LA-Story.com: Sunday on the History Channel: EXPEDITION AFRICA:STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE

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For those who love extreme adventure or those who can handle extreme situations like camping with only the most basic of facilities (and that eliminates moi here), Mark Burnett (yes the Survivor creator) has created this most unique series-- and he's ratcheted it up a notch.

Twenty miles off the coast of eastern Africa, four modern-day explorers are sailing towards the unknown, the deep interior of Tanzania, four elite modern-day explorers in EXPEDITION AFRICA relive Stanley's perilous journey to find Dr. David Livingstone: navigator Pasquale Scaturro, wildlife expert Mireya Mayor, survivalist Benedict Allen, and journalist Kevin Sites. Together they confront obstacles and dangers similar to those encountered by the great explorers before them.

While these 4 explorers travel 970 miles through the most stunning, epic and unforgiving African terrain fraught with the most unbelieveable danger. Using only a compass and basic maps, they attempt to experience the spirit of a remarkable adventure in world history.

EXPEDITION starts off as Stanley did, on the island of Zanzibar, where the explorers set sail for the Tanzanian coastal town of Bagamoyo. Before heading into the jungle, they must hire local porters to accompany them, and two Masai warriors as insurance against attacks from the dangers that lie ahead. Together, the expedition embarks on their 30-day, nearly 1,000-mile journey into the heart of Africa along the route that Stanley took in the 19th century. They travel through the varied terrains of Africa including dense swamps, rugged mountains and barren deserts, where they face danger from severe dehydration, deadly diseases and wild animals.

"Mark Burnett is a master storyteller who is bringing history to life on a scale never before attempted," said Nancy Dubuc, Executive Vice President and General Manager of History. "History is committed to making history relevant and immersive, and EXPEDITION AFRICA: STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE is that authentic, visceral journey of survival direct from the annals of history. Simply put, it is history in the making. As these elite explorers are thrust into the treacherous unknown they will take viewers on an unforgettable journey into a world few have explored and fewer have survived. This is non-fiction television at its finest."

"This is not only the story of four explorers attempting to relive one of history's most amazing adventures," said Mark Burnett. "EXPEDITION AFRICA: STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE is an opportunity for all of us to take a look back in time so that we get a real sense of the dangers and obstacles that these bold explorers encountered. It has been an exciting return to my roots in adventure-driven television."

EXPEDITION AFRICA: STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE is produced for History by Mark Burnett Productions. Executive producers for MBP are Mark Burnett and Maria Baltazzi. Executive producers for History are David McKillop and Charles Nordlander.

This eight-part television event, EXPEDITION AFRICA: STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE, premieres on HISTORY™ on Sunday, May 31, 2009.

Stevie Wilson

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