Red Nose Day is drawing ever-closer, so you know what that means – a bunch of celebrities doing some rather crazy things in the name of a good cause.
This year, it’s the turn of six unwitting celebs to be flung down the Zambezi River with nothing but some paddles and a great deal of determination.
With some of the most dangerous rapids in the world, not to mention crocodiles, hippos and snakes at every turn, the Zambezi is not for the fainthearted.
So we certainly don’t envy comedians Jack Dee and Dara O’Briain, actress Chelsee Healey, DJ Greg James, Olympian Phillips Idowu and singer Melanie C.
The brave (or should we say foolish?) group got started earlier this week and have already encountered searing heat and relentless day-long paddles down the river.
Dara O’Briain has had the scariest moment of the trip so far, when he and Phillips Idowu hit some vegetation on the riverbank and he was left clinging to a branch for over an hour to avoid being swept away by the high-speed currents.
But it’s all for a good cause, and the team hopes to raise £1 million to help young children in Zambia go to school.
If the Comic Relief Hell and High Water Challenge has got you in the mood for a river adventure (minus the crocodiles, obviously), take a look at these epic river journeys.
Amazon
The second-longest river in the world and the largest by volume, where better to start than the Amazon River?
Large parts of the Amazon River are certainly not for the faint of heart, but the Amazon basin and its huge network of tributaries mean there is something for everyone.
You’ll be following in the footsteps of Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton, who kayaked 3,200km along the Amazon River for Sport Relief in 2010.
River Ardèche
For something a little more relaxing and a lot less dangerous, a paddle down the picturesque River Ardèche is ideal.
The river, in south-central France, spans 125km in total, but it’s one 30km stretch that attracts holidaymakers from across Europe.
Known as the Ardèche Gorges, this breathtaking part of the river is punctuated by 300m-high cliffs and pebble beaches that are ideal for taking a break from paddling.
Mississippi River
The fourth-longest and tenth-largest river in the world, the Mississippi River and tributaries cut through large parts of the US.
The size and scale of large parts of the Mississippi make it more suited for a steam boat ride, but canoe and kayak trips are possible.
The main river is fast-flowing in places, so beginners are advised to start out in one of the gentler tributaries that offer slower currents and beautiful surroundings.
River Danube
The longest river in Europe after the Volga, the River Danube stretches through ten European countries and through four capital cities.
Starting in the beautiful surroundings of the Black Forest, the Danube flows south-west for approximately 3,000km before reaching the Black Sea.
A huge communal canoe trip down the Danube takes place each year, the Tour International Danubien, and is open for anyone to tag along for a stage or two.
River Hérault
This gorgeous river in Southern France is reminiscent of the River Ardèche, with its azure waters and looming cliff faces.
Peaceful campsites are dotted along the river, with plenty of options for swimming, canoeing and exploring the surrounding hills.
The River Hérault is a Grade-2 river so you won’t find anything too scary along the way, though some of the rapids will keep you on your toes!
