Livingstone’s Journeys to Africa
David Livingstone was a Scottish missionary and explorer who traveled extensively in Africa in the 19th century. He is best known for his exploration of the Zambezi River and his discovery of Victoria Falls.
First Journey to Africa (1841-1852)
Livingstone’s first journey to Africa began in 1841, when he was sent by the London Missionary Society to work among the Bechuanas in southern Africa. He traveled overland from Cape Town to the Bechuanaland Protectorate (now Botswana), where he established a mission station at Kuruman.
For the next ten years, Livingstone explored the interior of southern Africa, making contact with various African tribes and learning about their cultures and languages. He also carried out medical work and preached the gospel.
In 1852, Livingstone set out on a journey to the Makololo Plateau in northern Zambia. He was accompanied by a group of African porters and guides. The journey was difficult and dangerous, but Livingstone eventually reached his destination. He spent several months among the Makololo, learning about their way of life and preaching the gospel.
Second Journey to Africa (1853-1856)
In 1853, Livingstone returned to the Makololo Plateau and began a journey to the west coast of Africa. He traveled across what is now Angola and Namibia, and reached the Atlantic Ocean at Luanda in 1854.
From Luanda, Livingstone traveled north to the Congo River. He followed the river for several hundred miles, until he reached the Stanley Falls. The falls were impassable, so Livingstone was forced to turn back.
Livingstone then traveled east across Africa, reaching the Indian Ocean at Quelimane in Mozambique in 1856. The journey had taken three years, and Livingstone had covered a distance of over 4,000 miles.
Third Journey to Africa (1858-1864)
In 1858, Livingstone returned to Africa with the goal of exploring the Zambezi River and finding a route to the interior. He traveled up the river from its mouth in Mozambique, and reached the Victoria Falls in 1859.
Livingstone was amazed by the falls, which he described as “the most wonderful sight I have ever seen.” He spent several months exploring the area around the falls, and made contact with the local Tonga people.
In 1861, Livingstone set out on a journey to the upper Zambezi. He followed the river for several hundred miles, until he reached the Barotse floodplain. The floodplain was home to a large population of Tonga people, and Livingstone spent several months living among them and preaching the gospel.
In 1863, Livingstone continued his journey to the west, reaching the town of Luanda on the Atlantic coast. He then traveled north to the Congo River, and followed the river upstream for several hundred miles.
Livingstone’s third journey to Africa was his last. He died of malaria in 1873, while on a journey to Lake Tanganyika.
Livingstone’s Impact on Africa
David Livingstone was one of the most important explorers of the 19th century. His journeys helped to open up Africa to the outside world, and his work helped to promote understanding and respect for African cultures.
Livingstone’s legacy continues to this day. He is remembered as a great explorer, a dedicated missionary, and a tireless advocate for the people of Africa.
Timeline of Livingstone’s Journeys
1841: Livingstone arrives in Africa as a missionary.
1849: Livingstone discovers Lake Ngami.
1851: Livingstone reaches the Zambezi River.
1853: Livingstone begins his journey to the west coast of Africa.
1854: Livingstone reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Luanda.
1856: Livingstone reaches the Indian Ocean at Quelimane.
1858: Livingstone begins his third journey to Africa.
1859: Livingstone discovers Victoria Falls.
1861: Livingstone reaches the upper Zambezi.
1863: Livingstone reaches the Congo River.
1873: Livingstone dies of malaria in Africa.
Further Reading
David Livingstone: Mission and Exploration by Ian Mackenzie
Livingstone’s Travels by David Livingstone
The Life and Explorations of David Livingstone by W.G. Blaikie