Richard Lemon Lander (February 8, 1804 - February 6, 1834), British explorer of the African continent.

Lander was the son of an innkeeper. Lander worked, as his assistant, for the Scottish explorer Hugh Clapperton , and went with him on a trip to West Africa in 1825. Clamperton died in April 1827 near Sokoto. Lander was the only surviving Europian member of the expeditions. He proceeded southeast and returned to England in July 1828.

Lander returned to West Africa in 1830. He was accompanied by his brother John Lander . They landed on Badagri in March 22 1830 and followed the lower Niger River from Bussa to the sea. After they explored about 160 km Niger River upstraim, they returning and explored Benue River and the Niger's coastal delta. They traveled in leaky canoes. Brothers returned to Britain in 1831.

Lander was killed along the Niger River by African tribesmen. He was wounded in an attack on his canue. Lander managet to return to the coast, but he died of injuries.

Lander published:

• Journal of Richard Lander from Kano to the Sea Coast, 1829
• Records of Captain Clapperton's Last Expeditions to Africa, with the Subsequent Adwentures of the Author, 1830
• Journal of an Expedition to Explore the Course and Termination of the Niger, 1832

See also

• List of explorers
• Explorations