Webinar: Adventure Travel with Richard Bangs

We sit down with renowned adventure travel pioneer, MT Sobek co-founder, and consummate storyteller Richard Bangs, who will speak about the early days of adventure travel, what it means to live a life of adventure, and why for him adventure is life! This is a special engagement with limited attendance so please sign up in advance if you are ready for close access to this incredible man of many “firsts.”

Living Dangerously: A Conversation with Adventure Travel Pioneer, Richard Bangs

I had the incredible privilege of hosting a recent conversation with Richard Bangs—a legend in the world of adventure travel. Often referred to as the father of modern adventure travel, Richard is a co-founder of Mountain Travel Sobek, an award-winning author, and a pioneer of first descents around the globe.

In our discussion, Richard shared stories from his extraordinary life, reflections on five decades of exploration, and powerful insights on how to bring adventure into our everyday lives.

Richard Bangs’ Early Passion for Adventure

Richard grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and like many of us, found early inspiration in the stories of iconic explorers—Edmund Hillary, Jacques Cousteau, and Thor Heyerdahl. He devoured their adventures and imagined what it might be like to follow in their footsteps, even if those dreams initially felt out of reach.

His father, one of the early members of the CIA, brought home tales that fueled Richard’s curiosity about the wider world. That, paired with an early fascination with reptiles and a childhood raft trip down the Potomac River at age nine, planted the seeds of what would grow into a lifelong pursuit of exploration—especially by river.

Founding Sobek Expeditions: Where It All Began

In 1973, at just 22 years old, Richard founded Sobek Expeditions. It all started after he missed out on a commercial trip down Ethiopia’s Omo River. Instead of giving up, he decided to organize his own expedition with his friend John Yost. They pulled together sponsorships—including from the Smithsonian—and set off.

As for the name “Sobek”? It was inspired by the ancient Egyptian crocodile god, protector of Nile travelers. The name felt fitting, especially after a few harrowing encounters with crocodiles on their early journeys.

That same year, Sobek Expeditions completed first descents of the Omo, the Awash, and the Blue Nile—the ultimate source of the Nile River.

What Was Adventure Travel Like in the Early Days?

In those early days, adventure travel as we know it didn’t exist. Most vacations were cruises, bus tours, or beach holidays. Flights were expensive and hard to book. Everything Richard and his team needed—maps, permits, logistics—had to be researched in libraries or sent by mail and telex.

They got creative, finding budget flights through discount brokers or posing as soccer teams to access group travel rates. The first trip to Africa cost only $150—a steal, even back then.

But the real challenges were on the ground. From wildlife and disease to political tensions, early expeditions were fraught with risk. On their first Omo trip, a crocodile latched onto a boat and had to be fended off with a metal bailing bucket. It was a stark reminder to always respect the power of nature.

Richard Bangs’ Most Meaningful Adventures

Richard has led dozens of pioneering expeditions, but a few stand out:

• The Eater of Men River in New Guinea, where he jumped from a helicopter to rescue an overturned raft.
• The first successful descent of the Indus River in Pakistan, after a previous attempt ended in tragedy.
• The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls, now one of the world’s most popular rafting destinations.

But as Richard puts it, adventure isn’t just about adrenaline. Over time, he became more interested in the human stories behind the landscapes. He explored lesser-known corners of the world—North Korea, Libya, Angola, and Sudan—to better understand cultures, politics, and what connects us all.

How Can Anyone Live More Adventurously?

You don’t need to jump out of helicopters or navigate crocodile-infested waters to embrace adventure. According to Richard, it starts with curiosity.

Adventure is about stepping out of your comfort zone, no matter how big or small. It’s rediscovering the wonder of the world and staying open to new experiences. As we get older, it’s easy to slip into routines—but the magic happens when we reach beyond the familiar.

Adventure and storytelling go hand in hand. Each trip has a natural narrative arc—beginning, conflict, characters, resolution. Richard’s passion for storytelling is rooted in that timeless connection. It’s how we share wisdom, pass down knowledge, and ignite imagination.

Richard’s latest book, The Art of Living Dangerously, celebrates MT Sobek’s 50th anniversary with never-before-told tales from decades of exploration. For aspiring writers, his advice is simple: Be the story. Live it. Then share it.

What Does Responsible Adventure Travel Look Like?

Adventure always carries risk, but Richard believes in taking measured, thoughtful risks. Over the years, MT Sobek has refined its trips to be not just transformational but also safe and sustainable.

Yes, travel has a carbon footprint—but it also has the power to foster empathy, promote conservation, and support local communities. When you meet the people and experience a place firsthand, you care more deeply—and that emotional connection is what drives lasting change.

At MT Sobek, we work with local guides, locally owned lodges, and regional partners to ensure our trips give back. In many areas, like Africa, these partnerships help support entire communities through education, agriculture, and conservation.

What’s Next in the World of Adventure Travel?

ichard recently returned from a trip to Eswatini and Zululand and is excited about what’s on the horizon. Upcoming destinations we’re exploring for 2026 include Sri Lanka, Colombia, Greenland, Tasmania, and Romania—places rich with history, biodiversity, and untouched beauty.

One dream project? Launching a new walking trip in Kenya that ends at Lake Turkana, the terminus of the Omo River—bringing his journey full circle.

Adventure travel is evolving. Travelers are seeking:

• Greater sustainability and responsible practices
• A balance between comfort and exploration
• And deeper, more authentic cultural experiences

Final Thoughts from Richard Bangs

As Richard shared with us, his only regrets are the trips he didn’t take. The opportunities he passed up. For all of us, that’s a poignant reminder to say yes more often—and to keep moving forward.

When in doubt, just go. There’s a world of transformation waiting.

Explore the World with MT Sobek

MT Sobek has over 120 unforgettable adventures across all 7 continents. Whether you’re dreaming of a guided group trip or a custom private itinerary, our Trip Consultants at 800-974-0300 are ready to help you find your next great adventure.

See you on the trail!

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