Maji-Maji-Aufstand
Following the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War in February 1904, "Seeadler" was recalled to Tsingtau to be prepared for any possible hostilities involving Germany. During this period, "Cormoran" was replaced by "Condor"; the two cruisers were joined by "Seeadler"s old consort from East Africa, the survey vessel "Möwe". In early 1905, "Seeadler" conducted goodwill visits to the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), before returning to Tsingtau in April. On 28 June, with the Russo-Japanese War winding down following the decisive Japanese victory at the Battle of Tsushima, "Seeadler" was detached from the East Asia Squadron, permitting her return to the South Seas Station. While en route to her station area, "Seeadler" received an order to return to Africa during a stop at Ponape on 20 August. Her presence was necessary there to help put down a major uprising, the Maji Maji Rebellion, that had broken out in July. "Seeadler" ran aground twice, at Labuan and Singapore, on her way to East Africa, but neither incident resulted in damage to the ship. She arrived in Dar es Salaam on 1 October.