1896 Geological Map of Africa south of the Zambezi by FPT Struben

The 1896 Geological Sketch Map of Africa South of the Zambesi, compiled by Francis Peter Todd Struben, represents one of the earliest broad geological overviews of the southern African subcontinent. Extending from the Cape to the Zambezi River, the map illustrates the main geological formations — granitic, sedimentary, volcanic, and auriferous strata — using colour-coded lithography to show their distribution across the Cape Colony, Natal, the Boer Republics, Bechuanaland, Rhodesia, and Portuguese East Africa. As a “sketch map,” it synthesised fragmentary geological knowledge gathered from mining, prospecting, and early surveys at a time when systematic mapping was still in its infancy. Struben, a pioneer prospector and the first President of the Geological Society of South Africa (1895), produced the map amid the transformative years of the Mineral Revolution, when discoveries of gold on the Witwatersrand and diamonds at Kimberley made geology central to the region’s economy. Reflecting both scientific ambition and imperial utility, Struben’s 1896 map provided an indispensable reference for explorers, investors, and administrators, marking a crucial step toward the formal geological surveys that would follow in the 20th century.

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.