River of the Gods: Genius, Courage and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile

Millard introduces Sidi Mubarak Bombay in this chapter. Bombay, who was Yao, was enslaved for most of his childhood and young adulthood. He was “small and thin, with teeth filed to a sharp point and large, intelligent eyes” (99). Bombay was sold to an owner who lived in India. After his owner’s death, Bombay gained his freedom and returned to Zanzibar.

Bombay first met Burton and Speke in Zanzibar when the two British explorers were looking for porters, translators, and guides. Burton selected Bombay to join his expedition for several key reasons, including that Bombay “spoke several languages, was loyal and hardworking, clever and brave” (105). Bombay impressed both Burton and Speke. Bombay even made an additional 30-mile journey to help Speke recover his compass he had left behind. Bombay was the only member of the expedition willing to do so. Burton eventually considered Bombay as “the gem of the party” (99).

Burton and Speke spent months in Zanzibar before they could start their expedition. Both men became extremely ill, suffering from typhoid fever. Speke once again recovered faster than Burton. Despite his own illness, Hamerton did everything in his power to help the men regain their strength and prepare for the expedition.