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

  • Lolebezi

    Lolebezi Lodge, positioned on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, this exclusive getaway promises more than just a stay; it offers an intimate encounter with nature, embodied in the elegance of its accommodations and the warmth of its hospitality.

    Ideal for those seeking solace in the lap of luxury or adventurers yearning to explore the rich tapestry of the African bush, Lolebezi is more than just a destination—it's a gateway to experiencing the profound beauty of the Lower Zambezi National Park.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Busanga Plains Camp

    Nestled in the expansive wilderness of the Kafue National Park, Busanga Plains Camp offers a quintessential African safari experience. This exclusive camp, limited to just four luxurious tents, promises an intimate encounter with some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife and landscapes.

    Set against the backdrop of the vast Busanga Plains, a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike awaits. With its unique blend of comfort and wilderness, Busanga Plains Camp invites you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of one of Africa's last great wilderness areas.

  • Chinzombo Safari Camp

    Chinzombo Safari Camp presents a lavishly luxurious choice for discerning travellers seeking the ultimate safari experience in the breathtaking and wild South Luangwa National Park of Zambia.

    Guests at Chinzombo can indulge in exhilarating game drives, immersive walking safaris, and serene boat cruises (seasonal). These adventures are expertly guided by a team of accomplished and award-winning guides and trackers, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching wildlife encounter.

  • Mwaleshi Camp

    Nestled in the heart of Zambia's pristine North Luangwa National Park, Mwaleshi Camp offers an escape into one of Africa's last great wilderness areas. With its intimate setting and unmatched proximity to nature, this camp provides an extraordinary adventure for those seeking to explore the unspoiled landscapes and rich wildlife of Zambia.

    It's an invitation to step off the beaten path and immerse oneself in an experience that promises not just sightings but interactions with the natural world in ways few other destinations can offer.

  • Sausage Tree Camp

    Sausage Tree Camp stands as a beacon of luxury amid the wild; this exquisite safari camp, celebrated for its unique blend of adventure and serenity, offers guests the ultimate safari experience and adventure.

    With its unparalleled location in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Sausage Tree provides an intimate encounter with surrounding nature, enveloped in the comfort of bush elegance. Every waking moment at camp is crafted to ensure an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the bush.