When Hippos Attack: Nightmare on the Zambezi and the Miracle Paddle That Saved Their Lives

In this episode of the Compendium, we recount the harrowing true survival story of a 1994 Zambezi River attack. What began as a serene safari turned into a nightmare when a hippo capsized a canoe, leaving guide Phil Longden severely injured. Days later, another group faced a similar fate, battling both hippos and crocodiles in a desperate fight for survival. Amidst the chaos, a blue paddle became a symbol of hope, aiding in their escape. This tale of courage and resilience highlights the dangers lurking in the African wilderness and the extraordinary measures taken to survive.​

We give you just the Compendium, but if you want more, here are our resources:

Terror on the Zambezi – by Hannes Wessels, Africa Unauthorized Terror In The Zambezi: I Shouldn't Be Alive - Youtube

Host & Show Info

Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people. Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey ChistilinCommunity & Calls to Action ⭐ Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon📤 Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

A weekly variety podcast giving you just enough information on a topic to stand your ground at any social gathering. We explore stories from the realms of true crime, history, and incredible people.

• No. of episodes: 117
• Latest episode: 2025-06-17
• History True Crime

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