Nkhotakota: The story of the Livingstone Trees

The Livingstone Trees give Nkhotakota a tangible historical point of reference. They are associated with a story that mentions David Livingstone, Jumbe, and other Chewa chiefs. In this way, the story connects a rest and a meeting with the subject of the slave trade.

What the story tells

According to the story, David Livingstone is said to have rested beneath the trees and met Jumbe and other Chewa chiefs. A treaty to end the slave trade is said to have been concluded at this meeting. For travellers who want to include historical themes in their holiday, this story offers a clear point of reference. With children, it can prompt a conversation about historical memory and the slave trade.

Culture in the wider destination of the Central Region

The Chamare Museum displays Gule Wamkulu masks and structures, which serve the Chewa as bearers of the moral teachings of their ancestors. The museum also presents the history of the Mua Mission and explores the relationship between faith and culture, known as inculturation. Its collection includes cultural artefacts of the Ngoni and Yao. The exhibition on the Chewa, Ngoni, and Yao also features detailed photographs and explanations by Claude Boucher Chisale. Together, these themes offer different perspectives: from cultural teachings and the history of a mission to portrayals of different communities.

Another cultural focus is the Chongoni Rock-Art Area, with 127 sites in wooded granite hills on the plateau of central Malawi. Chewa farmers practised rock painting there until well into the 20th century. The sites remain connected with Chewa ceremonies and rituals. The history of the rock art thus spans both its earlier practice and an enduring cultural connection.

The vast majority of Chongoni sites lie within the area boundary, which coincides with the boundary of the Chongoni Forest Reserve. Five of the 127 designated sites lie outside this boundary but within the buffer zone. This distinction describes how the designated sites are situated in relation to the boundaries of the area and its buffer zone.

At Kungoni, another form of cultural experience takes centre stage: visitors are welcome to watch the carvers at work in the botanical garden on the Kungoni grounds. Much of their work takes place there in full public view. The focus is therefore on the carving process, complementing the perspectives offered by museum collections and rock art.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When planning your holiday, it helps to compare these themes: in Nkhotakota, the story of the Livingstone Trees takes centre stage; in the wider destination of the Central Region, the Chamare Museum, Chongoni, and Kungoni offer different cultural perspectives. Consider which focus best suits your travel interests, and base your search for a holiday apartment on the destination you want to explore.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bowa, Kasungu, Salima.

Back to the wider travel overview: Central Region.