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

  • Mfuwe Lodge

    Mfuwe Lodge is a captivating retreat in the wilderness of the South Luangwa National Park. Here, adventure meets tranquillity, and nature's wonders are your daily backdrop. With its thatched chalets nestled amidst a verdant forest canopy, Mfuwe invites you to immerse yourself in Africa's raw beauty.

    Whether you're seeking thrilling game drives through the vast savannah, serene moments by the peaceful lagoon, or wish to witness the majestic and unique elephant procession at sunset, your stay at the safari lodge promises to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Chiawa Camp

    Chiawa Camp is a haven of unmatched elegance nestled in the pristine wilderness of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Here, luxury and nature intertwine to provide an unforgettable safari experience.

    With its nine opulent tented suites that offer panoramic views of the Zambezi River, guests are treated to an intimate connection with the African wild. Chiawa Camp invites you to indulge in activities that exhilarate the spirit and soothe the soul, from thrilling wildlife safaris to tranquil sunset cruises.

  • Nsolo Camp

    Nsolo Camp, nestled in the heart of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, stands as a testament to history. Established by Norman Carr in 1987, this camp exudes a sense of legacy. Shaddy, the Camp Manager and expert guide has dedicated over a decade to studying wildlife and leading captivating walking safaris from this very camp.

    Renowned for its remoteness and exceptional wildlife sightings, Nsolo Camp offers an unparalleled experience in the wild beauty of Lubi River within the national park.

  • Kakuli Bush Camp

    Kakuli Bush Camp stands out as one of the select few Zambian and South Luangwa National Park bush camps that welcome visitors during the months of January and November. During this period, the river reaches high levels, necessitating access by boat.

    The safari activities (walking safaris and game drives) offered revolve around exploring the river or the nearby dry, sandy terrains that encompass the camp, all while surrounded by exceptional wildlife and birdlife.

  • Mukambi Safari Lodge

    Experience the enchanting wilderness of Zambia at Mukambi Safari Lodge, your gateway to the majestic Kafue National Park. Nestled along the vibrant banks of the Kafue River, Mukambi serves as the ideal outpost for adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in Africa's untamed beauty.

    Whether it's the thrill of a game drive, the tranquillity of a sunset boat cruise, or the intimacy of an open-air bath under the stars, Mukambi Safari Lodge promises an unparalleled safari adventure when visiting the famed Kafue In Zambia.

  • Kaingu Lodge

    Kaingu Lodge is your gateway to an extraordinary safari adventure in the Kafue National Park from a private game management area. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and perched along the vibrant Kafue River, Kaingu is a sanctuary for those who seek to immerse themselves in the splendour of African wildlife and landscapes.

    Designed with elegance and comfort in mind, Kaingu Lodge provides a harmonious blend of luxury and nature, offering guests a unique chance to connect with the earth's raw beauty.

  • Thorntree River Lodge

    Thorntree River Lodge is a luxury river lodge located near the Livingstone Area on the Zambezi River. With 10 suites, it offers a recommended stay of 2-5 nights. Highlights include luxury safari suites with private plunge pools, proximity to Victoria Falls, and engaging staff.

    Guests can enjoy birdlife, spa treatments, sunset cruises, and fine dining with African-inspired cuisine. The lodge's design blends modernity with local culture, providing uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River. Ideal for a luxury safari experience in Zambia.

  • 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.