Kolobeng Mission: Livingstone's Botswana Outpost

Kolobeng Mission, also known as the Livingstone Memorial, marks the site of David Livingstone's third and final mission station, established in 1847. Located near Mmankgodi, approximately 25 kilometers west of Gaborone, Botswana, it offers a glimpse into the life and work of the famous Scottish missionary and explorer.Livingstone, accompanied by his wife Mary and their children, aimed to convert the local Bakwena people to Christianity, provide education and medical assistance, and improve their living conditions. He also sought to establish trade routes to combat the slave trade. At Kolobeng, Livingstone converted Sechele I, the chief of the Bakwena, and taught the community irrigation techniques using the Kolobeng River.However, the mission faced challenges, including a severe drought in 1848, which strained relations between Livingstone and the Bakwena. In 1852, Boer farmers attacked the settlement during the Battle of Dimawe, leading to the mission's abandonment. Today, visitors can explore the remaining foundations of the church, Livingstone's house, and the irrigation system. A modest grave marks the resting place of Livingstone's infant daughter, Elizabeth. The site is preserved by the Department of National Museum and Monuments under Botswana's Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism.