The narrative of an explorer in tropical South Africa

An uncharted stretch of South‑African interior is traced step by step through the eyes of a determined explorer and a party of nearly forty men. The narrative moves from the warlike, pastoral Damaras to the open‑plateau homes of the Hottentots, then on to the fertile, orderly lands of the Ovampo, whose agricultural skill and friendly disposition stand out amidst the barren expanses. Along the way a practicable route linking the newly charted Lake Ngami with the Atlantic coast is confirmed, filling a conspicuous gap on contemporary maps.

The author records the practical hardships of long‑range travel—exhausted cattle, depleted supplies, and the difficulty of gaining trust among unfamiliar peoples. Yet the account also hints at wider possibilities: a climate conducive to health, abundant game, and a society receptive to new ideas, especially missionary effort. The tone remains measured, offering insight into both the geography and the human landscape without venturing beyond the first stage of the expedition.