Livingstone – The History of the Gem of Zambia #TTOT #travel
Livingstone, Zambia is known as the Gem of Africa, with good reason. This October I visited Zambia and saw this gorgeous city up close. We stayed 3 nights in Livingstone, a stunning city with strong history. This historic city in Zambia has its own rich story worth discovering. And, it is also friendly, welcoming, and one of the most beautiful cities you could wish to see.
The History of The Gem of Zambia
In the 1890’s, the British took control of the northern area of the region via Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company. The focus of their activity was mineral prospecting, and securing other natural resources such as timber, ivory, and animal skins. Old Drift Crossing was the primary point of crossing the Zambezi for trade.
In 1897, people began to settle near Old Drift Crossing. Unfortunately, the first Livingstone settlement was too close to the Zambezi River. Malaria became a health issue because the crossing was so close to mosquito breeding areas. Tragically, Malaria killed many early settlers. The graves of the first settlers in Livingstone still remain near the Zambezi. In fact, we saw the graves while doing a safari one night. 
Malaria was such a problem that around 1900, the Europeans had to move to higher ground. And the settlement grew into what we know today as Livingstone.
Livingstone is named for Dr. David Livingstone, the first British European explorer to see Victoria Falls. He did much to publicize the area and named it too. In fact there are many monuments throughout the area dedicated to him. There is a large statue near Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side as well. This explorer’s journey opened up Central Africa to trade, hunters and missionaries. The city of Livingstone was founded in 1905.
Livingstone became such a booming trade community that the British South Africa Company moved its capital there in 1907. BUT, European and Asian business people owned pretty much everything, more and more indigenous families were forced into poverty by lack of work. Naturally, that caused conflict between the two groups of people.
A mass exodus of Europeans began from the area to places like Southern Rhodesia (now known as Zambia) and South Africa. The British government began to discuss independence at the same time. All of this was going on amidst reports of the genocide of colonials in nearby Belgian Congo. British relinquished control of the area in 1964.
Years of poverty, a lack of education, and few resources left Livingstone and the surrounding areas shells of what they formerly were. In the 1970’s the city was hit hard by the closure of the border with Rhodesia and businesses relocating. Times looked bleak through the 80’s and 90’s.
The City Today
Over the past decade, Livingstone has seen a major turnaround. Tourism is up, funds are more easily acquired, and people are interested in the area and culture. Many celebrated hotel chains have invested in the area to build on tourism. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Livingstone is so close to almost every major attraction you could ever want to see in Sub-Saharan Africa. Livingstone has recently become known as the adventure capital of Zambia and I can attest to that.
The Magical Destination of Livingstone
Victoria Falls is walking distance from several resorts. There are numerous reserves and wildlife areas, as well as cultural sites nearby. The thing that surprised me most about Livingstone was the amount of wildlife we spied regularly. If you wish to see an elephant, you will spy an elephant – sometimes crossing the road right in front of you. It’s magical. Safaris and adventure tours revolve around the natural reserves and the Falls.
Final Impressions of Livingstone
Livingstone is vibrant and friendly and a gorgeous spot to visit. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. It was a once in a lifetime trip.
I visited Zambia as a guest of the UN Foundation’s advocacy organization Shot@Life. I received a fellowship to travel and share stories about health care in this country. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful.
17 Comments
Jacqui @FlightsFancyMom
This is a great post! I love hearing about the history and culture of different cultures and it sounds like Zambia has an interesting one. This is one of the places on my bucket list to travel to. I’m glad their economic situation turned around and more people are coming to visit. It looks like a beautiful country.
Alli
It’s good to hear that Livingstone is making a major turnaround. The falls are beautiful and I love that you can see elephants crossing the road in front of you.
candy
Zambia looks like a great place to visit for beautiful scenery and history. I won’t be going anytime soon so will have to enjoy the pictures from your trip.
lisa
This place looks so beautiful! I have never been to Zambia but I would love to go sometime. How amazing does this place look??
Sarah Bailey
Wow what an amazing sounding place and what a history it has behind it as well – I would love to visit for myself one day. x
Pam Wattenbarger
My husband has been wanting to take a tour across Africa. I bet he would love to visit Livingstone in Zambia. It sounds like an amazing experience.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
This looks like such a fabulous place to visit. I would love to take the family on a vacation here. Traveling is one of my passions for sure.
Destany
Looks like such a wonderful place to visit. I’m not much of a vacationer, but sometimes I see places and just want to go!
Liz Mays
Livingstone sounds like an incredible place and it’s good to hear that it has been doing well lately! Planning an adventure there would be amazing.
Lisa Favre
This place has a lot of historical background and from what you tell us, it’s quite interesting! Totally cool that you spotted wildlife here and there.
Stephanie Jeannot
I would love to visit Zambia. Your photos show it is a beautiful place to see up close and to get personal with it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful experiences with us.
Chubskulit Rose
Africa is one of the many places I want to visit someday with my family. Lots of things to see and learn.
Echo
It is wonderful to see economic turnaround! I would love to visit Victoria Falls someday! So beautiful!
Rebecca Swenor
Africa is a place I hope to visit some day and Livingstone would be a great destination it sounds like for sure. History has always interested my family and I so this would be amazing. I would love to go on a safari tour and it is on my bucket list too. Thanks for sharing all the history and information.
Paula
You are quite welcome! I hope you get there one day Rebecca!
Garf
This is an informative post. I have learned something new today. Thanks for sharing.
dani@lifeovereasy
Wow Paula – this seems like an amazing trip! Congrats on receiving the fellowship – what a great opportunity. This part of the world is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!