Discovering the Congo: Colonel John Blashford-Snell

Reflecting on the Great Zaire River Expedition

Fifty years ago, a groundbreaking journey known as the Great Zaire River Expedition led by Colonel John Blashford-Snell, ventured into the heart of Africa, forever changing our understanding of the Congo River and its surrounding wilderness. As we commemorate this historic milestone, Far & Wild is thrilled to announce two new trips Congo Gorilla Safari & River Adventure and Odzala Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari

From innovative river boats in 1974 to today's carefully crafted itineraries, the evolution of exploration in this remarkable region tells a story of both change and continuity—where the thrill of venturing into one of the world's most extraordinary landscapes remains as powerful as ever.

We spoke to Colonel John Blashford-Snell about his experiences and how visiting the Congo today would be different.

What were the greatest challenges your team faced during the expedition?

Well, the river itself was a major challenge due to the enormous rapids and the logistics in such a huge country, which is bigger than Europe and covered in dense forests with very few roads, were very difficult. At the time we were there, all the railways had burned down. So, getting supplies in and getting the research parties out to the site was demanding. The political situation was also tricky. Luckily, we had the support of the president, but in the east of the country, there were several groups who were anti-government. We had to prepare to defend ourselves in case of attack. As it happened, we were confronted once. That summer, a hostile group kidnapped some young people from a camp run by Dame Jane Goodall, causing an international uproar. They would have attacked us if they hadn’t realised we were heavily armed. We had the ingenious idea to use a British Army Aircorp plane to drop rocks, we would then set off explosives on the ground to make it look like the aircraft was dropping bombs, which helped keep people away. It worked, and we succeeded in avoiding further attacks.

How did you use innovative technology?

We were loaned some boats through Prince Philip's contact Sir John Hamilton. He loaned us two of his latest models. These boats were invaluable in the lower reaches of the river because they had the power to climb the rapids. At one point, we had an accident where a large jet was swept aside, but the boats went in to rescue us. I was in one of the rescue boats when it happened. As we got close, one of the boats landed on top of us, we managed to wiggle out and fortunately didn’t cause much damage. The boats managed to pick up the crew, who were in the water. You can find a video of it on YouTube—it was incredible.

Watch the Great Zaire River Expedition - John Blashford -Snell

The boats had been modified by the Royal Engineers and were used with bridging pontoons, which we borrowed from the Americans. One of the Americans, a highly skilled pilot, came along and piloted one of the boats for us.

What other technology was used?

This was before the days of emails and satellite navigation. We navigated using field lights to fix our position. We didn’t have a traditional camera, but we had a video camera, which was a relatively new invention at the time. We attached it to the bottom of the aircraft, which flew ahead and recorded the terrain. The plane would then drop the cassette down to us, and we had a small TV set where we could plug in the video and watch the footage.

The rapids posed a major navigation problem. In the final stages, we had to carry our boats for eight miles overland. Two years later, a French team attempted the same route, but they were all killed. Later, a South African group used kayaks and underwater breathing devices, which they carried on their chests. When their canoes capsized, they were able to survive by staying underwater. The rapids were immense—some were 20 feet high! You can see it on YouTube; it’s unbelievable.

What were the most memorable and defining moments?

The rapids, for sure. Being swept under one of the large jets was an unforgettable experience. Malaria was another issue. I got malaria quite badly, as did others, despite taking medication. I would recommend being very cautious and taking all precautions. The wildlife was also memorable—especially an encounter we had with a hippopotamus that attacked our boat. Hippos are extremely dangerous and should be given a wide berth. We were also lucky to avoid attacks from crocodiles.

How did the expedition contribute to scientific research?

We had a team of scientists with us, and they produced a book for the World Health Organization. Their findings led to new treatments for diseases such as river blindness. We also contributed to research in biology, geology, archaeology, and history. Many scientific papers were produced as a result. When we announced the expedition, it was compared to going to the moon. That’s why so many experts joined us—we were a team of 160 people.

How do you compare your expedition to modern-day adventures?

Navigation is much easier now because of GPS and smartphones. Communication has also improved. Back then, we relied on a radio system, which was linked to the Daily Telegraph in England, and we used a 100-foot mast to send messages. Nowadays, you can communicate with a mobile phone.

What advice would you give modern adventurers?

Be prepared for the rapids—they are intense. You should also travel with life jackets and understand that the river, in some places, is more than a mile wide. The political situation should be considered as well; it’s important to be aware of local tensions. Speaking French is also very helpful, as it’s widely spoken in the region.

What legacy did the expedition leave behind?

One of the great legacies was the scientific and medical research we contributed. Another was inspiring a new generation of adventurers. We took two young people from Jersey, sponsored by the Royal Trust Company of Canada, on the expedition. Afterwards, they gave lectures at schools and universities, sharing their incredible experiences. Prince Charles heard about this and suggested that if we could do this with two or three young people, why not with 200 or 300? This led to the creation of Operation Drake and later Operation Raleigh (now Raleigh International), which allowed young people from all over the world to join sailing expeditions and participate in community aid projects.

Both operations were a huge success, inspiring tens of thousands of young people to take part in expeditions, helping them develop leadership skills and foster a sense of adventure. This spirit continues today.

What advice would you give the younger generation?

Be prepared, stay curious, and have the right equipment. Always make sure you have a mobile phone but don’t rely on finding electricity in remote areas. Proper preparation is key. And, of course, be aware of the wildlife and natural hazards—gorillas, forest elephants, and other animals can be encountered, so you need to be cautious.

About Colonel John Blashford-Snell

Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE is a pioneering British explorer who has redefined modern expedition leadership since the 1960s. Born in 1936, he's best known for combining scientific research with adventurous exploration. His groundbreaking achievements include leading the first descent of the Blue Nile in 1968 and conducting the Great Zaire River Expedition (1974-1975).

As founder of Operation Raleigh (now Raleigh International) and the Scientific Exploration Society, Blashford-Snell has championed an expedition style that merges military precision with scientific objectives. His approach uniquely emphasises youth development and conservation while utilising innovative technology in challenging environments. Through decades of exploration, he has not only pushed the boundaries of adventure but also advanced scientific research and humanitarian efforts across the globe.

Exhibition

The Scientific Exploration Society will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Zaire River Expedition at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Tuesday, November 12 at 18:30 hrs.

Buy tickets here

This historic 1974 expedition, led by Colonel John Blashford-Snell, saw 170 participants from ten countries navigate 2,700 miles of the hazardous Zaire (now Congo) River. The team conducted crucial research on "River Blindness" while pioneering the use of jet boats and giant inflatable craft to tackle the river's formidable rapids. The expedition was supported by organisations including the Armed Forces, Natural History Museum, and The Daily Telegraph and completed its mission without casualties.

The venture was documented in Richard Snailham's "A Giant Amongst Rivers" and earned the team the Segrave Trophy. This anniversary event aims to honour this remarkable achievement while raising funds for future explorers.