In his first expedition he concentrated on tracing the channels of the tributaries of the Ganale Doria. With Captain Grixoni, Bottego left Bardera on 30 September 1892, with one hundred and twenty-four men. On November 7 they reached the Shebeli River at Imi on 7 November. After eight days they crossed the river, entering the country of the Arsi Oromo, who proved hostile to Bottego. He passed through Arkebla and reached the Ganale Guracha ("Black Ganale") on 11 December, along whose banks he led his men upstream for 20 days.