‘I had to eat the dog’: explorer Benedict Allen on his adventures, the scars on his chest and being ‘lost’ in the jungle

Benedict Allen, a renowned explorer, was born in Macclesfield, England, in 1960. His father was a test pilot involved in the development of the Royal Air Force’s Vulcan bomber. From a young age, Allen was fascinated by the world beyond his hometown. He was particularly interested in hunting for fossils and reading about the exploits of famous explorers. His passion for exploration was further fuelled by his university studies in environmental science and expeditions to various parts of the world. At the age of 22, Allen embarked on a daring journey through the forest between the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in Brazil. This expedition was fraught with challenges, including a bout of malaria and a severe food shortage that forced him to eat a dog that had been accompanying him. Despite the hardships, Allen persevered and documented his experiences in his first book, 'Mad White Giant'. This expedition shaped Allen's approach to exploration. He decided to immerse himself in the cultures of the places he visited, viewing the environment as a home rather than a hostile territory. This philosophy has guided his subsequent travels, which have taken him to remote corners of the world. Allen's adventures have included a shipwreck off Australia, a self-administered chest wound stitching in Sumatra, and a six-week initiation ceremony with a tribe in Papua New Guinea. He has also undertaken extensive treks, such as a 1,600km journey through the Namibian desert with a team of camels and a crossing of the Gobi desert. Allen has documented all his travels in books and films, providing a valuable source of income to support his family. He has also ventured into public speaking and coaching, sharing his experiences and insights with a wide range of audiences. Despite his many achievements, Allen remains deeply concerned about the environment. He plans to investigate the impact of palm oil plantations in West Papua, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to exploration and environmental advocacy.