Sieben Jahre in Süd-Afrika. Erster Band. Erlebnisse, Forschungen und Jagden auf meinen Reisen von den Diamantenfeldern zum Zambesi (1872-1879).

A young Austrian doctor sets out for the Cape in 1872, driven by a lifelong fascination with Africa’s untamed interior. Arriving in bustling Port Elizabeth, he quickly finds himself drawn to the glittering diamond fields, where the promise of scientific discovery mingles with the harsh realities of frontier life.

In the mining camps he serves as a physician, tending to miners after night raids and learning the rhythms of the market towns. His first encounters with local wildlife—pavians, antelopes, and the occasional rogue buffalo—spark a series of hunting expeditions that double as careful observations of the region’s flora and fauna. Along dusty tracks he meets the Koranna people, noting their dwellings, customs, and the stark social conditions he witnesses.

Guided by a spirit of inquiry, he documents his travels with detailed sketches and maps, laying the groundwork for a broader exploration toward the Zambezi. The early pages capture the blend of adventure, hardship, and meticulous study that defines his seven‑year odyssey.