John Hanning Speke
Explorer of Africa, discovered Lake Victoria
Born
May 4th, 1827
197 years ago
Died
September 15th, 1864
160 years ago — 37 years old
Category
Explorers & Adventurers
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
An English soldier and explorer contributed to the exploration of East Africa. Speke participated in several expeditions with the goal of discovering the source of the Nile River. In 1858, he reached Lake Victoria, which he identified as the source of the Nile. His work was significant in mapping the interior of Africa during a time of expanding European exploration. Speke's expeditions often faced challenges such as harsh landscapes and encounters with local populations. He published accounts of his journeys, detailing the geography and cultures encountered during the explorations.
Discovered Lake Victoria as the Nile's source
Participated in the Speke and Grant expedition
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