0:00:02 > 0:00:06Seven young explorers are taking on the toughest challenge of their lives...
0:00:06 > 0:00:09an extreme expedition in South America.
0:00:09 > 0:00:10That is mad!
0:00:10 > 0:00:14They're attempting a series of astonishing world firsts.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- Oh, my God!- ..going where no children have been before...
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- YELLING - ..to get to some of the most awesome places on earth.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- We've reached the top! - Land to starboard!
0:00:24 > 0:00:28The team are following in the footsteps of the great Elizabethan, Sir Walter Raleigh,
0:00:28 > 0:00:32the first Englishman to explore Guyana as he searched for El Dorado,
0:00:32 > 0:00:34the lost city of gold.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Led by survival expert Ben Major
0:00:37 > 0:00:40and record-breaking adventurer Polly Murray,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43the epic journey will push the seven explorers to the limit...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46and beyond.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Come back!- It's all fine.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- I hate it so much. - Are you having a laugh?
0:00:56 > 0:00:57It's too scary.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- Coming up...- Wow!- ..a top treat for one lucky explorer.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Happiest kid on the planet right now.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- Tackling a treacherous ravine. - I can't.- Yes, you can.- I can't!
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- And drama down on the ranch. - Oh, my God!
0:01:14 > 0:01:16It was just a bit scary, that's all.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Previously on Serious Explorers,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Chanelle had a bad allergic reaction to insect bites.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26I look like the Elephant Man at the moment.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30And had to return home after just a week in Guyana.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Nikita was devastated.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38Chanelle's going. I'm really upset because she was like one of my best friends on the whole trip.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- The remaining seven regrouped for a massive challenge... - Right, let's go.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45..to climb the spectacular 10,000-foot Mount Roraima.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50With Nikita's spirits at a low, she found the trek really tough.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- I can't do it. - See, I think you can do it.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56And Sammie also struggled badly.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- Don't worry, it's all fine. - You're fine. Go.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03But Michael encouraged both girls to keep going.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- OK, go.- I'm trying!
0:02:05 > 0:02:11And after a two-day trek, the remaining seven explorers made it up Roraima,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14the youngest team on record to stand on the table-top summit.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- I can't believe we're here. It's amazing.- Just brilliant.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21I wouldn't give this up for the world, seriously.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- Well done, everybody. - Well done, everybody.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28As the team celebrate their stunning achievement,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31a helicopter is on its way to join them on the summit.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34It's been called in by Ben and Polly
0:02:34 > 0:02:37to give one deserving explorer a very special reward.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40The treat is going to be a ride in a helicopter
0:02:40 > 0:02:42flying over the top of Roraima
0:02:42 > 0:02:46and that person is going to be, Polly?
0:02:46 > 0:02:50We've decided that person is going to be Michael.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53You've been a star, mate, OK, encouraging other people up the hill.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56I can't think of anyone who deserves it better.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57- Enjoy!- Enjoy!
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- Michael, come with me.- Go, Michael!
0:03:01 > 0:03:04All the way through today he's been helping me get up the mountain.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Every time I complained he just kept pushing.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10He's really amazing.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13I don't think they could have picked someone who deserves it more.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17HE LAUGHS
0:03:17 > 0:03:19This is crazy.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Oh, my... Whoa, that is cool.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Happiest kid on the planet right now.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31The unique table-top summit of Roraima is like a lost world,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34full of weird, ancient rocks.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37It is like landing on the moon.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40There's nothing like this I've ever seen in my life.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Wow! Oh, my...!
0:03:47 > 0:03:50That is mad.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54We've walked all the way up there.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Whoa!
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Rock stars and royalty should do that, not me.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07That was just...
0:04:08 > 0:04:11I don't even know how to describe how cool that was.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18After their marathon climb, the explorers will spend the night on the top of Roraima,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21sleeping in a cave.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Check it out. This is it for the night.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Whoa!
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- Let's get our sleeping areas sorted. - Roll mats out, sleeping bags.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37I thought about sleeping in the middle of nowhere with no shelter but it's pretty nice.
0:04:39 > 0:04:40Cave hotel.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Not many people can say they've slept in a cave,
0:04:44 > 0:04:4610,000 feet up.
