Henry Morton Stanley, a Welsh-American explorer, was commissioned by the New York Herald newspaper to find David Livingstone, a renowned Scottish missionary and explorer, who had not been heard from since he ventured into Africa several years earlier. Livingstone’s explorations were significant for the Western understanding of Africa, especially regarding its geography and resources, but his absence raised concerns. The public's worry about Livingstone was so intense that Stanley's mission generated considerable interest and support in the press and public sphere.

Stanley left Zanzibar on March 21, beginning his arduous trek into the heart of Africa. Initial hardships included navigating dense jungles, vast wetlands, and hostile environments where he often found his party limited by diseases such as malaria. Throughout his journey, Stanley encountered various local communities, some of whom were welcoming, while others posed significant threats. His ability to negotiate, often using gifts and persuasive dialogue, was crucial for survival and progress.

After several months of travel and exploration, Stanley finally found Livingstone in the town of Ujiji near Lake Tanganyika in the present-day country of Tanzania. Their meeting was historic, or as Stanley famously reported, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” This encounter not only reunited the two men but also marked a significant moment in the exploration of Africa, bridging cultures and paving the way for future expeditions. Following their meeting, Stanley continued his journey, gathering valuable information about the region and contributing to the broader understanding of African geography in Western narratives.