Into the Congo with Ben Fogle

Into the Congo with Ben Fogle (2024- )

RunningDocumentary showAdventure, Travel

In this thrilling new series, fearless adventurer Ben Fogle embarks on his most extreme journey to date… into the Congo, one of the most mysterious and perilous places on earth.

Ben travels deep into the Congo's remote and stunning rainforests, to immerse himself with native tribes and to discover how ancient ways of life are still thriving. He encounters some of the planet's most awe-inspiring wildlife, coming face to face with the majestic and elusive lowland gorillas.

From the shores of the mighty Congo River to the bustling streets of Brazzaville, Ben encounters inspiring people, from glass-eating voodoo wrestlers to dandy-style fashionistas, and experiences the vibrant culture that makes Congo "the beating heart of Africa". Join Ben on this epic journey of adventure and discovery as he explores the hidden wonders and secrets of this magical land.

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

Episode 3
Season 1Episode 360 min

Episode 3

On this final leg of his journey, Ben encounters the mighty Congo River for the first time. A trade super-highway, this great river allowed 19th century Europeans to plunder the resources of Central Africa and enrich their Colonial Empires - and it's still a lifeline for millions today.

Near the capital, Brazzaville, the Congo River transforms into the deadliest rapids on the planet, and Ben meets the daredevil fishermen risking their lives to put food on the table. He joins them on the edge of the banks where over a million cubic feet of water flow past every second. The fishermen dive into these fierce rapids to secure their nets, much to Ben's astonishment and concern.

The Congo's treacherous rapids led French and Belgian traders to build their respective colonial capitals on opposite banks of the river. Ben explores Brazzaville's French colonial legacy and meets the city's famous "Sapeurs" - African style-icons who mix Congolese fashion with French haute-couture. He visits a local market with "Congo's best dressed man", Sapeur Maxime Pivot, to choose flamboyant material for his next attention-grabbing outfit, before seeing the Sapeurs in action in a street fashion show.

European colonisation also left a darker legacy in the Congo, and Ben learns how conflict and chaos in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo is threatening the stability of the region.

Ben's epic Congo journey goes out with a bang as he dives into the surreal, mad-cap world of Congolese wrestling, in which fighters use the ancient magical powers of "Juju" to defeat their opponents. He watches on awe-struck (and a little horrified) as grown men dress up as mermaids, set themselves on fire, brandish live snakes and eat glass bottles. As Ben says himself, it's "just another day in the Congo".

Mar 3, 2024

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E03Episode 3Mar 3, 2024
S01E02Episode 2Feb 25, 2024
S01E01Episode 1Feb 18, 2024
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

Ben Fogle

Ben Fogle

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Ben Fogle

Ben Fogle

View all characters

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