A new film from Red Bull TV is out featuring kayakers Adrian Mattern, Dane Jackson, Kalob Grady, and the late Bren Orton (RIP), running never-kayaked-before rapids on Gabon’s Ivindo River, a waterway shrouded in mystery and surrounded by one of Africa’s most pristine rainforests.
Their journey, chronicled in the newly released film “Gabon Uncharted: Sending Ivindo Falls” on Red Bull TV, captured the team’s exploration of some of the river’s most formidable and previously uncharted rapids. The 145-kilometer, 12-day expedition traversed the heart of Ivindo National Park, unveiling an array of natural wonders, from roaring cascades to wildlife.
The journey began with Kongou Falls, a three-kilometer cascade nicknamed the “Niagara of Africa.” Here, the river fragments into a maze of channels, slides, and thundering rapids whose sheer scale and power set the tone for the challenges to come.
Further downstream, the kayakers reached Mingouli, celebrated as one of the “Wonders of Ivindo.” This stretch was defined by towering waterfalls and relentless currents as well.
At Kouata Mango, the team encountered one of the expedition’s most breathtaking challenges: a 20-meter-high waterfall nicknamed “Touch the Sky.” This section also included a big Class V called Eldorado.
The final leg brought them to Tsengue Leledi, the river’s most perilous stretch, delivering a triumphant conclusion to their descent.
Preparation and Conservation Focus
Preparation was as vital as execution. The team underwent rigorous training, including survival courses to address potential encounters with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and venomous snakes. Equipped with nearly 50 kilograms of gear each, they carried solar-powered batteries, high-definition cameras, and drones to document the expedition.
Beyond the adrenaline, the expedition also emphasized conservation. By documenting their journey, the team brought attention to the fragile ecosystems of the Ivindo River, inspiring a global audience to appreciate and protect one of Africa’s last unspoiled waterways.
This historic complete descent of the Ivindo River is a milestone for whitewater kayaking but also a tribute to the enduring spirit of exploration. Mattern, Jackson, Grady, and Orton combined technical expertise with an unrelenting respect for nature, carving their names into the annals of adventure while fostering a greater appreciation for the planet’s wild and wondrous places.
Experience their journey in Gabon Uncharted: Sending Ivindo Falls, streaming now on Red Bull TV.
Photos courtesy of Red Bull Media.
Watch ‘Gabon Uncharted: Sending Ivindo Falls’ on Red Bull TV HERE
Flashback: The Ivindo’s First Descent!
Editor’s note: In 1998, a team of six paddlers, including Bruce Hayse, Loise lasley, Howie and Marilyn Wolke, Rick Sievers, Christian Guier completed the first descent of the Ivindo River, without such Red Bull amenities as drones, sat phones or credible maps. The region became a national park after photographs of the expedition by Rick Sievers were shown at the Gabonese embassy in Washington DC by Chris Guier, prompting the Gabonese government to also create eight more national parks. A brief recap from Bruce Hayse is posted below: