Livingstone's Third Mission

Kolobeng Mission, also known as Livingstone’s Third Mission, is a significant historical site located in Botswana’s Kweneng District, near the Kolobeng River. Positioned approximately 3 km west of Kumakwane and around 20 to 25 km west of Gaborone, it lies close to the Thamaga–Kanye Road and near the village of Mmankgodi.

David Livingstone was a missionary who traveled to Botswana with the goal of spreading Christianity. He also played a significant role in introducing education and improving healthcare in the region. His legacy continues to be honored through institutions named after him, such as the Scottish Livingstone Hospital and Livingstone Kolobeng College.

Established in 1847 by the Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone and his wife, Mary, Kolobeng was their third and final mission station. The site served multiple purposes: it functioned as a church, a school, and a home for the Livingstones. It also acted as a center for training and outreach among the local Bakwena people.

At Kolobeng, the Livingstones sought to spread Christianity, provide education and basic medical care, and promote agricultural development. Notably, David Livingstone introduced irrigation techniques in an effort to improve farming practices in the region.