0:04:48 > 0:04:54The Serious Expedition is exploring in the spirit of the Elizabethan adventurer, Sir Walter Raleigh,
0:04:54 > 0:04:58who came to South America 400 years ago to try to find El Dorado,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01a fabled lost city full of gold.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04His search led him to the foothills of Mount Roraima
0:05:04 > 0:05:08and he also heard legends about a lake in the plains of Guyana,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11which was thought by some to be the location of the golden city.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16So the leaders are about to split the group in two.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20I know that for her to go horse riding would mean an awful lot.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Polly's group will head down the mountain to live on a ranch,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28from where they'll go on horseback to try to find the El Dorado lake.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31The Prow's going to be a tough ask.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Ben's group will explore the top of Roraima,
0:05:34 > 0:05:39aiming to be the first ever children to reach the furthest point of the giant table top,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41known as The Prow.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47The young explorers have no idea what's in store for them.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- You guys are going to split.- Oh! - I've got a bad feeling about this.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55The guys who are going to come with me,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58we're going to go and play cowboys
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- and we're going to go horse-riding...- Oh!
0:06:01 > 0:06:03..and we're going to do lots of very exciting things.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05And then Ben's is hell!
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Er, right, for my gang,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12whoever they may be,
0:06:12 > 0:06:18we are going to try and complete a world first,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21heading to The Prow of Roraima.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- So they're both really good. I don't mind either.- Yeah.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Ben, Ben, Ben, Polly, Polly, Polly.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Nikita's keen to be picked by Polly.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- Cool. Well, we have made a decision. - We have made a decision.- Oh, no!
0:06:33 > 0:06:35I'm going to take Megan.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39I know that Megan has a real passion for horses and animals
0:06:39 > 0:06:41and I think you'll get a lot out of it.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45I'm going to take Michael.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- Oh, thank goodness! - I think you'll get a real kick out of what we're going to be doing.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51- OK?- Yeah.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- Regan...- Yes! - ..you're going to come with me.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- Obviously, I want to take a girl with me.- Oh, no.- No, no, no, no.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00LAUGHTER
0:07:00 > 0:07:04And that girl is going to be... Da-da-der da-der...
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- Nikita.- Yes!- Oh, no! - LAUGHTER
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- No!- For reasons being, believe it or not...- I can't do it. I'm not going.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15..I think you surprised yourself today
0:07:15 > 0:07:20and I think you can achieve a lot, lot more.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23The final member of the record-attempting Prow team is Jake
0:07:23 > 0:07:29and completing the horse-riding team are Josh and Sammie.
0:07:29 > 0:07:30I've never been happier in my life.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Most are really pleased with the leaders' decisions.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38I'm so happy that I'm going to the horses because I absolutely love horses.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39I feel really privileged
0:07:39 > 0:07:43to get chosen to go to where nobody my age has been before.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Hopefully, we'll make it.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47But Nikita's less happy at the prospect.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Today, coming up here, I was crying nearly all the way
0:07:50 > 0:07:54because it's so painful, so they want me to do it even more.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57I hate it. I'd rather go home. I would.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Back at the cave, Nikita takes herself away from the rest of the team.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Come over and join the gang, grab some food, yeah?
0:08:07 > 0:08:09It really annoys me because it's so painful
0:08:09 > 0:08:11and I've had enough of it.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15It's really nice to look up here for five, ten minutes or something
0:08:15 > 0:08:17because it's pretty or to spend a night
0:08:17 > 0:08:20but I can't spend two more nights up here.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24As they prepare to bed down, Regan crashes out in seconds.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26I think he's had a hard day.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30He's fast asleep and there's no waking him.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33That is so funny.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Expedition doctor Henry has just rejoined the group,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41having treated Chanelle and seen her off safely.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45He's brought back a surprise video message for Nikita.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Nikita, I just wanted to show you something.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53'Hi, Nikita. It's very upsetting that I have to go home
0:08:53 > 0:08:55'but I guess it is for the best.
0:08:55 > 0:09:02'I'd just like this message to say that I miss you loads and loads
0:09:02 > 0:09:04'and loads and loads.
0:09:04 > 0:09:11'And, like, even though I'm not there, still enjoy yourself.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14'Don't get upset or anything,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17'otherwise I'll hunt you down
0:09:17 > 0:09:19'and make sure you're not upset again.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22'Bye.'
0:09:22 > 0:09:27Oh, I think that was so nice, like, that she made that for me.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32It's just the boost Nikita needs to take on The Prow.
0:09:32 > 0:09:33I do want to do it now.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Chanelle told me I have to do it, so I'm going to do it.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43It's 7am on the day of the split.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48OK, guys, wakey-wakey.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Time to wake up, yeah? GRUNTING
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- How are we doing, team? Did we sleep all right?- Yeah.- Good stuff.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56The explorers will be apart for six days.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Polly's team will head down off Roraima
0:10:00 > 0:10:02to a cowboy ranch in the lowlands of Guyana,
0:10:02 > 0:10:06while Ben's team will begin their record attempt,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10aiming to be the first children to trek nine miles across the summit
0:10:10 > 0:10:11to The Prow.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14But a treacherous ravine stands in their way,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17so today's goal is to make camp just short of the ravine.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Take care, mate, all right?
0:10:19 > 0:10:22You're going to be the first girl to stand on that Prow.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34The Prow team of Nikita, Michael and Jake have to tread carefully
0:10:34 > 0:10:36over the uneven rocks.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Whoa! Whoo-hoo! That was close.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46They've hardly started before Nikita's best intentions seem to be forgotten.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Right, at this very, very early stage,
0:10:49 > 0:10:53where we've only been going for about 10 minutes, I'm exhausted.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57I want to sit down and my feet are hurting. Yeah.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Ben!- Yeah? - We're due for our break.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I don't know whose watch you've been looking at.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12Meanwhile, Polly's ranch team are heading back towards the steep path down the mountain.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- It's mad, this place.- Ow!
0:11:16 > 0:11:19On the way, they pass some of Roraima's strange rock formations,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23carved by the wind over millions of years.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- This is called Indian Camp. - I can see faces with massive noses.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29It's really cool.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34They call him The Guardian. He stands there and watches over.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36I thought it was a proper person when I saw it.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40This rock's like Scar from The Lion King.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42It's quite funny, actually.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46OK, guys, steady, steady.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51The descent of the mountain is a little easier than yesterday's journey up.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52OK, Sammie?
0:11:52 > 0:11:55But it's not to be underestimated.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Imagine water flooding down here.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01That's fine. Let's move on.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08Back on the summit, the Prow team still have three miles to go to camp
0:12:08 > 0:12:11and Nikita's mood is plummeting fast.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15At this moment I would rather drop down dead.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18There's no point in it at all.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21I'm exhausted and I've never been so bored in my life.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- I've never heard anyone whinge so much as you.- I don't like it!
0:12:25 > 0:12:28It's boring. It's so boring.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- How can you call this boring?- It is.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35You're privileged. If you pull your finger out, we might get there.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37I doubt it.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Oi!- No, no, no!
0:12:41 > 0:12:43That is a cairn, yeah, which marks the route.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Build that back up, Nikita. Seriously.- What do you mean?
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Build that back up again. That's out of order.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Yeah?- It's bricks. There's plenty of them.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- No, it's not.- Yeah, there is.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59That's been made deliberately so when the weather is really bad, you can find your way.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01That's so ridiculous.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06It's a pile of bricks someone's probably sat and done when they were bored.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Nikita is at her worst, being difficult for the sake of it.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14I can't believe you made me build that thing.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16You kicked it over. It was totally unnecessary.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Back in Elizabethan times,
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Sir Walter Raleigh was desperate to get to the top of Roraima,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26which he'd heard was full of jewels and minerals.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Unfortunately, his expedition never made it,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31as they couldn't find a route to the summit.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38And Ben's party are about to see why he was so keen to come here.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43We're just entering what is known as Crystal Valley,
0:13:43 > 0:13:48so this sort of towering gorge and you can see the crystals littering the ground.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Nikita, no vandalism, please.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Vandalism? How can you vandalise this?
