Huw Jones: my ties to Zambia and the legacy of David Livingstone

The idea of embarking on the David Livingstone expedition has been on my mind for many years, dating back to my time as a safari guide in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley.

In 1866, Livingstone crossed the Luangwa River during his epic journey to find the source of the Nile and expose the world to the ongoing horrors of the Arab-led slave trade in the region.

I am deeply inspired by Livingstone’s history—his mission to end slavery, his courage and love for adventure, and his profound respect for African people and culture. He particularly admired the resilience, hospitality, and communal spirit of those he met along the way—values that resonate with my own experiences of living in and around rural communities in this region for many years.

This expedition presents a valuable opportunity for us, as a charity, to reconnect with many of the remote communities and health centres we support.

This journey will allow us to bring essential specialist training in trauma care, provided by a volunteer UK paramedic, as well as expertise in managing snake bites to enhance our existing remote diagnosis & treatment advice service.

I’m especially eager to share the wonders of Zambia with the rest of the team—particularly the communities and wildlife of the Luangwa Valley, a place that holds a special place in my heart and was my home for many years.

It’s also a chance to reconnect with old friends in the communities I haven’t visited in far too long. While I can’t deny that this expedition is also a bit of an adventure, it’s an adventure with a meaningful purpose, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to every moment of it!

To find out more about the expedition visit the official website:

www.livingstonerevisited.com