13th March 2013

Dr David Livingstone’s Bicentenary 2013

Agreed by many as one of the most influential explorers of the Victorian era, Dr David Livingstone holds a special place in the history of Africa and in particular his memorable words when he first laid eyes on what he named Victoria Falls (Mosi Oa Tunya in the local Bemba language) “A sight so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” March 19th 2013 is the Bicentenary of Dr David Livingstone’s birth in Blantyre and what an opportunity to explore one of the rivers at the forefront of his travels as the Mighty Zambezi.

Dr David Livingstone

Livingstone was the first European Explorer to travel across trans continental Africa from Luanda to Mozambique. He was a light traveller and this gave him extra kudos with local Chiefs, as well as his reassurances that he was not a threat. The British backed his second expedition to the Zambezi, however he was unable to safely navigate the Cabora Bassa rapids in Mozambique, which he had not seen on his first trip to the region. Despite being viewed as a “failure” by many back in the UK, the trip was a very worthwhile project for the scientists working with Livingstone to collect plant and geological information from the area.

A raft is the common way to descend the Zambezi in 2013

Sadly Livingstone died in 1873 at Lake Bangweulu in Zambia, however he gave his life to Africa and Africans and is cherished by a continent for which he gave so much, but in return, it also gave so much to Livingstone. What better year to come and explore the Zambezi River for yourself, than the bicentenary of the great explorer. Ideal times to visit for a rafting trip on the Zambezi River are from August – November when the weather is at its best and water levels are low.

by Hamish McMaster

Hamish McMaster is the Water By Nature owner. He has spent the past 25 years exploring and playing on the world's great rivers. He still loves nothing more than getting out there and sharing adventures.


Recent posts

Top 5 Reasons to Book Your Next Adventure Early


Planning a big trip for next year? You’re not the only one — and there’s never been a better time to start. At Water By Nature, we’re seeing more guests than ever securing their next adventure well in advance. Not just to get their pick of dates and destinations, but to give themselves something incredible […]

Not Just Rapids: What You Really Take Away from a River Trip


Not Just Rapids: What You Really Take Away from a River Trip There’s a moment on almost every Water By Nature expedition when something shifts. It might be after the first big rapid.Or over coffee by a riverside fire.Or halfway through a remote canyon, where there’s no signal,  just silence, laughter, and the sound of […]

Monohull vs Catamaran: What’s the Best Way to Sail the Islands?


Not All Sailing Holidays Are Created Equal When most people picture a sailing holiday, they imagine warm breezes, island sunsets, and crystal-clear water. But here’s something they don’t always think about: what kind of boat you’re sailing on — and how much that changes your entire experience. Whether you’re skimming past rugged Croatian cliffs crowned […]

Adventure Travel Trade Association C Trip
To top