Crocodiles, Class V Rapids and All-Outdoors: Rafting the Nile

Driving through the village, all the team members sat on the roof of the vehicle. In minutes, nearly a thousand locals surrounded the car. They came to cheer on the courageous Westerners departing on the source-to-sea "Colours of the Nile" river trip. Their nationalistic green clothing spread out like the petals of an immense flower around the stamen of team members.

This is just one of the experiences of Scott Armstrong, co-owner of All-Outdoors, in his first days of the Colours of the Nile expedition. This expedition will explore the Nile from its source in Ethiopia to its terminus in the Mediterranean Sea--a 3,060-mile journey. Though others before have attempted this trip, an unbroken, non-motorized source-to-sea trip has never before been successfully completed. Therefore, upon reaching the Mediterranean, Scott's trip will be the first to realize this historic accomplishment. Their trip will also rank as the longest river trip ever completed once they paddle into the sea.

Scott Armstrong was asked to be a part of the expedition because of his 25 years of Class V whitewater experience. He will be one of the three guides on the most treacherous section of the trip: the Class V whitewater section from the river's source in the Ethiopian highlands.

But Scott won't be the only All-Outdoors representative. After receiving a last-minute call from Ethiopia, Adam Walker departed for Africa with just five days notice. One of the original team members had to drop out and Adam will take his place. The teamwork Adam and Scott share on the rapids of Cherry Creek will no doubt help them on the rapids of the Blue Nile.

The Blue Nile lies within a remote 5000-foot deep canyon

Hazards of the Nile

In the course of the trip, Scott and Adam will have to contend with 20-foot crocodiles, hippopotami, lions, hyena, and poisonous scorpions and snakes... not to mention intense Class V whitewater. Though the rapids in the Ethiopian highlands have been rafted before, little is known about their routes. The team will rely on information gleaned from flying over the upper stretches on the Blue Nile.

What's the Point?

Besides being an epic adventure, the purpose of the four-month expedition is to study the water quality of the Nile. The Nile is an excellent microcosm of the issues facing the world's supply of fresh water. Irrigation needs, pesticide use, and industrial waste make the Nile one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Yet, in Egypt, nearly 90% of the population lives along the river's banks. The expedition team hopes the publicity their trip garners will encourage action on the pressing water quality dilemma facing our world.