Samuel White Baker was a British explorer, naturalist, big game hunter, engineer, writer, and a soldier. He was born on 8 June 1821 in London, England, to a wealthy family. His father, Samuel Baker Sr., was a successful merchant and his mother, Mary Ann, was a homemaker. Baker was educated at home by private tutors and later attended the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich.
Baker’s interest in exploration began at an early age. He read extensively about the travels of other explorers and was inspired to follow in their footsteps. In 1843, he joined the Royal Engineers and was sent to the Mediterranean. During his time there, he explored the region and wrote about his experiences.
In 1854, Baker was sent to the Sudan to survey the area and to help suppress the slave trade. He was successful in his mission and was promoted to the rank of major. During his time in the Sudan, he also explored the region and wrote about his experiences.
In 1856, Baker was sent to the Nile to explore the region and to find the source of the river. He was successful in his mission and discovered Lake Albert, which he named after Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. He also discovered the White Nile, which he named after himself.
In 1864, Baker was sent to the Congo to explore the region and to suppress the slave trade. He was successful in his mission and was promoted to the rank of colonel. During his time in the Congo, he explored the region and wrote about his experiences.
In 1869, Baker was sent to the Red Sea to explore the region and to suppress the slave trade. He was successful in his mission and was promoted to the rank of general. During his time in the Red Sea, he explored the region and wrote about his experiences.
In 1873, Baker was sent to the Nile to explore the region and to find the source of the river. He was successful in his mission and discovered Lake Victoria, which he named after Queen Victoria. He also discovered the Blue Nile, which he named after himself.
Baker’s explorations and writings made him a famous explorer and naturalist. He wrote several books about his travels and explorations, including The Albert N'yanza, Great Basin of the Nile, and Ismailia. He also wrote several articles for magazines and newspapers.
Baker died on 30 December 1893 in London, England. He was buried in Brompton Cemetery. He is remembered as one of the greatest explorers of the 19th century and his legacy lives on in the many books and articles he wrote about his travels and explorations.