Celebrating David Livingstone In Zambia

David Livingstone was born in Blantyre, Scotland 200 years ago. He remains the most celebrated of all Victorian explorers, equally known for his humanity and humanitarian work as for his feats of exceptional exploration. All the countries that he explored and traversed are celebrating this year and in the first of three articles, we look at Zambia.

His motivation as an explorer was the abolition of the African slave trade and important to achieving this aim was to navigate the Zambezi River and discover the source of the Nile making these arteries a Christian highway into the interior of Africa. Part of his success as an explorer lay in the fact that he travelled comparatively lightly with only a small retinue of porters and servants and with an absence of soldiers or armed guards. He was consequently not seen as a threat by most chiefs and villages he passed through nor mistaken as a slave trader.

Over several expeditions and journeys, he explored and mapped for western civilisation large regions which had previously been blank. As well as the Victoria Falls, the upper Zambezi River and some of the Congo river basin, he explored Lakes Banweulu, Malawi and Ngami and some of lakes Mweru and Tanganyika.

David Livingstone died in Ilala southeast of Lake Bangweulu in present-day Zambia on 1 May 1873 from malaria. His heart was buried there under a mpundu tree by his loyal servants before they departed for the coast carrying his body. The Livingstone Memorial was built in 1902 and this brick and plaster obelisk topped by a bronze cross can be visited. The visit can be incorporated with a safari to the nearby Kasanka National Park. His body lay in repose before burial in Westminster Abbey, at 1 Savile Row, then the headquarters of the Royal Geographical Society and now the home of Gieves and Hawkes which can also be visited for all your tailoring needs!

David Livingstone viewed the Victoria Falls (which he named) from what is now Livingstone Island ( a great picnic and lunching spot!) near the Zambian town of Livingstone. It is this town which is most closely associated with the celebrations and we give below a calendar of events. This is not an exhaustive list and there are many more sporting events which are planned during the course of the year which our consultants will be happy to indicate to you:

19-21 April 2013
International Academic Conference in Livingstone Zambia – Imperial Obsessions David Livingstone, Africa and world history: a life and legacy reconsidered. Jointly hosted jointly by The London School of Economics, UK; The Livingstone Museum, Zambia and The David Livingstone Bicentenary, Livingstone

1 May 2013
Livingstone Memorial Day
David Livingstone died in Zambia on 1 May 1873, after spending half his life exploring the African continent.

19-21 April 2013
International Academic Conference in Livingstone Zambia – Imperial Obsessions David Livingstone, Africa and world history: a life and legacy reconsidered. Jointly hosted jointly by The London School of Economics, UK; The Livingstone Museum, Zambia and The David Livingstone Bicentenary, Livingstone

1 May 2013
Livingstone Memorial Day
David Livingstone died in Zambia on 1 May 1873, after spending half his life exploring the African continent.
4 May 2013
David Livingstone Bicentenary Golf Tournament.

7-9 June 2013
International Cultural Festival and Carnival
Neighbouring countries through which Livingstone travelled will be invited to participate in this fun, vibrant, colourful international part of the bicentenary celebrations. Street carnival, national stands, food and lots more.

16 November 2013
Grand Finale
River events, and memorial on Livingstone Island. This is the date that Dr Livingstone first viewed the Falls, from Livingstone Island.

Celebrating David Livingstone in Zambia

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Popular Zambia Safari Lodges

  • Kulandila Camp

    Prepare to be whisked away on an adventure of a lifetime at Kulandila Camp, the epitome of luxury nestled in the heart of the enchanting South Luangwa National Park! With its exquisite tented suites, each offering unparalleled views of Zambia's pristine wilderness, Kulandila is the perfect sanctuary for those seeking an intimate encounter with nature's majesty.

    At Kulandila Camp, every moment is a celebration of nature's wonders, wrapped in the comfort of luxury. Join us for an unforgettable journey where adventure meets serenity in the most spectacular of settings!

  • Waterberry Zambezi Lodge

    Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Livingstone, Zambia, Waterberry Zambezi Lodge offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of the wilderness. Wake up to the Zambezi River's gentle sounds and end your day with a breathtaking sunset.

    With meticulously designed cottages and immersive experiences, every moment invites you to discover Zambia's natural beauty. Whether you seek adventure at Victoria Falls or birdwatching, Waterberry promises an unforgettable African and Zambian safari escape.

  • Potato Bush Camp

    Surrounded by the breathtaking landscape that Zambia is celebrated for, Potato Bush Camp guests are treated to a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity. From exhilarating game drives and night safaris to peaceful canoe trips all within the Lower Zambezi National Park, Potato Bush Camp offers an intimate connection with the wild.

    The camp's commitment to providing a bespoke and unforgettable safari experience is evident in its meticulous attention to detail, from the gourmet dining experiences to the expertly guided tours.

  • Chongwe River House

    Discover the epitome of wilderness luxury at Chongwe River House, an enchanting haven nestled in the heart of Zambia's Lower Zambezi Valley and Escarpment. Crafted with an innovative design that harmonises with nature, this premier safari villa promises an exclusive escape into the wild.

    Tailored for those who seek an intimate connection with nature without compromising on luxury, River House is your secluded sanctuary for an unforgettable Lower Zambezi National Park safari for a family or small group of friends.

  • Chamilandu Bushcamp

    Welcome to a quintessentially African adventure woven with the threads of luxury and the spirit of the wilderness. Chamilandu Bushcamp, nestled in the iconic South Luangwa National Park, this exclusive bushcamp promises not just a stay but an odyssey that dances to the rhythm of the wild.

    From the raw beauty of waking up to a skyline painted with African sunsets to the thrill of close encounters with the untamed, each moment here is a chapter in your own epic tale of adventure.

  • Old Mondoro

    Old Mondoro stands as a beacon for those yearning for an authentic safari, cradled in the vast expanses of the Lower Zambezi National Park. This unique luxury safari camp, perched on the serene banks of the Zambezi River, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

    From the thrilling canoeing trips that offer up-close encounters with hippos and elephants to the serene sunset cruises and the pulsating excitement of guided night drives, Old Mondoro promises an African safari experience like no other.

  • Mwaleshi Camp

    Nestled in the heart of Zambia's pristine North Luangwa National Park, Mwaleshi Camp offers an escape into one of Africa's last great wilderness areas. With its intimate setting and unmatched proximity to nature, this camp provides an extraordinary adventure for those seeking to explore the unspoiled landscapes and rich wildlife of Zambia.

    It's an invitation to step off the beaten path and immerse oneself in an experience that promises not just sightings but interactions with the natural world in ways few other destinations can offer.

  • Lolebezi

    Lolebezi Lodge, positioned on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, this exclusive getaway promises more than just a stay; it offers an intimate encounter with nature, embodied in the elegance of its accommodations and the warmth of its hospitality.

    Ideal for those seeking solace in the lap of luxury or adventurers yearning to explore the rich tapestry of the African bush, Lolebezi is more than just a destination—it's a gateway to experiencing the profound beauty of the Lower Zambezi National Park.