Through Timbuctu and across the great Sahara /

Hoggar Tuaregs near Ahnet Wells
These curious veiled people of the Sahara are said to have been driven out of North Africa many centuries ago. They were forced south into the desert, where they have ever since remained, seemingly preferring this lonely existence to contact with a more civilized world. The “litham,” or veil, covering the face is primarily designed to keep out the choking desert sand.
AN ACCOUNT OF AN ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY OF EXPLORATION FROM SIERRA LEONE TO THE SOURCE OF THE NIGER, FOLLOWING ITS COURSE TO THE BEND AT GAO AND THENCE ACROSS THE GREAT SAHARA TO ALGIERS
BY CAPTAIN A. H. W. HAYWOOD, F.R.G.S. Royal Artillery
WITH 45 ILLUSTRATIONS & A MAP
LONDON SEELEY, SERVICE & CO. LIMITED 38 GREAT RUSSELL STREET 1912
THROUGH TIMBUCTU AND ACROSS THE GREAT SAHARA
Reasons for the journey — Selecting a servant — Preparations — The Sierra Leone Railway.
AFRICA, like India, seems often to cast a spell over those who visit it, and certainly at the end of 1909 I found myself under this curious fascination. I had spent some years soldiering in West Africa, and had often wished to explore the ramifications of the Upper and Middle Niger, but the difficulty of obtaining sufficient leave had been an insurmountable obstacle. My chance came at last, however, when I found myself quartered at Freetown, the capital of our British colony of Sierra Leone, and due for six months’ leave.
I determined to spend my furlough in a journey down the river from its source, making shooting excursions at suitable points in its basin, and directing my steps towards Timbuctu. From Timbuctu I proposed to cross the Sahara Desert, striking almost due north for Algiers. The strange tales I had often heard of this desert and the curious wandering tribes who inhabit it, interested me and made me wish to ascertain for myself the truth of them.
The first thing to be done was to get leave. In due course this was obtained, and at the same time I was informed that the French officials along my route had been told to offer me every facility for my journey.