Benedict Allen

Described by the BBC’s Mark Thompson as being “Part of the history of television” Benedict is best known for being the first to record his arduous and treacherous exploits without a TV crew.

His technique has been to sink into remote communities, placing himself in the hands and at the mercy of these people and their environment, learning to survive from them alone. By single-handedly capturing his experiences on film he has created groundbreaking, spontaneous and authentic programming.

“To me exploration isn’t about conquering natural obstacles, planting flags… It’s not about going where no one’s gone before in order to leave your mark, but about the opposite of that – about making yourself vulnerable, opening yourself up to whatever’s there and letting the place leave its mark on you.”

Contact Great British Speakers today to book explorer geographer TV broadcaster Benedict Allen for your next event.

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After Dinner Creativity, Change & Innovation Exploration & Military Leadership & Teamwork Motivational Nature & Wildlife Presenters Resilience Speaker Sustainability Sustainability Virtual Speakers

More About Benedict Allen

Benedict Allen attracted global media attention after his solo expedition to the heart of Papua New Guinea encountered a string of devastating obstacles. Benedict’s aim had been to reach the remote Yaifo community, who befriended him when he made first “outside contact” with them as a very young man 30 years ago.

Having tackled the notorious Central Range, Benedict then found himself trapped in an area of forest where local communities were at war. Already suffering from both malaria and dengue fever, he then faced a series of freak storms. A multi-national search-and-rescue mission was launched – and Benedict was flown out by helicopter.

Benedict is no stranger to touring UK theatres and sharing his exhilarating tales and his life as an explorer.

In 2013 Benedict was included in the Daily Telegraph’s list of Britain’s “Great Explorers” – the only other living adventurer being Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

His presenting work includes the major eight-part reality epic Expedition Africa (2009) for the History Channel, Unbreakable (2008) for Channel Five, and Travellers’ Century (2008) for BBC4. His six BBC series include Skeleton Coast, Edge of Blue Heaven, Last of the Medicine Men and Ice Dogs. Recently, Benedict presented Adventures for Boys: The Lost World of Ryder Haggard and was an expert contributor for BBC2’s Extreme Dreams.

Benedict Allen Books

Benedict has written two bestsellers, his 10 books include The Faber Book of Exploration and Into the Abyss. He has written numerous articles for magazines and newspapers.

Benedict Allen Explorer adventurer motivational speaker at Great British Speakers

Benedict Allem Public Speaking

He is a hugely popular corporate motivational speaker.

Benedict inspires and invigorates a variety of audiences by skillfully translating his ‘against the odds’ survival for the global corporate ‘jungle’.

Benedict Allen has years of experience not just of facing adversity but around the world as a keynote speaker, team builder and motivator. Appearances might range from a light-hearted, after-dinner speech to a day of corporate team building, to a tailor-made workshop for chief executives.

Benedict is a trustee and member of the council of the Royal Geographical Society.

See Benedicts talk at Tedx Salford below: