Ben Mead, 27, and Ben Callaway, 33, from Hailsham, are taking supplies to an 'eco camp' in Gambia.

They will help set the camp up and track a route along the Gambia River.

The pair want to take tourists on jungle expeditions in the future.

Mr Mead said: 'It is going to be a real moment for me.

'I have been around the world but I have never been to that part of Africa.'

The men will take tents, medical supplies and other equipment for the new project to start.

The Sanyang village camp will finance education for children by drawing in tourists.

Money made from the camp will help build a new school and pay for teachers.

Education is not funded by the Gambian government until secondary level.

Mr Callaway said: 'It is going to be an adventure and I am looking forward to it.

'The idea is to help set up this camp and get it running.

The eco camp will have a minimal impact on the environment.

It will use eco-friendly facilities such as composting toilets.

Mr Mead and Mr Callaway will encounter snakes, hyenas, crocodiles and hippos in the jungle.

They will carry 25 kilos of equipment for the journey.

Both men work from MFC Supplies shop in Station Road, Hailsham.

They have served in the armed forces.