Charles John Andersson

Charles John (Karl Johan) Andersson (4 March 1827 – 9 July 1867) was a Swedish explorer, hunter and trader as well as an amateur naturalist and ornithologist.

He is most famous for the many books he published about his travels, and for being one of the most notable explorers of southern Africa, mostly in present-day Namibia.

Early life

Karl Johan Andersson was born on 4 March 1827 in Värmland in Sweden. He was the child of the British bear hunter Llewellyn Lloyd and Kasja Andersdotter from Sweden

Andersson grew up in Sweden. Early in his life he went on hunting expeditions with his father, experienced Swedish nature and started a collection of biology specimens.

In 1847, he started studies at the University of Lund and was there for a year before a brief stint as a professional hunter.

Explorations

In 1849, he departed for London, intending to sell his collection to raise money for travels around the world. In London he met with the explorer Francis Galton, with whom he organised an expedition to Southern Africa. On midsummer day in 1850 they arrived at the Cape of Good Hope and then travelled to Walvis Bay, in modern-day Namibia. They then trekked into the interior, at the time little explored by Europeans. They intended to reach Lake Ngami, but failed on that expedition.

Galton returned home to England, while Andersson stayed in the area and reached Lake Ngami in 1853. In 1855 he returned to London, where he published his book "Lake Ngami", in which he describes his travels. He returned to Africa the same year.