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
A Welcome Break From Covid Chaos
I was recently fortunate enough to travel to Greece for a week of sailing at the end of October with family and friends and to be perfectly honest, it was just what the Doctor ordered! In a world filled with uncertainty and a lack of positivity, the opportunity to island hop, swim in the ocean, […]
Our 2021 Shortlist Of Adventures – Where Will You Go?
It has been encouraging to see some of our past guests book on for adventures in 2021 and some even for 2022. It seems that people are more confident about travelling from May onwards when we hope restrictions will be lifted and we can recommence visiting some incredible places. In their spirit of adventure, here […]
Here Comes 2020 – Grade V All The Way
In February 2020, a crew of adventurers and I were busy having fun in New Zealand. The only challenges we were facing were standard for an adventure company — re-arranging the order of rivers on our New Zealand River Rafting Road Trip given the large amount of rain we were getting. We followed this with […]