On 10 November 1871, one of exploration’s most legendary encounters took place deep in the heart of Africa. Journalist and adventurer Henry Morton Stanley had been journeying for months through untamed wilderness, battling illness, navigating harsh terrains, and facing countless unknowns. His mission? To find the famed Dr. David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer who had disappeared from the world’s view for years.

Finally, after nearly eight gruelling months, Stanley reached the village of Ujiji, nestled by Lake Tanganyika. As he approached, he spotted a solitary figure—weathered, dignified, and unmistakably Livingstone. Walking up to him, Henry Stanley uttered the now-famous words, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” With that simple greeting, one of the most remarkable moments in history was born.

But why was Livingstone there in the first place? It wasn’t just for adventure; his purpose, like many of our own participants’ reasons when they join us on a trek or cycle, ran much deeper. Livingstone was on a personal quest, supported by the British Government and organisations such as the Royal Geographical Society, to uncover the source of the Nile. This mystery had captured explorers’ imaginations for centuries. But to him, this journey meant more than mapping a river. Livingstone had a deep fascination with Africa, and he was horrified by the East African slave trade. He believed that by opening new forms of commerce and new trade routes, Africans could gain economic independence and, ultimately, he would make a difference.

We may no longer be setting out to discover uncharted rivers, but we believe that same spirit of discovery lives on in every Dream Challenge. Every challenge is carefully designed to provide fresh perspectives on the world and to offer all participants a genuine sense of accomplishment. Dream Challenges are not merely trips; they are journeys that connect you to a location and to a culture, encouraging you to explore not only the landscape but also something new within yourself.

And here’s the thing—Stanley’s success depended entirely on the kindness and knowledge of local guides who knew the land like the back of their hand. This spirit of shared discovery is something we really understand and we use local guides in every Dream Challenge.

Whether trekking through the Himalayas, cycling across Vietnam and Cambodia, or exploring the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara in Kenya, each journey we offer is enriched by local expertise, sustainable practices, and authentic experiences. And soon, we’ll be unveiling a new challenge in Tanzania—stay tuned for more information!

For anyone who takes on a Dream Challenge, these moments make the experience unforgettable. From laughter shared on the trail to that quiet sense of accomplishment when you reach your journey’s end, these adventures stay with you long after you’re home. They’re about helping you create memories, learn something new, and uncover what you’re capable of.

Exploration isn’t just about the places you go; it’s about how each journey changes you. When Stanley finally found Livingstone and asked, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Livingstone quietly replied, “Yes, I am.”

There’s something powerful in that simple response—a sense of knowing exactly who you are and the journey that’s brought you there. And maybe, at the end of your own Dream Challenge, you’ll feel something similar—a quiet recognition of what you’ve achieved, a sense of belonging to something bigger, and a deeper understanding of yourself of “Yes, I am”.