A former slave, he accompanied David Livingstone in exploring northern Botswana and central Africa.
[1] In 1849, Fleming served as cook on the expedition of Livingstone, William Oswell, Mungo Murray and Hubert Wilson to 'discover' Lake Ngami.
In 1851, he travelled to the BaKololo with Livingstone and Oswell.
Backed financially by Howson Rutherford, Fleming established himself as a trader in the interior.
[1] In 1856, he carried London Missionary Society supplies to Livingstone in Quelimane, Mozambique.