Some of the most iconic moments in the legend and real history of David Livingstone's explorations emanate from Tanzania. The reporter and explorer HM Stanley famously met Livingstone at Ujiji on Lake Tanganyika with the reputed words of "Dr Livingstone, I presume." The starting and endpoint of many of his journeys was Zanzibar, where you can visit Livingstone House in Stone Town. Some wood from the mpundu tree over which Livingstone's heart was buried in Zambia was made into a cross, and this now hangs in the Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town.
David Livingstone made his departure for his last expedition, the discovery of the source of the Nile, from Mikindani on the Indian Ocean coast, where you can also visit another Livingstone House.
As we end these articles about the various celebrations concerning the great man's birth, it is possible to look at his record in this twentieth-first century with a more critical eye. Whereas he abhorred slavery, he still took shelter, victuals and hospitality from the very Arab slave traders he so detested. His three C's of "Christianity, Commerce and Civilisation" was a very British worldview that was instrumental in unleashing some of the scramble for Africa and domination of the African peoples by the European nations.
That being said, no one can doubt his substantial achievements or his sincerity in achieving them. He was pivotal in abolishing slavery in this region of Africa. He was responsible for the conversion of huge numbers of Africans to Christianity. He explored and mapped vast regions of terra incognito in Africa. He experimented extensively with quinine as an antidote to malaria. Perhaps most telling is that he is still widely respected, loved and revered by many millions of Africans to this day, and that should be enough of a legacy for any man.
Apart from various church and religious services in Tanzania, no particular events are planned to celebrate the bicentenary. If any of our readers know of anything in particular or would like more information on travelling in Tanzania, please would you communicate with our consultants?
Celebrating David Livingstone In Tanzania by Uyaphi.com
- Craters & Valleys Safari
- Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
- Duration; 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Lodging; Safari Lodges
- Group Size; Minimum 2
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
- Ngorongoro To Lake Natron Safari
- Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
- Duration; 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Lodging; Safari camps and camping
- Group Size; Minimum 2
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
- Carefree Tanzania Safari
- Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
- Duration; 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Lodging; Safari Lodges
- Group Size; Minimum 2
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
- Steps Around Ngorongoro
- Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
- Duration; 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Lodging; Safari Lodge and camping
- Group Size; Minimum 2
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
- Ruaha And Selous Safari
- Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
- Duration; 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Lodging; Safari Lodges and Camps
- Group Size; Minimum 2
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
- Lolkisale Horseback Safari
- Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
- Duration; 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Lodging; Safari Lodge and camping
- Group Size; Minimum 4
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris