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
- Shumba Camp
Shumba Camp offers travellers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty and diversity of African wildlife. Whether it's the thrill of a game drive, the tranquillity of bird watching, or the unique experience of a walking safari, Shumba Camp promises an unforgettable sojourn into the wild.
Here, amidst the raw and majestic landscapes of the Kafue National Park, every moment becomes a cherished memory, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
- Puku Ridge Camp
Puku Ridge Camp offers a truly intimate atmosphere, providing guests with a unique and authentic safari experience nestled under canvas. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that stretch over the lush South Luangwa floodplain below, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
Each of the seven generously sized tented suites boasts picture windows that frame the picturesque floodplain, inviting you to relax on your private viewing deck and witness the wonders of the surrounding South Luangwa wilderness.
- Luangwa River Camp
Nestled under a majestic canopy of giant ebony trees on the picturesque banks of the South Luangwa River, Luangwa River Camp welcomes guests to a haven where incredible wildlife sightings and diverse bird species await at every turn.
The camp boasts a team of highly knowledgeable and experienced guides and trackers who are passionate about showcasing the beauty of the surroundings, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. All this is complemented by exceptional service that caters to every guest's comfort and enjoyment.
- Chindeni Bushcamp
Nestled amid the unspoiled beauty of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, Chindeni Bushcamp offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury along the banks of the Luangwa River. This hidden gem beckons you to escape the hustle of modern life and immerse yourself in a landscape where nature sets the pace.
With its rare mix of tranquillity and thrill, Chindeni Bushcamp promises not only a vacation but also a transformative journey into the wilderness.
- Chisa Busanga Camp
Chisa Busanga Camp is a remarkable retreat that embodies the essence of tranquillity and natural beauty. Tucked away in the vast expanse of Zambia's Kafue National Park, this exclusive safari lodge is a celebration of innovative eco-tourism and architectural ingenuity.
Inspired by the nests of weaver birds, Chisa Busanga offers a unique lodging experience that harmoniously blends with its pristine surroundings. Chisa Camp's dedication to sustainability, from its solar-powered facilities to its silent electric safaris, sets a benchmark in responsible tourism.
- Busanga Bush Camp
Nestled within the unspoiled wilderness of Kafue National Park, Busanga Bush Camp offers a retreat into the heart of Africa's rugged beauty. This exclusive bush camp combines the essence of an authentic safari experience with the luxury and intimacy of a bespoke eco-friendly lodge.
Whether you seek the thrill of game drives, the tranquillity of bird-watching, or the unique experience of nocturnal explorations, your stay at Busanga Bushcamp promises a blend of adventure and serenity unmatched anywhere else.