Search for the Nile source
Richard Francis Burton · 1857 CE – 1859 CE · Earth
Find the source of the Nile.
Historical context
The source of the Nile was the great geographic riddle of the age, pursued by rival expeditions along different routes. Burton and Speke's partnership would end in one of exploration's bitterest quarrels.
The voyage, step by step
From Zanzibar
1857 CE
Burton and Speke assemble an expedition on the island, hiring porters, guides and a caravan headman for the road inland.
Onto the mainland road
June 1857
In June 1857 the caravan crosses to the coast opposite and takes the beaten track west through the coastal swamps.
Halt at Kazeh
1857 CE
After five months they reach the Arab trading settlement in the heart of the country and rest among its merchants.
The last river
1858 CE
Crossing the reed-choked Malagarasi costs tolls, canoes and days, with Burton carried in a hammock most of the way.
First sight of the water
13 February 1858
On 13 February 1858 they climb a last ridge above Ujiji and see a sheet of water stretching out of sight to the south.
Lake Tanganyika
1858 CE
They become the first Europeans to reach the lake; Speke goes on to Lake Victoria.
Speke goes north alone
August 1858
Back at Kazeh, Burton lies ill while Speke marches north with Bombay and reaches a far greater lake in August 1858.
Two accounts, one coast
March 1859
They reach Zanzibar in March 1859 barely on speaking terms, and Speke sails for London ahead of his commander.
Outcome
Reached Lake Tanganyika; Speke reached Lake Victoria.
Richard Francis Burton
British explorer, linguist and writer who reached Lake Tanganyika and travelled to Mecca in disguise.
Sources
Continue exploring
- Victorian Exploring ExpeditionBurke and Wills · 1860 CE – 1861 CE
- The source of the Nile with GrantJohn Hanning Speke · 1860 CE – 1863 CE
- Up the White Nile to Lake AlbertSamuel and Florence Baker · 1861 CE – 1865 CE
- Crossing AfricaDavid Livingstone · 1853 CE – 1856 CE