The Great Zaire (Congo) River Expedition 50th Anniversary

Join us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this large-scale expedition that navigated almost all the 2,700 miles of the hazardous Zaire (now Congo) river, carrying out important research into eye disease and a wide variety of scientific projects.

Pioneering the use of giant inflatable craft and jet boats, the expedition was supported by the Armed Forces, Scientific Exploration Society, Natural History Museum, Daily Telegraph, and the RAC.

The late Prince Philip assisted with the project and helped to obtain the newly produced Jet Boats for it. The giant 40-foot inflatable craft was used to navigate the huge cataracts.

It also commemorated the centenary of Sir Henry Morton Stanley’s 999-day crossing of Africa.

The late President Mobutu was the Patron and gave the venture considerable support including the use of his DC10 passenger airliner and eight Range Rovers!

Over 170 servicemen, scientists, and medical experts from ten different countries took part in one of the largest British expeditions ever launched.

Important scientific work was carried out by a large team of specialists and an 11-strong medical group did a valuable study of onchocerciasis (river blindness) which affects up to many millions of people worldwide.

Books and TV films were produced and no lives were lost.

On completion of the expedition, John Blashford-Snell and the team were awarded the Segrave Trophy at the RAC.

This is how the evening will go...

6.30pm: DOORS OPEN

Cash Bar

Expedition Displays

Raffle

7.00-8.15pm: PRESENTATIONS WITH SLIDES AND FILMS

Colonel John Blashford-Snell

Paul Turner

Roger Chapman

David Hardy

8.30pm: EVENT CLOSE

VENUE

We will host this 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR (Map Room for pre-event drinks and expedition displays and Ondaatje Theatre for presentations).