Overview

Livingstone is a historical colonial city in the south of Zambia, right at the border with Zimbabwe. Formerly known as Maramba, it was the capital of Zambia before it was moved to Lusaka. The town was founded in 1905 and named after David Livingstone who was a Scottish explorer and the first to explore the area. It has preserved much of its colonial character, but is a typical African town with a busy charm.

Livingstone is located in the South west Province of Zambia close to the Zambezi river. As the main hub to Victoria Falls, Zambezi River activities, and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Livingstone has good infrastructure and services. It is rich in scenery and heritage, and has become the tourist heart of Zambia.

Must See - Victoria Falls

A trip to Victoria Falls is a MUST. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates as "the smoke that thunders, " these magnificent waterfalls are a must-see for anyone visiting Zambia. As you approach Victoria Falls, you'll hear the roar of the water long before you see it and you might feel it too.

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, divided between Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe. With its width and length combined, Victoria Falls has the largest sheet of falling water in the world that cascades 650 million liters of water every minute. The spays from the pounding water rise more than 60 feet into the air before tumbling down to create 24 hours of solid rain, so it is said that it rains at Victoria Falls all day.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a helicopter tour over the falls for a bird's-eye view of this incredible natural wonder. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour on foot. It is well worth it to experience the falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwe sides as each offers a different perspective and vantage point.

Other Sights

Explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Located just a few miles from the edge of Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park covers an area of over 50 square miles and is home to a variety of animals, including zebras, giraffes, elephants, birds, and buffalo. Visiting Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park at the same time goes hand in hand.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is also home to a successful rhino breeding program allowing visitors to get up close as part of a walking safari.

Experience the Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island Tour. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It is only available from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. If you are adventurous this immersive adventure experience is definitely meant for you. Just imagine yourself at the edge of the waterfall flowing 650 million liters of water per minute. A trip to the pool is accessible only on guided boat tours operated by Tongabezi Safaris which is the only company that has been issued with an exclusive operators license to conduct the Livingstone Island and Devil's swimming pool tours. As it is a protected area only 24 people are allowed at a time.

Livingstone Island is an unmissable island in the Zambezi River. 2 - 3 feet from the top of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. You will have the opportunity to stand in shallow water from where the water gushes over the edge of the falls.

Take in a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. The Zambezi River is one of the most iconic rivers in Africa. As you glide down the river, you'll be able to watch the sun dip below the horizon and spot wildlife along the riverbanks, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Many tour operators offer sunset cruises that include drinks and snacks (which can vary in quality.)

Learn about local history at the Livingston Museum. If you're interested in learning more about the history and culture of Zambia, a visit to the Livingstone Museum should be on your list. The museum is located in central Livingstone and features exhibits on the region's geology, archaeology, and ethnography. A must-see collection of artifacts relates to David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer who was the first European to see Victoria Falls. The museum houses many of his original artifacts, including his belongings and journals.

Learn how the area grew in size and importance at the Railway and Gateway Jewish Museum. The Railway Museum is located in the heart of Livingston and is dedicated to the history of rail transportation in Zambia. The museum has a collection of vintage locomotives, carriages, and other railway artifacts, as well as exhibits on the history of the railway industry in Zambia.

Its sister museum is the Gateway Jewish Museum and it’s a fascinating spot to check out. It offers a look at how Livingston’s Jewish community came to settle in the region from Lithuania from the late 1800s onward. It’s just one of several sites related to Livingston’s Jewish heritage, which also includes the Jewish cemetery and the country’s first synagogue, which is now a church.

Visit Mukuni Village located just outside Livingston, Mukuni isn't a tourist attraction but an actual village that welcomes tourists to come and learn about their food, clothing, dance, and more. The village is well known for its large outdoor market where local artisans sell their handmade crafts. You can find everything from carved wooden figurines to beaded jewelry to handwoven baskets. This is a great place to grab some souvenirs to bring home to family and friends.

Adventure Activities

White Water Rafting - The turbulant waters south of Victoria Falls provide 18 of the world's best rapids. Several outfitters offer rafting opportunities to take the courageous down the river. You can finish on a lovely sandy beach and then there is a cable car at the end of the day to get you out of the steep gorge.

Go Bungi Jumping from the bridge spanning Zambia and Zimbabwe. The location offers a spectacular view of the Falls.

Take a helicopter Flight over the Falls. This is a remarkable way to see the falls and is strongly recommended. Many companies combine the stunning view of the falls with flights over the gorge and game viewing over Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This is also a neat way to see the Zambezi River.

Another way to get a birds-eye-view- is by taking microflight rides over the fall. This provides a much closer view of the falls than the helicopter ride, but it does not give you as broad of a view.

River Safaris – Quiet jet-propelled boats take you into remote parts of the upper Zambezi.

Fishing – Spend a day on the magnificent Upper Zambezi River – pitting your skills against the ferocious Tiger Fish or delicious bream as well as various other fish that the Zambezi has to offer.

Abseiling and Gorge Swinging – Decend off the sheer cliffs of the Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls.