Swimming the Zambezi

Photo copyright by Beyond Xtreme Productions

Swimming the Zambezi - The Killer River

Documentary, Digibeta, 55 minutes, South Africa

Year of production: 2002

Directed by: Anthony Makin

Produced by: Tooth Productions and Beyond Xtreme Productions

Versions: English

His countrymen thought he was totally insane. Many said they feared he would not make it and that he had a death wish! He had proved them wrong. South African Louie Greef was the first to swim 3000 km down the most dangerous river in the world, dodging sharks, hippos, crokodiles, water mines - and survive.

"I don't have a death wish because I love this wonderful life and the opportunities it offers everyone, but most people are too scared to venture into the unknown. I did 3 years research before I put my foot in that croc infested river. I contemplated the worst scenarios and what I would do if something happened - like a crocs jaw ripping my puny flesh apart at whim." tells Louie. That rare and wonderful Zimbabwe crew who helped him against all impossible odds still had reservations and fears. Many tried to talk him out of this mad feat, but he is very very tenacious.

Particularly, after his arrival in Victoria Falls, Northern Zimbabwe when those cynical enough had the gall to bet on his life. When they arrived at Vic around 10 am Thursday 9th July, a bet had already circled that he would not make the first 6 Kms when he put a foot in the water. The paltry wage was 2000 Zimbabwean dollars. By the next morning just before they departed after breakfast on the long journey northwards through Zambia, the wager had become 22,000 U$ dollars - much to his surprise! In cash strapped Zimbabwe, this represents an enormous amount of money to anyone who won the bet. "I have yet to find out who did win as I would like to thank that person for having faith in me - or maybe it was pure luck, I do not know" says Louie.

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Björn Jensen

email: jensen(at)gingerfoot.de

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