Livingstone Town is the Zambian side of the mighty Victoria Falls; a small town and the perfect base for the exploration of this natural wonder. The town still retains its original charm and rustic merits.
Named after the famous Victorian missionary explorer, Dr. David Livingstone; who explored this area extensively, Livingstone Town was established in 1905.
As a major European settlement, being close to the Zambezi River crossing over to Southern Rhodesia; the town was made the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. As the capital, it enjoyed excellent facilities. Far superior to anything elsewhere in the country. This can be seen from the surviving Edwardian buildings that line the city’s main road. The capital was moved to Lusaka in 1935 and the once-bustling city; has become a quiet town. It still retains a special charm.
There are many markets in Livingstone making and selling everything under the sun. A stop at the Mukuni Park Curio Market is not to be missed! Find yourself a unique, Zambian-produced craft as a memento of your holiday. There is also a Reptile Park with large specimens of Crocs and snakes.
Fly directly into Livingstone airport. Or you can fly into Victoria Falls Airport and take a transfer to across the bridge over Victoria Falls into Livingstone. Check visa requirements.
About the Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River. Forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Described by the Kololo tribe who were living in the area in the 1800s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’. This means ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. Columns of spray can be seen from miles away. At the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge. Over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a gorge over one hundred meters below.
The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent.
Facing the Falls is another sheer wall of basalt, rising to the same height, and capped by mist-soaked rain forest. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor prepared to brave the tremendous spray; in high season; with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls.
One special vantage point is across the Knife-edge Bridge. Here visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls. As well as the Boiling Pot; where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include Livingstone Island, the Falls Bridge, Devils Pool, and the Lookout Tree. Both of which command panoramic views across the Main Falls.
When to visit the Livingstone side of Victoria Falls?
The Victoria Falls are in peak flood around March and April. This is when the full power of the Falls can be experienced in all its glory. Due to the masses of spray rising from the fallen water; the full width of the Falls cannot be seen on foot and you are sure to get drenched! The aerial view at this time is spectacular, with clouds of spray rising high into the sky.
The Zambian side of Victoria Falls in the high season
As the floods abate, the view of the Falls gets better and better through the year. At its lowest; around November and December (or earlier/later); the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge. And in many places along the 1,7km width; there is no water at all. At this time; the view of the impressive cliffs that form the Falls wall, and the magnitude of the abyss; can be fully appreciated.
Victoria Falls in the dry season – the spray you see is on the Zimbabwe side
It is important to consider the water levels when planning your trip. At this time of year; we encourage all guests staying on the Livingstone side to ensure they purchase a KAZA Visa for Zambia and Zimbabwe. A short walk from the Falls on the Zambian side, through passport control, you can enter Zimbabwe to view their side of Victoria Falls. There is still plenty of water there so you can appreciate the might of the Zambezi.
Livingstone activities
If action, adventure, and a small pump of adrenaline are your thing; then why not experience it all while visiting the adventure capital of southern Africa?
The wide, basalt cliff of the falls and its series of dramatic gorges allows for a multitude of adventures. There are several adventure companies offering river boarding, and white water rafting, etc. Not to mention bungee jumping for all the dare-devils!
Else, head to Livingstone Island to swim in Devil’s Pool or Angels Pool; on the edge of the Falls! The Devil’s Pool is usually open between the middle of August and the middle of January. This depends on Zambezi water levels. Angel’s Pool opens just before the water levels get too high. From about the middle of March to around the middle of June.
Micro-lighting or helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are extremely rewarding too.
Zambezi sunsets are stunning and a cruise on the upper Zambezi is a must on any trip to Livingstone. There are many options from breakfast, lunch, or sunset cruises, more social ‘booze cruises’ to more luxurious, relaxed experiences. These boats will take you along the Zambezi River; where you can glimpse hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, and more.
Obviously, there are guided tours to the falls and the various viewpoints. Although you can do this on your own if you wish. It is not expensive to have the guided tour so we would recommend it.
Game drives in the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This is the smallest National Park in Zambia. It is home to a good number of plains game; such as buffalo, giraffe, and zebra. And various species of antelope for example impala and waterbuck (to name two). Other interesting inhabitants range from small to large such as warthog and elephants; who pass through whenever they feel like it. This park is also home to several white rhinos; the only ones in Zambia. However; you need to do a Game Walk to see them. This park is too close to town to allow for large predators to live there; so don’t look for lions and leopards!
People travel to Africa from all over the world to see the Schalow’s Loerie and the African Finfoot. Other birds to try and spot in the area include the African Skimmer and native Fish Eagle; while the Taita Falcon and Black Eagle can be found in the gorges below the Victoria Falls.
Museums and history
The Livingstone Museum is the country’s biggest and oldest museum, dating back to the 1930s. It has five sections. The Archaeology Gallery describes human evolution and cultural development in Zambia from Stone Age to Iron Age. The Ethnography and Art Gallery shows objects relating to the different cultures of the country including handicrafts and musical instruments. The History Gallery includes the origins of the Bantu people, the development of British colonial rule; and the attainment of independence. It also houses a large collection of David Livingstone memorabilia; donated by the Livingstone family.
For steam engine enthusiasts; the Railway Museum in Chishimba Falls Road holds some fine examples of Zambia’s railway heritage. Including old steam locomotives and vintage coaches. To the tiniest railway memorabilia and old photographs illustrating life in the pioneer days of the town. This also houses a small section called Gateway Jewish Museum. This museum offers an insight to Livingstone’s Jewish community who settled here in the 1890s; via South Africa after fleeing persecution from Lithuania. The town saw an influx of European immigrants during the next 50 years, including those fleeing WWII.
Tongabezi Lodge and Tangala House are 12kms upstream of Victoria Falls, romantic and luxury accommodation for honeymooners and families or for an extra special occasion
The River Club is a boutique, owner-run luxury lodge on the Zambezi River; just outside Livingstone and the mighty Victoria Falls. Kosher kitchens are available too.
