The book is a travel (hi)story set in the early 19th century of the Dutch Batavian Republic, in southern Africa. This is at the end of the Dutch period of the South African history.

The travel diaries are loosely wound around contemporary Dutch text from various sources. On a personal level, the story explore the experiences of a newcomer from Holland in Africa. Colonialists who have been in Africa for generations, are seen through his eyes - along with the native tribes, slaves and countryside, and animals. The personal manners of the colonists are sketched, their language skills, lack of refinement, roughness and toughness.

I found the book fascinating if a bit slow-going at times. I was particularly interested in the lifestyles of people - my ancestors - at that time. Through the eyes of the author, I had a window on life in early Dutch colonial times in Africa. For me an interesting travel experience also. A (hi)story in the fine tradition of Karel Schoeman.