Central Africa
Cameroons
The Rover Boys crossed from Nigeria to Southern Cameroon in late September, 1958. Their timing was questionable as they arrived at the height of the rainy season.
[Please see map below. Note there are additional carousels below]
Friendly Villagers
In letters home, the Rover Boys describe at length the chaos of passing through small villages on roads crammed with children, chickens and dogs.
Terminte Mounds
As they emerged from the hills of Cameroon, the weather began to dry out. In the western Congo they first encountered fairly open land.
Sharing Hats
A grandmother, mother and child.
Old Terminte Mounds
Here Bob takes in a field of mounds.
Gas Problems
As they crossed into the Congo, they misjudged their fuel supply. Eventually they found a station with fuel late at night.
Cross Country
On one particularly difficult road they decided to avoid a fallen tree by driving around it in the forest.
Clearing Road
This new road recommended by expats turned out to be a minefield of fallen trees.
And Another Tree
Locals Help
One final tree defeated them after an evening's work. They awoke in the morning to find a group of men hacking away with axes.
Something to Avoid
Perhaps they were worried about this scene.
Other Locals to Avoid
Another Road Obstacle
The rover boys love of species extended to arthropods such as these gianrt millipedes.
Just Scraping Through
Here Eric Thorn removes the spare tire so they can clear nother deadfall.
And...Another Obstacle
Bateman in particular becomes fascinated by the dung beetles they encounter often as they head east.
Dung Beetle
Pet Chameleon
Camp Putnam
A highlight of the adventure was the Ituri Forest in the Eastern Congo - home of the Mbuti pygmies. Just behind Bob Bateman is Anne Putnam.
Mbuti Music
The Mbuti love singing and dancing. The partner of the anthropologist, Colin Turnbull was recording their music at the time.
Women Dancers
Mbuti Instruments
Here they are seen using instruments commandeered from the Bantu.
Preparing for the Hunt
Eric and Bristol help the Mubti hunting party into the GT while Bob watches sceptically.
Mbuti Camp
Bateman marvelled at the low impact lifestyle of the Mbuti. Huts were made of debris from the firest flor and abandoned back to nature as they migrated.
Mbuti Women
The Mbuti were self-confident and relaxed with the Rover boys.
Successful Hunt
The Mbuti capture a duiker in their nets. Men and women participate in hunts as equals.
Testing the GT's Capacity
Bristol estimates they packed at least 22 Mbuti into the GT.
Mbuti Music
courtesy: Smithsonian Folkways music collection
