Through the War Zone

British explorer Levison Wood is walking the River Nile from source to sea on a nine-month journey through jungles, savannah and deserts in some of Africa's most spectacular locations. Along the way, he encounters modern Africa, its people and its wildlife face-to-face and at ground level. Lev and his guide Boston are 1100 miles and four months into their journey, in the world's newest nation, South Sudan. Arriving in the capital, Juba, Lev and Boston are arrested by secret police and after several days are allowed to continue and enjoy a highlight of the journey: a few days living with the famous Mundari tribe on spectacular cattle camp islands in the river. Lev's hair is dyed with cow urine and he takes part in wrestling matches as well as tending the animals. After saying goodbye and moving on, Lev is soon caught up in the worsening civil war as his path winds through minefields and he passes increasing numbers of refugees fleeing in the opposite direction. Reaching the town of Bor, Lev is confronted by artillery battles and he is forced to consider how, given the security situation, he can ever complete his epic challenge.