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  • Canoeing The Congo

  • First Source to Sea Descent of the Congo River
  • By: Phil Harwood
  • Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
  • Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (126 ratings)
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Canoeing The Congo cover art

Canoeing The Congo

By: Phil Harwood
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
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Summary

Canoeing the Congo narrates the journey of Phil Harwood, who undertook an epic five-month solo attempt to canoe the Congo River in war-torn Central Africa. It was a historic first descent from the true source in the highlands of Zambia. Just short of 3,000 miles long, the Congo River is the eighth longest in the world and the deepest river in the world, with a flow rate second only to the Amazon. Along the way, Phil encountered numerous waterfalls, huge rapids, man-eating crocodiles, hippos, aggressive snakes and spiders' webs the size of houses. He faced endemic corruption, was arrested, intimidated, bullied, chased and he received numerous death threats. He also collapsed from malaria.

The people were mostly friendly, however, and Phil received tremendous hospitality from a proud and brave people, especially from the riverside fishermen who helped him wherever they could. On one stretch of river known as The Abattoir due to its past history of cannibalism and current reputation for criminal activity, he hired four brothers with a shotgun to accompany him as bodyguards. They paddled and floated for five days and nights on the river. Common questions from locals were, ‘why haven't you cut his throat yet?’ and ‘if you don't want to do it, tell us where your camping and we'll come and do it for you ...We'll share his money.’ It was an exhilarating, terrifying and wonderful journey but Phil managed to survive, despite the odds, to tell his story.

Canoeing the Congo will appeal to fans of adventurous travel writing and people who love the nature and wilderness. Phil, who is a fan of adventure stories himself, enjoys the work of Ranulph Fiennes and Bill Bryson. Phil has worked all over the world as an ex-Royal Marine Commando, ski-guide, expedition leader, outdoor instructor and development trainer. He is qualified as mountain leader, a level 4 canoe coach, a level 3 kayak coach, a rock climbing instructor, a wilderness emergency medical technician and a first aid instructor. Phil's passions are adventure and challenge, in particular canoeing remote wilderness rivers - the more wild the better!

©2013 Phil Harwood (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"An exhilarating account of former Royal Marine Commando Phil Harwood's epic solo journey from the Congo's source in Zambia through war-torn Central Africa." ( ABTA Magazine)
"Harwood's epic tale of his solo journey from the Congo's source in Zambia through war-torn Central Africa." ( National Geographic Traveller)

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What listeners say about Canoeing The Congo

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thrilling

What an adventure. Well described and a good story. Having been to Africa on a couple of occasions I agree with many of his assertions about the goodness of the majority of the people with a few bad eggs in amongst but at the same time I'm sure that most people wouldn't survive this journey. Great respect!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

If only Phil narrated it himself

I really enjoyed learning about this expedition and the difficulties in exploring the Congo.
It was just let down by choosing Gareth Armstrong to narrate it. There are a few stores joking about potential nights of passion and when the narrator sounds as old as your grandparents it makes you feel a tad sick for the nx chapter…
I’ve never heard Phil Harwood but I’m certain he is younger and more interesting to listen to.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Essex boy's adventure

Read, hilariously, by a plummy voiced Shakespearean actor. The adventure itself was exciting and the experiences and local colour was well conveyed.
The simplicity of language and conversational tone, which was charming in the paper version was jarring to the point of embarrassment when forced out of the RADA vocal chords of the reader.
Still enjoyed it nonetheless.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

interesting up to a point

What did you like most about Canoeing The Congo?

It seemed like a fairly honest account of a challenging journey.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Canoeing The Congo?

The various times he had to square up to the locals.

What about Gareth Armstrong’s performance did you like?

Excellent, conjured up the atmosphere very well. I picture the other as something like the Mitchell brothers from East Enders though.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I was having none of it. Bosh!

Any additional comments?

The story could be summarized as follows:

1. I paddled a long way
2. then I got tired
3. then the customs official tried to take me for a mug
4. I fronted it out and the official backed down
5. I slept
6. Repeat from 1.

I would recommend this book, there is some cultural background provided and it is highly impressive to learn how anyone can make that journey alive with just a machete. Personally, I shall stick to paddling up the Thames with Toad, Ratty and Mole.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Took me on a wonderful journey

What made the experience of listening to Canoeing The Congo the most enjoyable?

Felt I was being shown a whole new world - enjoyed every mile of this amazing trip.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The dedication

I can only dream of actually taking a trip on the scale of this magnitude, henceforth I can only congratulate the author on his dedication and his writing / telling skills,
I was engrossed from start to finish and I would recommend this read / listen to all, you won’t be disappointed, please check it out…

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Enjoyable.

Fascinating story that made you feel like you was with him the entire journey, can only imagine how frightening some of the encounters must have been

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Unbelievable guy!

Mad, courageous, enthralling.. You feel the pulse of Africa in his narration and his empathy with their history and hardship. Beautifully narrated by him.. What an amazing guy..

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Up the Creek With a Paddle

I enjoyed this book, it’s a fantastic achievement that surely should get more recognition.The highlight for me though was the author’s relationship with his guides on the way who helped him with great humanity. The authors courage was also inspiring as he refused to be intimidated by so called officials he encountered. References to earlier explorers was also interesting and helped put the authors trip in context. I didn’t give it 5 stars as I felt the author could have described the jungle and surroundings a bit more as the epic adventure rushed by, Sometimes it seems taken up by the aforementioned custom officers maybe too much. I’m looking forward to more exploration by this writer.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great fun, simply but solidly written.

I think if you like the sound of this book you will enjoy it. And for those who have read Blood River, I think this is a great addition to a similar theme. Admittedly (by the author also) not as well written, but more fully experienced.

Also, it’s not badly written. Not full of overdone cliches. Just simple and straightforward.

Recommend.

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