The Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa in the Year

Mungo Park's Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa in the Year 1805 is a posthumously published account of Park's ill-fated second expedition to Africa which took place in 1805. Unlike his first journey which was documented in his earlier works this journal reflects the hardships dangers and eventual disappearance that marked Park's second venture into the heart of West Africa. In this journal Park describes his mission to explore the upper course of the Niger River with the goal of uncovering its true source and making further geographical discoveries. His expedition was sponsored by the African Association and he set off with a small group of companions. As in his previous journey Park faced extreme hardships including treacherous terrain illnesses and food shortages. However this time the risks were compounded by increasing hostility from the local populations as well as internal struggles within his expedition.