Alexandrine Petronella Francina Tinne

If ever there was a way to deal with heartache this lady has it figured out. After having her engagement broken off, Alexandrine’s mother suggested that they go on a trip. And what a trip! Three years before, her mother and her had traveled across Scandinavia on horseback, so her mother knew she would be up for it and that it would take her mind off her heartache.
They started in Venice, where they learned they could sail to Egypt. She became enthralled with Egypt. Alexandrine began learning Arabic, riding camels across the desert, visiting the Holy Land and traveling the Nile. It was the Nile that stole her heart.

She went on numerous trips up and down and around the Nile trying to map it and find its source. Often freeing slaves, especially women, as she came across dangerous slavers . She would sent reports back to the Royal Geographic Society, though the male members would often belittle her contributions, the president supported her efforts. She was a serious collector and had camels carry her immense collection of plants and supplies, which contributed greatly to the knowledge of the plants in the Sudan region. Her life was cut short at the age of 34 when she got unwittingly caught between two waring tribes, and lost her life in the raid.

Alexandrine Petronella Francina Tinne • Ditch Explorer • 1835-1869