leledi’s deadly waters provided a climactic challenge that demanded absolute precision.
Preparation was key. Years of research into the river’s hydrology combined with on-site survival training helped the team navigate not only the rapids but also the hazards of Gabon’s wilderness. The rainforest wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a battleground, home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and venomous snakes. Armed with 49 kilograms of high-tech gear each, including solar drones and HD cameras, the team documented every breathtaking moment of this untouched paradise.
Ivindo isn’t just a river—it’s a natural marvel. Running hundreds of kilometers through Gabon’s pristine rainforest, it’s a realm of staggering biodiversity. For Mattern, the expedition fulfilled a dream sparked by a 2007 attempt that had to sidestep many of the river’s challenges. This time, there was no sidestepping.
Their journey, documented in Gabon Uncharted: Sending Ivindo Falls (streaming on Red Bull TV), is a visual feast of raw adventure and unspoiled beauty. But the full story of their historic descent—and the challenges they overcame—will be revealed in the February issue of Adventure.
Get ready for a tale of courage, teamwork, and exploration that proves there are still wild places waiting to test the limits of human endurance. Don’t miss it!
