Overview:

The Livingstone Memorial in Botswana is a stone monument that stands near the town of Kasane in the northern region of the country. Originally constructed in 1925 in honour of the 19th century explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone, it has since become a popular tourist site. Built by local tribes and administered by the Botswana Government, the memorial is a tangible reminder of the colonial past and its effects on Botswanan culture and society. The monument is made from granite and consists of a larger central pillar with an iron plate engraved with Livingstone’s name and dates of his missionary career. A smaller adjoining column contains a plaque with a brief biography of the doctor. Visitors to the site will also find a botanical garden, labyrinth and museum nearby. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Botswana
Prominent Features:

The Livingstone Memorial is a prominent statue in Botswana located in Victoria Falls. It was erected in 1934 to commemorate the Explorer and Christian missionary David Livingstone's visit to the Victoria Falls area in 1855. The statue stands 9m (30ft) tall and is made of cast bronze with a rectangular granite plinth. It was sculpted by the Italian artist Mario Rutelli and was unveiled by King Edward VIII on his visit to the region in April 1934. The monument depicts Livingstone walking forward, looking up and pointing with his left hand. The base of the statue is engraved with Livingstone's famous quote "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight". The memorial is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, who often come to pay their respects to this legendary historical figure and take pictures of the impressive monument. This national monument of Botswana portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Livingstone Memorial in Botswana was erected to commemorate the memory of the famous Scottish missionary and explorer, Dr. David Livingstone. It stands on a hilltop near the village of Pandamatenga, about 40 kilometres north of the Botswana border town of Kasane. The memorial was funded by public donations and built by local craftsmen. The Livingstone Memorial first came to prominence after the completion of its grandiose tower in 1889. It was modelled after the Biblical Tower of Babel. The 24-metre high tower is made from a sandstone decoration that was originally painted white. It is topped with an openwork cast iron cross that rises an additional four metres. At the foot of the tower stands a granite monument inscribed with the words of Livingstone's famous speech; “The Path of Duty is the Way to Glory”. The memorial was intended to preserve and promote Livingstone’s memory for future generations. It opens to the public daily and contains various exhibits displaying Livingstone’s accomplishments as both a scientist and an explorer. It also includes an interactive display that explains Livingstone’s explorations of Africa’s interior. Today the Livingstone Memorial is a popular local tourist destination. It is visited by hundreds of tourists each year, who come to marvel at its grandeur and also learn more about the accomplishments of David Livingstone. You must visit one of these historical places in Botswana on your Botswana tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Livingstone Memorial is located in the town of Kolobeng, about 140 km west of the Botswana capital of Gaborone. 2. It is a memorial to the famous 19th century Scottish explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone. 3. The monument is made up of two parts - an obelisk and a museum. 4. The obelisk is 6.6 meters tall and is made of red granite. It was unveiled in 1895 by the then British High Commissioner of Southern Africa, Sir Alfred Milner. 5. The museum was built in 1932 and it houses some of Livingstone's belongings, including his travelling medicine chest, Bible and pipe. 6. Other artefacts in the museum include documents, photographs, sculptures and letters. 7. The monument is visited by many tourists and schoolchildren every year, who come to learn more about the heroic explorer. Visit one of the famous monuments of Botswana with your friends and family.