Although he remained on or near the coast of East Africa, he contributed to European knowledge of the interior through gathering descriptions from local people who had traveled there.

The boat was small and food was scarce, poor quality and difficult to prepare due to the rain.

The two missionaries, the first Europeans to investigate the coast in such detail, went unarmed and with few escorts, and were generally given a good reception by the Arabs, Swahilis, and local people they met.

[citation needed] After the voyage, the two returned to the mission station, and in 1851 Krapf left for Europe to recuperate.

[2] In September 1853, Erhardt visited Vugha in the Usambara Mountains, capital of the Shambaa ruler Kimweri ye Nyumbai, where he saw two witches brought in and executed.

[3] Erhardt recorded the repulse of a Maasai raid at Mazinde by an allied army of Shambaa under Semboja, Kimweri's son, and of Wazigua, Parakuyo and "Arabs" (most likely Swahili).

[7] However, he was told by ivory traders that the great inland "Sea of Uniamesi" was just a westward extension of Lake Nyasa, reaching close to the mountains that formed the spine of the continent.