Livingstonia
Livingstonia, a missionary settlement established in 1894 by Robert Lowes, David Livingstone’s disciple and successor, sits high above Lake Malawi, offering striking views of Tanzania.
General Information
David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, visited Lake Nyasa in 1859 and was appalled by the slave trade there. Returning to Europe, he brought the situation to public attention, and by 1873 there were already two settlements of Presbyterian missionaries in the area.
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Missionary activity, the threat of Portuguese aggression, and the influence of Cecil Rhodes led Britain to send its consul to the region in 1883 and to form the county of Highlands Protectorate there in 1889. In 1891, the British Protectorate of Central Africa (known from 1907 to 1964 as Nyasaland) included most of Malawi.
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During 1890, Britain advocated an end to the slave trade in the protectorate, but slaves continued to be exploited on coffee plantations. Uprisings constantly broke out in the region, the largest occurring in 1915.
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The stone house where Robert Lohse lived can still be rented today for one night to enjoy the pleasant historical setting. In addition to the marvelous scenery, Livingstonia is a good place to see the church, built in 1894 in the Scottish style. There are also interesting display cases depicting David Livingstone’s arrival on Lake Malawi. Of interest are the bell cast in Lowes’ honor and the stone cave where Dr. Lowes camped during his first overnight stay on the plateau. Nearby is the David Gordon Memorial Hospital, once one of the largest hospitals in Central Africa.
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