This book is a record of exploration and big game shooting in nomadic North-East Africa between 1884 and 1893. Swayne was among the first to traverse the interior of Somaliland when it was practically unknown to Europeans and had a reputation for being a desert home of "ferocious savages". He describes the Somali character as "many-sided," noting their intelligence, humour, and untiring nature.

The work provides a detailed ethnographic survey, dividing the inhabitants into nomad Somalis, settled Somalis, and outcaste races like the Midgan and Tomal. It contains extensive chapters on nomadic life, including the management of camels, the breeding of Somali ponies, and the customs of inter-tribal warfare and "blood money" (mag). Swayne also gives an account of his 1897 mission to the court of King Menelik II of Abyssinia.

The author’s primary object was to supply "detailed information of a nature that might prove useful to travellers and sportsmen". The book is illustrated with numerous photographs and sketches, many taken by Swayne or his brother, and includes descriptive notes on the fauna of the country.