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
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar brings that touch of luxury and class that Stone Town has been missing for so long. One of the island's top hotels and lodge options for honeymooners and romantics alike.
The Park Hyatt offers a superb position from which to explore all that is a UNESCO World Heritage site - Stone Town.
Siwandu Camp
Siwandu Camp in the Selous Game Reserve is spread along the lake shore, and is designed to blend in with the spectacular natural Selous scenery in what is one of the most photogenic areas, each of the nine safari tents sits atop its own raised timber platform.
Perfectly positioned close to the Rufiji River system for spectacular wildlife and game drive options when on safari in the Selous.
Serengeti Simba Lodge
Serengeti Simba Lodge offers up views out over the surrounding plains and wildlife from almost every vantage point and room. An excellent option for budget-oriented travellers.
A comfortable and rustic option in a magnificent location with outstanding Serengeti wildlife and birdlife sightings year-round.
Oliver's Camp
Oliver's Camp is found in the remote southern corner of Tarangire National Park, offering guests just ten beautifully appointed tented safari suites, all within a spectacular location close to the wildlife-rich Silale Swamps and overlooking the Minyonyo Pools.
Oliver's Camp in the Tarangire is a World-class, intimate and personal camp.
Kilindi Zanzibar
The absolute in 5-star luxury on the island of Zanzibar, the Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar Lodge offers up unique architectural design that embraces a sense of calm and tranquillity throughout all the while offering up the ultimate in privacy and romance.
An exceptional beach lodges and resort with views out over a white sand beach area and waters of the Indian Ocean,
Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Mara River Tented Camp is that perfect small luxurious safari lodge positioned on the banks of the Mara River within the 98 000 acres Lamai concession far away from all forms of human life.
This area offers year-round some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Serengeti.
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Sanctuary Swala Camp is found in a remote corner of Tanzania's most exciting and least visited park, the Tarangire National Park. A truly stunning tented lodge with outstanding views and surrounding wildlife.
A luxury Tarangire safari camp that offers guests total seclusion surrounded by fantastic wildlife and a picturesque landscape complete with baobab and acacia trees.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is set in the heart of a mahogany forest within the Lake Manyara National Park, offering an experience of remoteness, privacy and understated luxury, an asset within one of Tanzania's most prized national Parks.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and its treehouse suites that offer the utmost in luxury in a safari destination that offers guests only the best.