One of Scotland’s “Great Scots” – Dr Livingstone

Dr. David Livingstone was born in Blantyre, a small village outside of Glasgow, on the west coast of Scotland. The family lived and worked in a heavily industrialised area working with imported cotton. Today, try following the footsteps of Dr Livingstone, an incredible medic and missionary, exploring South Africa and his home in Blantyre, Scotland.

Following the Footsteps of Dr Livingstone

Dr. Livingstone’s Birth Place

From the age of 10 David worked in the Cotton Mill of Henry Monteith & Co. Growing up, it is believed that his life was molded by his life experiences, hearing about the slave trade and his own father being a devoted Christian man.

The Battle

One of the most famous incidents was the battle that took place between man and the king of the jungle. Dr. Livingstone was trying to protect live stock while staying in an African Village. During the attack he was seriously injured and his arm was re-set by himself later, but said that he was unable to lift his arm higher than his shoulder.

Did you know Dr. David Livingstone was the first European to cross the width of Southern Africa?

For years it was unknown as to the whereabouts of Dr Livingstone, as he had lost all contact with the outside world. It wasn’t until Henry Morton Stanley from the New York Herald Newspaper found him in 1871.

“Dr. Livingstone I presume?” – The famous quotation by Henry Morton Stanley upon locating David Livingstone in Africa, on the 10th November 1871.

Dr. Livingstone was a medic, missionary and explorer of Africa, later to become a national hero of Victorian Britain.

Visiting Victoria Falls

Did you know that Victoria Falls was named by Dr. David Livingstone after Queen Victoria? The original name was Mosi-oa-Tunya Waterfall.

Victoria Falls or the “Magnificent Smoke that Thunders” can be easily reached from Johannesburg and Cape Town with South African Airlines. If you time the flight well returning from Zambia to Cape Town you can see the incredible sunset over Table Mountain.

The main resorts are Sun International with both The Royal Livingstone 5* and The AVANI Victoria Falls Resort (formally known as the Zambezi Sun 3*).

Either of these resorts are ideal for location, with walking distance to admire the “Magnificent Smoke that Thunders“. The best season to visit and see the falls at their peak is from February to May, just after the summer rains.

It is a great place to visit and enjoy the dramatic landscape, flora and fauna. If you would like to see this incredible natural wonder in more detail, why not take a helicopter ride. Or perhaps you like water sports? If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground there is a lovely walk around the falls to enjoy the spectacular views.

London

Did you know that David Livingstone was and still is admired and thought of for his incredible achievements with the slave trade and opening up of Central Africa. Dr. Livingstone’s resting place is in Westminster Abbey. Discover how his loyal attendant’s journeyed the 1,000 miles by foot and there after by boat to London, at the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre.

Due to the location and availability I would recommend pre-booking your accommodation before arriving in Zambia.

As always we would love to hear from you. Have you visited the birth place of Dr. David Livingstone? or perhaps tried following the footsteps of Dr Livingstone and explored Africa? What were your highlights? Please leave any comments/questions below. Happy Travels:) x