0:13:52 > 0:13:55You'll find a way to vandalise anything.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Look at all this lot.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01A sea of white, glinting in the sun.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04The ground is full of natural quartz crystals
0:14:04 > 0:14:10and in the magical surroundings, Nikita's like a different person.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I think it's beautiful. It's literally like a crystal carpet.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- I mean, look at that. That is phenomenal.- They're so shiny.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20That's very cool. You get huge great things like this.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21All naturally formed.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Can I buy this?- No.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Roraima is a protected area,
0:14:26 > 0:14:28so even if Raleigh were alive today,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31he wouldn't be allowed to take any of its treasures.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Oh, my gosh, you just stole that from my bedroom.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38I wonder how it formed all the flat bits like that pyramid on top.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- That's amazing. Where'd you get that one?- On the floor.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- Where'd you get that one from? - This is so pretty.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Sammie will be so jealous of me. Yeah, she will.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55After a six-hour descent, Polly's team have made it to their old camp.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- Well done, Megan. Well done, Sammie. Does that feel good?- Yeah.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02I'm so relieved to finally be here.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Just looking at that mountain now, it's unreal.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08It's like we didn't climb it.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12After trekking eight miles over the summit,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Ben's team have also made it to their campsite.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Not a bad spot, though, is it? - It's just amazing.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- Can you see that red sandstone cliff? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Right at the top there, you can see there's a little sort of rock.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26That is The Prow.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30That's what we're trying to get to stand on top of tomorrow.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32But in between where we are now and there,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34is a massive great ravine
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- and that's what we've got to breach tomorrow morning.- Sweet.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Conditions can be severe on the summit,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43so the explorers will spend the night in individual tiny tents
0:15:43 > 0:15:45known as bivvy bags.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- It's like a mini tent.- They're tiny. - Yeah, exactly.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Over supper, Nikita reflects on her severe mood swings.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59I keep giving up on things and I'm annoying myself by doing it
0:15:59 > 0:16:03and the people that I'm saying it to must get so frustrated with me
0:16:03 > 0:16:05but by the end I'm so glad I did everything,
0:16:05 > 0:16:10so I'm going to try not to say, "I'm not going to do this or that."
0:16:11 > 0:16:14As the temperature drops to just a few degrees,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16the team bed down in their cramped bivvy bags.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22It's claustrophobic. My hands keep burning up because of sunburn,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25I've burnt all my ears, so I can't lay down sideways,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27but apart from that, I'm good.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30It's virtually a five-star hotel.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32I'll ring up room service in a minute.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- Night-night.- Night.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Overnight, the weather on Roraima takes a serious turn for the worse,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44making the day's huge challenge even tougher.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Their goal is to be the first children to stand on The Prow,
0:16:48 > 0:16:52but barring their way is a 200-foot wide ravine,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54which cuts right across the mountain top.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Let's come onto the shelf. This is our ravine.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01The Prow is over there somewhere in the mist.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05To get across here is extremely a, dangerous, and b, difficult.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09They'll have to use ropes to abseil down and climb back out.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- Looks pretty scary. - There's loads of big drops,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14so it should make it more fun.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20It's a world away from Polly's ranch team,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23who are about to have their first riding lesson.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Looking good, Sammie.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29This is a real experience. I was just happy when I got the hat.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Neither Regan nor Josh have ridden before
0:17:33 > 0:17:36but the girls are very experienced, especially Megan.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- I really like that.- Good.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Back home in Britain, Megan helps on a farm
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- and rides her own horse, called Chester.- Good boy.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49A little bit of a kick.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52On the cowboy ranch, it's a very different sort of riding,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54called Western style.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58You hold the reins in one hand and you've got longer stirrups
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and it's all just more laidback, really.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- It's just so much nicer. - Well done, Josh.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Go the other way!
0:18:06 > 0:18:09I'm enjoying myself. I think I'm doing OK, so far.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12For a first attempt, he's doing pretty good, actually.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15They've got the stubbornest horses. It's quite funny, actually.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17But Josh has a more serious problem.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20He seems to be allergic to the horses.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22HE SNEEZES
0:18:23 > 0:18:25So expedition doctor Henry checks him out.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- Do you feel wheezy at all?- Yeah.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28HE SNEEZES
0:18:28 > 0:18:31He's clearly very allergic and he's only getting worse,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35and I think it's pushing our luck to continue to expose him to what is causing the problem.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Let's get away from the horses. - Yeah.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41After Chanelle's insect allergy just a few days ago,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43it's an unhappy coincidence.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Go and have a sit down.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48They decide, for safety, he'll need to stay away from the animals.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53I've never known that I would be allergic to horses,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56so it's a bit of a disappointment, really.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02As Raleigh tried to track down the golden city of El Dorado,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04local tribes people constantly referred
0:19:04 > 0:19:06to a lake in the lowlands of Guyana.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09"They told me they gathered gold on its shores
0:19:09 > 0:19:11"in grains as big as small stones."
0:19:11 > 0:19:17Some legends claimed the city itself was on island out on the lake.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21So Polly's team are going to take a ride out to it.
0:19:21 > 0:19:27We've got here an old map that was actually made in 1599
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- and they reckon that El Dorado is on this lake somewhere.- Wow.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35At the moment we're just by this range of mountains,
0:19:35 > 0:19:37which is probably about a 10km ride.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39I'm really excited, actually.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43It's like loads of people have tried to find it and not found it.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Maybe we'll have some luck this time.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Get your leg over!- I'm trying!
0:19:48 > 0:19:50OK, let's go.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55It's a three-hour ride to get to El Dorado Lake,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59which is quite a challenge for new rider Regan.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03It's just when he gets a bit too bouncy it gets a bit painful.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Even the girls have their work cut out on unfamiliar animals.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Megan's horse, Tom-tom, keeps trying to go really fast
0:20:10 > 0:20:13and the other animals speed up to follow it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Before long, Sammie loses control.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- Whoa, whoa! Stop! - Sammie, Sammie, Sammie.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- You all right, mate?- Yeah, I'm fine. - Well done.- It's a trot!
0:20:26 > 0:20:31I didn't hurt myself. I'm all good. I still love him.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35My horse got into a gallop and I was so scared. I was like, "Aargh!"
0:20:35 > 0:20:38I was just holding onto the reins.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40He's a bit of a speed demon, this one,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43but it's all right because I pull him back eventually.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45He's a good boy. He does what he's told.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50On top of Mount Roraima, Ben's team start to cross the huge ravine
0:20:50 > 0:20:52that blocks their way to The Prow.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53Good stuff.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Abseiling is slippery and dangerous in the mist and rain.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- Whoa!- You all right?- Yeah. - Excellent.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- I'm on the hard bit now. - Good girl, that's it.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07That's it. Got it.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10They're safely down but the hardest part is yet to come -
0:21:10 > 0:21:14climbing 100 feet to get out the other side.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18We're going to go up that face onto the shelf
0:21:18 > 0:21:22and then we're going to work our way up and we curve back to the left
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- and we're out at the top. What do you reckon?- Not very good.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- Very easy, obviously. - It looks pretty fun.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32That's it. Push, push, push.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- Right leg over.- Go on, Jake.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Go on, Jake. That's it. Work hard.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Go on.- Nice one, Jake.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46The first task is to climb an almost vertical rock face.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Oh, that's a hefty drop.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- That's it.- Oh, God. Press it.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Go on, that's it.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Drive off that left leg into that crack. That's it, well done.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07Stay low, stay low. Use your boots. Use the friction of the boots.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Get that big flat. That's it. Keep going.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Good man. Well done, Jake.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Absolutely fantastic.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- How does that feel?- Brilliant.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- BEN LAUGHS Did that get the adrenaline going? - Yeah.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Nikita finds the climb pretty scary.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- What have I got to do?- You need to get your weight over here.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- I can't.- Yes, you can.- I can't!
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Push with your left leg. Grip with your right hand.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- Go on.- Hang on.- That's it.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- And then drive off your left leg and you're there.- OK.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45That's it. Go for it.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Well done.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50Fantastic.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Oh! Hello.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Er, that was pretty good. I thought there was a lot more.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- There is.- What?
0:22:58 > 0:22:59OK, there is a lot more.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02They've climbed less than halfway out of the ravine.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Down on the plains, Polly's team are just an hour from El Dorado Lake.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Experienced rider Megan has been leading the way.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Hold on. Just a trot, just a trot.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- But suddenly, her horse, Tom-tom, bolts.- Whoa!
0:23:21 > 0:23:22Oh, my God!
