Relatorio de uma viagem ás terras dos Landins

A Portuguese artillery captain writes a meticulous account of his expedition through the Zambeze basin in late 1884 and early 1885. Charged with supporting the fledgling Manica administration, he navigates river towns, negotiates with the mysterious Landins, and witnesses the uneasy aftermath of a local chief’s sudden death. The narrative blends official duty with personal curiosity, capturing the tension between colonial officials and the indigenous power structures that shape daily life.

Beyond the political intrigue, the report offers vivid descriptions of the region’s geography: winding rivers, the lofty Gorongosa plateau, and scattered villages that dot the landscape. The author sketches an early map, noting tributaries, mountain passes, and territorial boundaries with a careful eye for detail. Listeners will find a rare glimpse into a moment when European ambition met African realities, presented in the clear, observational style of a 19th‑century explorer.