
In the spring of 1861 a determined English explorer sets out to solve one of geography’s longest‑standing riddles: the true source of the Nile. Armed with a modest crew—a reluctant dragoman, a hapless cook, and a fervent promise to his young wife—he departs Cairo, intent on tracing the river’s hidden headwaters. His resolve is fueled by a blend of personal ambition, patriotic pride, and a quiet faith that perseverance can outlast even the most stubborn of deserts.
The journey quickly proves unforgiving. Crossing the blistering Nubian sands, the party endures relentless heat, treacherous dunes, and the ever‑present threat of scarcity. Along the way they encounter enigmatic locals, secret wells, and the restless currents of the Atbara, each clue hinting at the mysteries that lie deeper inland. As the expedition presses onward, the reader is invited to share in the grit, wonder, and quiet moments that define a true adventure into Africa’s heart.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (497K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Garry Gill, the Distributed Proofreading Team of Charles Franks, and David Widger
Release date
2002-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1821–1893
An adventurous Victorian traveler and writer, he became famous for tracing the Nile and helping identify Lake Albert. His books mix exploration, hunting, and close observation of the people and places he encountered.
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