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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Zambia Lodges Map
Popular Zambia Safari Lodges

  • Big Lagoon Trails Camp

    Discover the hidden paradise of Big Lagoon Trails Camp, nestled in the vibrant heart of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. It's where Africa’s wild heart dances in perfect harmony with the tranquil beauty of nature, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife and wilderness adventure.

    At Big Lagoon Trails Camp, the rustic allure of safari comes alive with a touch of exclusive rustic charm, providing a haven for adventurers eager to dive into one of Zambia’s most celebrated wildlife havens.

  • Luwi Bush Camp

    Due to its remote location, nestled deep within the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi Bush Camp offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With limited roads in the area, the camp's focus on walking safaris allows guests to immerse themselves in the untouched wilderness of Zambia.

    The abundant wildlife and birdlife in the park provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for daily walking safaris, creating unforgettable memories that will be cherished for years to come.

  • 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.

  • Mukwa River Lodge

    Mukwa River Lodge, located near Victoria Falls, offers luxury bush chic accommodation with a blend of local and international flavours. Enjoy a prime location opposite Zambezi National Park, adrenaline activities, child-friendly programs, and sustainable practices.

    Experience 5-star service, exquisite dining, and wildlife sightings from your private deck. Just a short drive from Livingstone Town and Victoria Falls, it's an ideal base to explore the area.

  • 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!

  • Takwela Camp

    Set amidst the unspoiled beauty and rugged landscapes of Zambia's North Luangwa National Park, Takwela Camp emerges as a sanctuary for those seeking an intimate connection with nature. With its distinctive offering of classic walking safaris and the unique positioning at the confluence of two rivers, it opens a door to witnessing the raw and uncharted wilderness of Africa.

    Takwela invites adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike to immerse themselves in an environment where the wild roams free, and the beauty of nature speaks volumes.

  • Royal Zambezi Lodge

    Nestled on the banks of the magnificent Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National Park lodge has been transformed into a breathtaking 5-star luxury haven. With its panoramic views of the sprawling river and the Mana Pools Reserve, teeming with wildlife and framed by stunning landscapes, this lodge offers an unparalleled experience.

    From the sumptuous accommodation options to the exceptional service, every moment at the Royal Zambezi River Lodge is designed to surpass expectations, making it an undisputed jewel in the wilderness.

  • Chikunto Safari Lodge

    Chikunto Safari Lodge combines luxury with wilderness, offering a unique safari experience in South Luangwa National Park. Guests enjoy nature alongside modern comforts, with a focus on eco-friendly practices for minimal environmental impact.

    The lodge's limited suites ensure an intimate safari experience with close wildlife encounters. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching to explore Zambia's untouched wilderness.