Explorer Ash Dykes Films Gorilla in Congo Basin
Adventurer Ash Dykes captured a close-range encounter with a silverback gorilla while navigating the Sangha River.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Adventure Travel
Explorer Ash Dykes encountered a silverback gorilla at a distance of five metres while on a 434-mile expedition through the Congo Basin. A video capturing the moment has since garnered 4.5 million views on TikTok.
Why it matters
The encounter highlights the risks and unpredictable nature of deep-jungle exploration in remote regions. Such footage provides a rare glimpse into the habitats of endangered mountain gorillas and the challenges faced by those documenting these areas.
Ash Dykes is currently undertaking a 434-mile journey down the Sangha River. The team spent two hours tracking the primates through the dense jungle environment before the close-encounter occurred at a five-metre distance.
The players
Ash Dykes
The 35-year-old explorer is a London native known for documenting extreme expeditions in remote wilderness environments.
The details
The explorer is navigating the river system using inflatable rafts and carrying limited ration packs for the trip. The expedition team successfully located the gorillas after two hours of active tracking through the jungle canopy.
Timeline
October 2026: The silverback gorilla encounter occurred during the river expedition.
Travel Outlook
This interaction aligns with the rise of citizen-filmed wildlife encounters in remote wilderness areas that circulate on social platforms. It reflects a broader shift toward interactive digital documentation in modern adventure travel.
Travelers planning trips into remote regions of the Congo Basin should anticipate strictly limited access to resources and gear. It is essential to carry pre-planned ration packs and rely on professional guidance when tracking wildlife to ensure safety.
The takeaway
Documenting wildlife in the wild requires extensive planning and rigorous safety protocols for even the most experienced adventurers. Travelers should prioritize local expertise and self-sufficiency when preparing for multi-week expeditions in isolated environments.
What happens next
Ash Dykes is scheduled to spend one month total in the wilderness as part of the ongoing expedition.
Further reading
Discover more about similar expeditions in the Adventure Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Need To Know.
