1887 Map of South Africa by Alexander Merensky

The 1887 Original Map of South Africa by Reverend Alexander Merensky presents one of the most comprehensive depictions of southern Africa at the height of the late 19th-century colonial and missionary period. Extending from the Cape Colony to the Zambezi River, it captures a continent in transition — where British and Boer territories, independent African kingdoms, and missionary networks coexisted on the eve of the Scramble for Africa. Merensky, a German missionary, linguist, and ethnographer of the Berlin Missionary Society, drew on decades of field experience to produce a map that combined colonial surveys, indigenous oral knowledge, and missionary records with exceptional ethnographic detail. It shows the Cape Colony, Natal, the Transvaal, and the Orange Free State, alongside African polities such as the Zulu, Basotho, and Matabele, and highlights mission stations, trade routes, and transport links like wagon roads and emerging railways. Created just after the discovery of gold (1886) and amid growing imperial rivalry, Merensky’s map reflects both scholarly intent and colonial utility—a document bridging scientific cartography and imperial expansion, while preserving invaluable insight into the political and cultural geography of pre-Union South Africa.

This map is a reproduction of a historical map that is now in the public domain. It has been selected for its aesthetic appeal and historical interest and carefully restored and reproduced to preserve its original detail and character.  There may be marks and fold lines visible which add to the authentic look.  The map is printed on 230gsm heavyweight coated paper with a matte finish.  Most old maps were printed on uncoated rag or wood pulp papers and therefore a matte finish best represents the original map.