King Solomon's Mines is Allan Quatermain's account of his quest through a dangerous, unknown area of Africa, accompanied by Sir Henry Curtis and Captain John Good. Sir Henry retains Allan Quatermain to guide their expedition to find Sir Henry's lost brother, who had disappeared into the jungle to discover the legendary diamond mines of King Solomon. Following an ancient map, the adventurers set out from Durban, South Africa, and travel into the previously unexplored wilderness. For months they travel through the African bush, cross a great desert, where they almost die of thirst, and climb the snowy mountains known as "Sheba's Breasts," where they barely escape freezing to death. Eventually, they arrive in fertile Kukuanaland, where they help restore a native king to his rightful throne and discover both the legendary diamond mines and Sir Henry's lost brother.