In 1895 she returned to study cannibal tribes, travelled up the Ogooué River collecting specimens of previously undiscovered fish, and became the first European to climb Mount Cameroon.
[7] In 2012, the RAS established an annual literature festival called "Africa Writes", presented in partnership with the British Library.
[8][9] The festival features both established and emerging talent from the African continent and its diaspora, with book launches, readings, author appearances, panel discussions, family workshops, and other activities.
Headline speakers have been: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Wole Soyinka, Ama Ata Aidoo, Ben Okri, Nawal El Saadawi, Alain Mabanckou, Chigozie Obioma, Mona Eltahawy and Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah.
Having grown significantly, the Africa Writes festivals are now held in alternate years, and as of 2022 regional partnerships deliver satellite events in Leeds, Swindon and Birmingham.