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

  • Kafunta Three Rivers Camp

    Kafunta Three Rivers Camp is nestled at the confluence of "three rivers" in the South Luangwa region of Zambia. These rivers, namely the Luangwa, Kapamba, and Lusangazi, create a serene and picturesque setting for this small and distinctive safari camp.

    Guests at Three Rivers Camp can expect unparalleled opportunities for wildlife and birdlife sightings, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Explore the wonders of the African bush in this unique and tranquil oasis.

  • Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp

    Each stay at Anabezi is designed to transcend the ordinary safari experience, allowing guests to revel in the splendour of their surroundings from the comfort of their private tented suite. With its commitment to excellence and attention to detail, Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp sets the benchmark for safari adventures that are as luxurious as they are authentic.

    Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp is an exclusive safari retreat that offers the discerning traveller a fusion of unparalleled natural beauty, bespoke luxury, and a deep connection with the Lower Zambezi National Park.

  • Amanzi Camp

    Amanzi Camp, a haven of exclusivity nestled in the stunning wilderness of the Lower Zambezi National Park, invites you to indulge in an extraordinary safari adventure. This secluded gem, with its intimate encounter with the African wilderness, is designed exclusively for those who seek a serene retreat, offering a unique and privileged experience.

    From heart-pounding game drives to tranquil canoe excursions, Amanzi is a sanctuary where the thrill of the natural world is matched only by the quality of hospitality and service. Each activity is designed to ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with unforgettable memories.

  • Kakuli Bush Camp

    Kakuli Bush Camp stands out as one of the select few Zambian and South Luangwa National Park bush camps that welcome visitors during the months of January and November. During this period, the river reaches high levels, necessitating access by boat.

    The safari activities (walking safaris and game drives) offered revolve around exploring the river or the nearby dry, sandy terrains that encompass the camp, all while surrounded by exceptional wildlife and birdlife.

  • Kulandila Camp

    Prepare to be whisked away on an adventure of a lifetime at Kulandila Camp, the epitome of luxury nestled in the heart of the enchanting South Luangwa National Park! With its exquisite tented suites, each offering unparalleled views of Zambia's pristine wilderness, Kulandila is the perfect sanctuary for those seeking an intimate encounter with nature's majesty.

    At Kulandila Camp, every moment is a celebration of nature's wonders, wrapped in the comfort of luxury. Join us for an unforgettable journey where adventure meets serenity in the most spectacular of settings!

  • 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.

  • Nsefu Camp

    Nestled by the tranquil Luangwa River, Nsefu Camp stands as the historic gateway to Zambian tourism. This picturesque location is set in the untouched expanse of the South Luangwa National Park, where nature's wonders unfold in abundance.

    The sanctuary thrives with a rich tapestry of wildlife, painting a vibrant scene hidden from curious gazes. Immerse yourself in the exclusive experience of game viewing and safaris here, where every moment unveils the true essence of the African wilderness.

  • Fig Tree Bush Camp

    Fig Tree Bush Camp offers an intimate gateway to one of Africa's most serene wildlife sanctuaries, the famed Kafue National Park. With just four bespoke tented suites, we promise an unparalleled level of privacy and exclusivity, surrounded by the untouched beauty of one of the continent's most diverse ecosystems.

    Whether you're drawn by the thrill of game drives, the tranquillity of walking safaris, or the enchantment of campfire dinners under the stars, Fig Tree Bush Camp offers a sanctuary where the wonders of the wild envelop you, making every moment unforgettable.