Navigating 7,000 miles across Africa in a ten-ton hovercraft

Nature · Published 30 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1970, an ambitious expedition set out to traverse the African continent using a massive hovercraft. This archival footage captures the beginning of a grueling journey through diverse terrains, from coastal waters to inland deserts.

The expedition aimed to cover 7,000 miles of varied geography, including rivers, falls, lakes, swamps, salt beds, and deserts. Starting in Senegal, the team utilized an SRN6 hovercraft to travel from St Louis toward Bamako.

Originally broadcast on BBC Two in July 1970 as part of 'The World About Us,' the footage serves as a historical record of mid-century exploration technology and the logistical challenges of transcontinental travel.

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