Travels and discoveries in North and Central Africa, Vol. 2 (of 5) : $b being a journal of an expedition undertaken under the auspices of H.B.M.'s Government, in the years 1849-1855

by Heinrich Barth

"Travels and discoveries in North and Central Africa, Vol. 2 (of 5) : being…." by Henry Barth is a travel journal and geographical-ethnographic account written in the mid-19th century. It chronicles a British-backed expedition across the Sahara into Hausaland, Bornu, and the Lake Chad basin, interweaving route-maps with vivid notes on politics, trade, languages, and daily life. Expect meticulous day-by-day observations of caravans, markets, landscapes, and negotiations with Tuareg, Hausa, and Fulani authorities amid conflict and shifting alliances. The opening of the volume finds Barth parting from both his fellow travellers and the Tuareg chief Ánnur, then joining a salt-caravan toward Kanó under the care of Ánnur’s brother, Elaiji. He hires the capable Gajére, records wells, villages, trees, and camp-life, and briefly separates from Overweg, who heads to Tasáwa. Summoned by messengers to return to Zínder, Barth rides to Tasáwa instead, consults allies, visits Ánnur’s estate, surveys the bustling market and dye-pits, and sends a firm letter refusing recall. Moving on via Gazáwa—its stockade, markets, and warlike mood laid bare—he crosses a desolated belt marked by the ruins of Dánkama before reaching the outskirts of Kátsena. There, after gifts and flattery, the governor detains him as a “guest,” installs him with supplies, and signals an intent to control his movements, raising Barth’s concern he may be forwarded to Sókoto.