The Last Journals of David Livingstone, in Central Africa

Livingstone had been in Africa for over 20 years, exploring the continent and mapping its rivers and lakes. In 1865, he set out on his fourth and final expedition, determined to find the headwaters of the Nile River. However, the journey was fraught with difficulties, including illness, desertion by his porters, and hostile tribes.

Despite these setbacks, Livingstone persevered, and in 1866 he reached Lake Tanganyika. He believed that this was the most likely source of the Nile, but he was unable to confirm his hypothesis due to lack of resources.

Livingstone continued to explore the region, but his health deteriorated rapidly. In 1871, he met with the American journalist Henry Morton Stanley, who had been sent to find him. Stanley provided Livingstone with supplies and medical assistance, but the explorer refused to give up his quest.

In 1873, Livingstone died of malaria in the village of Chitambo, in present-day Zambia. His body was carried back to the coast by his faithful servants, and eventually shipped back to Britain for burial.

Livingstone's last journals are a remarkable document of human endurance and perseverance. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a great explorer, and they also offer a valuable record of the people and places of Central Africa in the 19th century.

In addition to its historical significance, Livingstone's journals are also a beautifully written account of his travels. Livingstone was a gifted writer, and his journals are full of vivid descriptions of the landscapes and people he encountered. He was also a keen observer of human nature, and his journals offer insights into the cultures of the African tribes he met.