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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Popular Zambia Safari Lodges

  • 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.

  • Royal Livingstone Hotel

    Experience the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, a 5-star oasis on the Zambezi River. With colonial-style buildings, lush verandas, and a pool overlooking the river, it offers 173 luxurious rooms and suites.

    The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara is not just a place to stay, it's an experience in itself. This 5-star oasis offers guests the perfect combination of luxury and natural beauty. The colonial-style buildings and lush verandas give the hotel a timeless charm, while the views of the Zambezi River add a sense of tranquility to your stay.

  • Chikoko Tree Trails Camp

    At Chikoko Tree Trails Camp, you don't just visit; you become a part of the unbridled wild that thrives in the prestigious South Luangwa National Park. The unique treehouse chalets offer an unparalleled perspective of Zambia's lush landscapes and its diverse inhabitants, providing a sanctuary high above the ground, yet deeply connected with the earth's raw beat.

    Here, in the company of seasoned walking guides, your footsteps will trace paths less travelled, leading to encounters with nature that are as profound as they are exhilarating.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Tongabezi Lodge

    Tongabezi Lodge, the first Zambezi River lodge on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, was founded in 1990 by Ben Parker and the late Will Ruck-Keene. It is a privately owned and run retreat, focusing on exclusivity and romance, with the warmth and hospitality of the Zambian people.

    Days at Tongabezi have no fixed schedule and can be tailored to your preferences. Relax or enjoy various activities. Each house and cottage has a dedicated valet providing personalized service. The Treehouse cottage bathroom is renowned as one of the world's top five bathrooms.

  • Mwamba Bush Camp

    Welcome to Mwamba Bush Camp, where the untamed beauty of South Luangwa National Park unfolds in a symphony of natural wonder. Here, enveloped in the rawness of Zambia's wilderness, every breath brings a story, and every moment shares a secret of the land.

    At Mwamba, every guest is invited to step into a world where nature dictates the rhythm of life, promising an safari adventure that resonates with the soul of every single explorer.