Also on board where their respective tribal secretaries - Stephen Lefenya, David Sebonego, Simeon Seisa and Kehutile Gohiwamang – as well as Bathoen’s brother Kwenaetsile and the Rev. W.C. Willoughby.
As none of the Batswana had taken an ocean passage before, they took some days to overcome the effects of seasickness as well as adjust to the thought of no land in sight. On the 2nd of September 1895, the ship made landfall at the Portuguese island of Madeira, where the Dikgosi were greeted with a “Welcome to Europe” message sent by well wishers awaiting their arrival in England. The ship docked at Plymouth Sound in the early morning of Friday the 6th of September 1895.