There are not many countries which have been more affected by David Livingstone than Malawi. This peaceful land is one of the most devout Christian countries in the whole of Africa where nearly every Malawian goes to bed with a bible by his side. This being Africa, the friendly Malawian people wear their religion lightly and are certainly no zealots; but make no mistake, David Livingstone’s impact has been significant.
On his various expeditions, he was instrumental in abolishing slavery in the region and as mentioned in yesterday’s article, he did it in a low key way, avoiding bloodshed and use of arms. Livingstone was the first European explorer to discover and map out Lake Nyasa (Malawi) and made so many converts that his legacy is a church in every village in the country. Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital is named after the town of his birth in Scotland. Livingstonia, a small mission town with a highly regarded school in the north of the country was also named in his honour. The University of Strathclyde in Scotland (Livingstone’s alma mater) funds various scholarships and educational initiatives in Malawi.
Indeed, the link between Scotland and Malawi is so strong that it culminated in President Joyce Banda being the guest of honour at the David Livingstone bicentennial celebration last month in Blantyre, Scotland. On a personal note, having travelled extensively throughout the country, you can travel to the Scottish highlands in Malawi. High up on the Nyika plateau you will be met with a scenery of heather, bracken and swirling mists where the incongruity is seeing zebra and eland and not a Highland stag!
On a final note, Livingstone called Lake Malawi “Lake of Stars” because of its brilliant shimmer and provided the country with a perpetual marketing line.
We list a few events below for the centenary. Please discuss with our consultants any further events which you know about or wish to visit.
David Livingstone Bicentenary Ride – Malawi
- Lake Malawi to Mount Mulanje, both sights that Livingstone was the first European to see, through the old capitals of Zomba and Blantyre.
- Where: Mulanje, Malawi
- When: Thu, 9 May 2013 - Sat, 18 May 2013
Malawi Cycle and Trek 2013
- 200km cycle from the shores of Lake Malawi to Mulanje via the National Park for views of elephants and hippos and on to the Mulanje tea plantations, finishing with a trek up the majestic Mount Mulanje
- Where: Mulanje, Malawi
- When: Fri, 5 Jul 2013 - Sun, 14 Jul 2013
Celebrating David Livingstone in Malawi
- Star Beds in AfricaOne of the newer and more exciting options safari lodges and camps throughout Africa are starting to offer is what is called a "Star Bed". Essentially a luxurious platform in the wilds overlooking a vantage point and open to the stars.
- Romantic Kruger Park LodgesWhen it comes to romance these are our best options. Lodges that do not take children, lodges that offer privacy, large rooms with lots of space and large baths and outdoor showers. This is what romance in the African bushveld should be. Perfect for honeymooners, those in love or those wanting to fall in love.
- Kruger Family Friendly LodgesThese are our favourite lodges and camps in and around the Kruger Park that offer family-friendly facilities and activities. Most lodges say that they take kids but there is only a handful that have the facilities to keep them busy, these lodges offer daily activities, kids safari options and baby sittings options.
- Best Baths in AfricaYou can never be as relaxed as you are as in a bath. Now image that bath having one fantastic view out over the plains of Africa with wildlife and birdlife passing you by. That is what this page is all about, simply "The best Baths in Africa".
- Remote Lodges in AfricaAs always one will find an intrepid soul who has taken the plunge and built a lodge or camp in what can only be described as the "Middle of Nowhere". This page is dedicated to those who are wanting to experience isolation like no other.
- Africa's Ultimate Bucket ListIt has become very fashionable to compile a list of things to see and do before one meets their maker. Here at Uyaphi.com we already have our "Ultimate Bucket List" of things in Africa that we have to do and see.