In September 1874, Stanley again reached Zanzibar. He hired 350 natives and brought a slew of westerners with him. This time he was more prepared for venturing into the heart of the African continent. His main asset was a 40-foot boat that could be easily disassembled and carried over land. After enduring much hardship, Stanley and only half of his original crew survived the inland trek to Lake Victoria. They arrived there in March of 1875. There he assembled the boat and sailed for 57 days around the lake, mapping it all the while. Then he sailed south to Lake Tanganyika and did the same.