Hermenegildo Carlos Brito Capello Portuguese sailor and traveler, explorer of Africa. Date of Birth: 04.02.1841 Country: Portugal

1. Portuguese Maritime Pioneer
2. Exploration of West and Central Africa
3. Trans-African Expedition
4. Later Career

Portuguese Maritime Pioneer

Hernando Capelo, a renowned Portuguese sailor and explorer, embarked on his first African expedition in 1860. Over the next 25 years, he spent significant time on the African continent, conducting numerous explorations.

Exploration of West and Central Africa

In 1879, Capelo joined forces with Serpa Pinto and Ivens on a major Portuguese expedition to Africa. From Durban, the trio traversed Western and Central Africa, reaching the Yakka lands. They meticulously studied the Kwanza Basin and discovered several of its tributaries, including the Gamba, Quilo, and Cugo. Their findings culminated in a return to Luanda.

Trans-African Expedition

Capelo and Ivens made history in 1884 with their daring trans-African trek. From Mossamedes in March to Quelimane in June of 1885, they covered a distance of 8,000 kilometers. This extraordinary journey allowed them to explore the region between the Kunene and Upper Zambezi rivers, the watershed between the Zambezi and Congo, and the source areas of the Lualaba and Luapula rivers. Their remarkable findings were later published in "De Benguela as terras de Jacca de 1877 - 1880" and "De Angola a contra costa" (1886).

Later Career

Following his African expeditions, Capelo served as Portugal's commissioner in Zanzibar and governor in Luanda. In the early 1900s, he returned to Portugal and was appointed vice-admiral in 1906. A close advisor to King Manuel II, Capelo retired from the navy after the monarchy's overthrow in 1910.