Some of the most iconic moments in the legend and real history of David Livingstone's explorations emanate from Tanzania. The reporter and explorer HM Stanley famously met Livingstone at Ujiji on Lake Tanganyika with the reputed words of "Dr Livingstone, I presume." The starting and endpoint of many of his journeys was Zanzibar, where you can visit Livingstone House in Stone Town. Some wood from the mpundu tree over which Livingstone's heart was buried in Zambia was made into a cross, and this now hangs in the Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town.
David Livingstone made his departure for his last expedition, the discovery of the source of the Nile, from Mikindani on the Indian Ocean coast, where you can also visit another Livingstone House.
As we end these articles about the various celebrations concerning the great man's birth, it is possible to look at his record in this twentieth-first century with a more critical eye. Whereas he abhorred slavery, he still took shelter, victuals and hospitality from the very Arab slave traders he so detested. His three C's of "Christianity, Commerce and Civilisation" was a very British worldview that was instrumental in unleashing some of the scramble for Africa and domination of the African peoples by the European nations.
That being said, no one can doubt his substantial achievements or his sincerity in achieving them. He was pivotal in abolishing slavery in this region of Africa. He was responsible for the conversion of huge numbers of Africans to Christianity. He explored and mapped vast regions of terra incognito in Africa. He experimented extensively with quinine as an antidote to malaria. Perhaps most telling is that he is still widely respected, loved and revered by many millions of Africans to this day, and that should be enough of a legacy for any man.
Apart from various church and religious services in Tanzania, no particular events are planned to celebrate the bicentenary. If any of our readers know of anything in particular or would like more information on travelling in Tanzania, please would you communicate with our consultants?
Celebrating David Livingstone In Tanzania by Uyaphi.com
Serengeti Migration Camp
Migration Camp is an upmarket tented camp, located in absolute isolation among the wide flat rocks and acacia of the Serengeti, above a northern Grumeti River; the camp exudes a decadence reminiscent of old Africa.
For those seeking out the very best safari adventure to witness the wildebeest migration, this Serengeti camp is for you.
Matemwe Lodge
Matemwe Lodge, Zanzibar, offers accommodation consisting of 12 beautiful bungalows built from local materials and surrounded by a beautiful beach.
Each lodge suite has a private veranda with hammocks and couches overlooking the Matemwe beach and Indian Ocean.
Tarangire Treetops Lodge
Astride the path of the Elephant Migration, Treetops sits alone in a private game reserve bordering the Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe amid rolling, baobab-studded hills with views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley wall.
Game drives in the Tarangire can compete with the best in Africa; one will certainly not be disappointed by any stretch of the imagination.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Palace Hotel is the perfect place to stay for couples, families or honeymooners looking for a wonderfully romantic hideaway in the heart of Zanzibar's historic and culturally rich Stone Town.
Zanzibar Palace hotels nine amazing rooms and suites all decorated with the influences of Zanzibar's rich history.
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Inspired in design by the Maasai mud-and-stick homestead, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is, without doubt, one of the most architecturally spectacular lodges in Africa perched on the eastern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers incredible views as it is perched high on the rim of this extinct volcano.
andBeyond Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp's 10 thatched cottages with unbroken views over a gorgeous game-filled valley and the hills beyond, which play host to one of the greatest wildlife migrations on earth, Klein's embodies the very soul of this great African Reserve, the famed Serengeti of Tanzania.
Klein's is remote and wild yet at the same time offers the ultimate in luxury and service, all the while surrounded by the Serengeti wildlife.
Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge
At Moivaro Coffee Plantation lodge, you are looked after in a unique, friendly and peaceful environment, helping you to prepare for your safaris and cosseting you on your return in the evening; a fantastic and classic Arusha boutique hotel.
Located not far from the town of Arusha and the Kilimanjaro International Airport, an ideal base from which to explore the highlights of the region.
Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Club
On the East Coast in a secluded tropical setting, the Mapenzi Beach Club is set above a powdery white sand beach about 50 minutes from Stonetown and about one hour from the airport, comfortable accommodation refined in every detail.
The perfect beach lodge with white sand beaches and an exceptional beach bar. One of Zanzibar's best.