0:23:24 > 0:23:26It's so powerful, she has trouble reining it in
0:23:26 > 0:23:29and a local cowboy has to race off to get her.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33She shot off like the wind.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40Megan's brought back safely but is badly shaken.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Are you OK, honey?
0:23:43 > 0:23:48It was just a bit scary, that's all, but it's all right, I'm fine, so...
0:23:48 > 0:23:52It's all good. Just a bit overwhelming, really, I think.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57I've never been going that quick, ever, before.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02My God. If it was anyone else, I think they would have fallen off,
0:24:02 > 0:24:03I'm sure they would.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06I don't like to fall off, so I held on for dear life.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10You were amazing and you did everything right, everything right.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12The cowboys change her horse
0:24:12 > 0:24:16and she bravely gets straight back in the saddle to continue the journey.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27And they complete the seven-mile ride just before sunset.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33That was good. I loved that. It wasn't scary at all.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34Yeah, that was good.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Right near the end, I started going quite fast.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39It was lovely. My horse was loving it as well.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43The kids - amazing. Absolutely amazing.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44Whoo!
0:24:44 > 0:24:48In the growing gloom, they get their first glimpse of the legendary lake.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53I bet that tastes good.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58Well done, guys. We've just arrived at the El Dorado Lake, yeah?
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Beautiful. There must be gold somewhere.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- Yeah!- Yeah?
0:25:03 > 0:25:06We might find some gold lying around somewhere. You never know.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08I'm very happy now.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14On Roraima, the weather's now appalling,
0:25:14 > 0:25:16as the team press on upwards to get out of the ravine.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18- Slippy?- Yeah.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21It takes real guts in the treacherous conditions.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- You all right? I need you to go across.- I can't.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- Yes, you can. That's it.- Oh!
0:25:28 > 0:25:29Two feet.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33OK?
0:25:33 > 0:25:34Good.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Yeah, and then out on the top.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39Superb. All right?
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Good stuff. Well done. Brilliant.
0:25:44 > 0:25:45That's one way of doing it.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49After more than two hours, they make it out of the ravine,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51leaving just a short walk to The Prow.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55You've done all the hard work, guys. Now for the rewards.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Let's get moving, OK?
0:26:01 > 0:26:05In the driving rain, 14-year-old Michael and 12-year-olds Nikita and Jake
0:26:05 > 0:26:08set out on their final steps into the record books.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12OK, we're going to stop here.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15I know today hasn't really worked for us weather wise
0:26:15 > 0:26:18but it still is a very special place, all right?
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Can you see that pile of stones? That is The Prow.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24And it's a virgin site for you guys,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27so I think you three ought to go up there together, yeah?
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Go and enjoy your summit, OK?
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Soaking wet and freezing cold,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36they're the first children ever to reach the furthest point of Mount Roraima.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Jake, would you like to do the unveiling?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47You've sweated blood, sweat and tears to get here.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Fi, come on in here. Our three world-record breakers.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- Whoo-hoo!- Well done! - THEY CHEER
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- Whoo-hoo!- Well done, team.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58'I think it's a massive achievement to get here.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00'We shouldn't let the rain spoil our day.'
0:27:00 > 0:27:04I'm not smiling very much but inside I'm emotional.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06I am the first girl and the youngest girl
0:27:06 > 0:27:09to get to The Prow.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12'I'm really proud of myself and it's really exciting.'
0:27:12 > 0:27:17I am chuffed to know that all our hard work paid off and we have got here.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21Even though it is raining, we need to remember where we are and what we've done.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25In the thick cloud, it's hard to appreciate that they're standing on the very tip
0:27:25 > 0:27:29of a unique 10,000-foot rock overlooking Guyana.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35Today, Mount Roraima threw everything it possibly could at us and more
0:27:35 > 0:27:38and we got to The Prow and that is a phenomenal achievement
0:27:38 > 0:27:40for those three young explorers.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44You really have to have guts and determination to see that through,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47so I'm just chuffed to bits. What an amazing day.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49CHEERING
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Next time on Serious Explorers.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- Wow!- Hanging by a rope 10,000 feet up.
0:27:59 > 0:28:00It felt like I was flying.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05And a fearless Megan is queen of the cowgirls.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Go! Go, Megan.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:11 > 0:28:13E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk