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
Matemwe Lodge
Matemwe Lodge, Zanzibar, offers accommodation consisting of 12 beautiful bungalows built from local materials and surrounded by a beautiful beach.
Each lodge suite has a private veranda with hammocks and couches overlooking the Matemwe beach and Indian Ocean.
Karatu Simba Lodge
Karatu Simba Lodge in the Tanzanian countryside amongst rural farms and bordering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a place of true peace and quiet.
If rural farming, culture, community, wildlife and birding all interest you, then look no further.
Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Club
On the East Coast in a secluded tropical setting, the Mapenzi Beach Club is set above a powdery white sand beach about 50 minutes from Stonetown and about one hour from the airport, comfortable accommodation refined in every detail.
The perfect beach lodge with white sand beaches and an exceptional beach bar. One of Zanzibar's best.Bluebay Beach Resort
Bluebay Resort is situated on the finest wide, white, sandy beach on the island of Zanzibar, located on the East Coast in an area known as Kiwengwa, the resort is only 35 minutes drive from the town and the airport on a tarmac road.
A lodge resort that offers Wi-Fi, a laundry service, room service, and is perfect for families and romantics alike.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style, as for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient NgorongoroCrater delivers a theatre of vistas.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is perfectly positioned on the rim overlooking those famed Ngorongoro crater views.
Olakira Migration Camp
Olakira Camp, with her nine intimate en-suite traditional safari tents, follows the massive herds of wildebeest to two spectacular locations in the north and south of the Serengeti National Park.
Expert Serengeti and Maasai safari guides and trackers with specialist knowledge showcase all that is one of the natural wonders of the World.
Sand Rivers Selous
Sand Rivers Selous on the banks of the Rufiji River in one of Africa's largest reserves offers a blend of classic safari elegance and that rugged bush adventure feel.
A small and intimate Selous camp with just eight rooms and suites and more activities that one can shake a stick at.
Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Escarpment Luxury Lodge with 16 large and luxurious chalets combines luxury, privacy, space and comfort into a unique offering. Exceptional game drives and safari activities in th Lake Manyara National Park make this one of the better options for spotting those elusive tree-climbing lions.
Escarpment Luxury Lodge, close to Lake Manyara that is ideal for couples, romantics, honeymooners or families with older children in tow.