Sarah Davis - Expedition Leader

Sarah, a British-born Australian, is an award-winning adventurer.

  • 2019 NILE RIVER: first woman to lead an expedition down the Nile, starting at its source in Rwanda, finishing in Egypt. This included 1100km of rafting and kayaking 3000km

  • 2020 MURRAY RIVER: completed a 2500km solo descent of the Murray River in Australia

  • 2021 AUSTRALIA: cycled nearly 5000km across Australia raising money for two mental health charities, Lifeline and Mood Active

  • 2024 OMAN: bike-packed solo 1600km through Oman

Sarah is a former risk manager in international banking. She’s now a speaker, writer and coach, as well as adventurer.

She is a volunteer surf lifesaver, surf ski paddler and gym junkie.

Her book, Paddle the Nile: One Woman's Search For a Life Less Ordinary was published in July 2022. She is undertaking a master’s degree in Global Security.

You can find out more about Sarah on her website www.sarahjdavis.com.

“Sarah is a force for good and an inspiration - what she is attempting to do is incredible and shows total commitment and courage and resilience. I admire her so much.”

Bear Grylls

“This Pole to Pole challenge represents an incredibly tough, long and dangerous mission but if anyone can pull it off it is Sarah Davis.”

Neil Laughton

(former UK Special Forces Officer and renowned adventurer)

Expedition Patron

Sarah is approaching select people to be a Patron for the expedition.

It’s not a requirement for the trip, but the right person will help attract sponsors, media interest and support fundraising efforts. If you know of someone who might be a good fit, please get in touch.

Sarah has already been endorsed by some world-renowned adventurers.

Advisory Board & Support Team

Sarah is fortunate to have an incredible group of specialists to provide guidance, insights, contacts, and recommendations and help identify risks and strategies to mitigate them.

  • SECURITY

    Sarah is working with a Leading Global Intelligence and Security Company for this expedition. They will be engaged for the entire trip to provide intelligence reports, cyber support and be there to assist with any major security-based issues.

  • LOGISTICS

    Sarah is being advised by a C-Suite executive of a leading worldwide provider of customised transportation, warehousing, global logistics, and supply chain solutions. With a number of logistical challenges during this trip, this advice will be vital to ensure equipment is in the right place at the right time.

  • MODERN SLAVERY

    Sarah is being advised by key people who advocate and work in modern slavery and human trafficking prevention and support. These people are providing valuable advice on how best to support charities in this space and the messaging to share.

  • POLAR SPECIALISTS

    Sarah is due to complete polar training with Hannah McKeand from Polar Expedition Training in March 2026 as well as a 21-day solo trip prior to the start of the expedition to prepare for the Arctic and Antarctic sections. She is getting advice from previous polar adventurers, guides and Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.

  • OCEAN ROWING EXPERT

    Michelle Lee is Australia’s most accomplished ocean rower. She rowed the Atlantic Ocean before becoming the first woman to row the Pacific Ocean solo, unsupported and non-stop. She is an incredible source of information on equipment, preparation and much more.

  • PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    Andrew Ilieff, owner of BeFit Training Physio, has been Sarah’s trusted physio for over five years and has helped her prepare for previous adventures. To learn more about him and his team to head to https://befittrainingphysio.com

  • MEDICAL ADVISOR

    Sarah will have a medical advisor - to provide advice on preparation, what to take on each section as well as being available during the trip to speak to about any potential medical concerns or issues.

  • SPONSPORSHIP

    This expedition requires sponsorship to cover the costs. A friend and fellow surf club member with extensive experience in attracting sponsorship is kindly helping and advising Sarah on getting the much-needed funds for this expedition.

  • PUBLICITY

    To meet the mission of the expedition, publicity is essential, to meet the two primary missions for this expedition as well as give sponsors exposure. Sarah is having discussions with a number of specialists in PR to maximise the publicity and following.

  • DIETICIAN

    Nailing the nutrition will be essential and not always easy when travelling such extreme distances, remotely where ideal solutions are not available. Sarah is in discussions with a couple of highly qualified dieticians, with experience in either completing or supporting endurance events such as this.

  • FUNDRAISING

    The goal to raise in excess of A$1,000,000 is big. Sarah is currently looking for someone who can provide advice in this space.