Livingstone

Quick Facts

• Founded in - 1905
• Became a Capital – 1911
• Named after – David Livingstone
• Other Name – Maramba
• Area – 695 square kilometres
• Province – Southern Province
• Number of Tourists visiting – Over 2 million

History of Livingstone

Old Drift was the original name of Livingstone, and primarily it owed its existence to Victoria Falls. This small town was named after David Livingstone, who was the first European to discover Victoria Falls, the largest falling sheet of water.

It was the David Livingstone explorer's Journey that paved the way for other missionaries, and traders to come and live in this city.

In 1905, Livingstone has founded was close to the Zambezi River. And then 1907, and again in 1911, this city became the capital of Zambia. But it did not last forever. Tragically in 1935, the capital of Zambia was moved to Lusaka.

Livingstone is no more the capital of Zambia, but it owes its glory as the Tourists Capital and it will always hold this title.

On your Livingstone Tours, you will find how this city resembles its colonial history. This city has a lot of buildings which were built in the first decade, and are still in use.

Best time to visit Livingstone

The Best Time to Visit Livingstone depends on your preferences and what you want to do while you're there. The dry season, from May to October, is the most popular time to visit, as it offers clear skies and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for activities such as visiting Victoria Falls, game drives, and river cruises.

However, if you're interested in seeing Victoria Falls at its fullest and most spectacular, the best time to visit is during the rainy season, from November to April. During this time, the falls are at their peak, with a massive volume of water cascading over the edge.

The downside of visiting during this time is that the trails can be slippery, and there may be more mosquitoes and other bugs around.

Below is a monthly weather pattern of Livingstone.

Overall, the best time to visit Livingstone is during the dry season, as the weather is pleasant, and there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. But if you're specifically interested in seeing Victoria Falls at its peak, the rainy season is the way to go.

Getting in and around Livingstone

Getting into

Livingstone can be accessed by three modes of transportation, air, rail and road. But air medium is the most convenient way.

By Air

For travellers coming from outside of Zambia, flying into Livingstone Airport Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport,  is by far the best option.  This airport provides services to many international and national airlines.

And it is the best part of flying into Livingstone Airport (LVI), it is cheaper than to Victoria Falls. This airport is also just 15 mins drive away from the centre of Livingstone.

You can also fly to this airport, through connecting flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi and Lusaka.

Flight Schedules

Below are detailed flight schedules of the airlines that fly into Livingstone Airport.

Kenya Airways (KQ)

ProFlight Zambia (P0)

SA Airlink (4Z)

Note - This flight schedule was last updated on 16th November 2022. So, we advise you check the updated schedule before booking flights for your Livingstone Tour.

Getting Around

A taxi is the best way out for getting around Livingstone. They’re easily accessible and can be found everywhere. Colored in blue most of the taxis are not metered. But there is a price range that you can get from the civic centre in Livingstone.

If you’re worried about airport transfers, Falcon Safaris will arrange your airport transfers seamlessly.  One of our experienced guides will pick you up right at the airport and drop you exactly at the doorstep of your lodges or hotels.

Advice from our experts

Driving in Livingstone is safe during the daytime, but we strictly advise you to avoid driving at night. And more importantly, keep your driving license and vehicle registration documents with you.

People, Language & Culture

Livingstone has a diverse culture and tradition and the people of Livingstone are also some of the friendliest people in Africa.

People-

Livingstone is home to more than 70 ethnically diverse people. The majority of people in Livingstone are Tonga Baleya (Leya people) and Lunda people. Tonga Baleya people live in the surrounding area of Mosi Oa Tunya. And Mosi Oa Tunya is an integral part of this indigenous tribe.You can discover learn about their way of living during your Livingstone Tour.

Language-

English is the official language of Livingstone. Other than English, the most commonly spoken local languages are Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Luvale, Lunda, Kanode and Lozi. Among all these local languages, Tonga is widely spoken.

Culture

During your Livingstone Tour, you can discover the vast and dynamic culture of this city. You can explore the Livingstone Museum which displays memorabilia of David Livingstone.

You can also pay a visit to the Railway Museum, which displays Zambia’s railway heritage. And it holds an exhibition on the history of Zambia’s Jew people.

Food & Drinks in Livingstone

Foods & Drinks in Livingstone is a fusion of both local and international cuisine. Starting with seafood to delicious pizza and plates of pasta, there are vast choices of food that visitors can taste during their Zambia Holidays.

Many restaurants located across the city serve a wide range of food and drinks.

If you’re looking for an authentic dining experience during your Livingstone Tours, then the Mukuni Village is the only way to go.  In this village, you can really taste the traditional food and beer.

Note - Traditional food dining experience in Mukuni village can be pre-arranged and needs advance booking.

Wildlife in and around Livingstone

Victoria Falls is not the only reason to visit Livingstone, as you start exploring Livingstone, you will find a lot of national parks offering an exceptional safari experience. Below we have mentioned the five best national parks that should not miss while on your Livingstone Tours.

The first one is

Mosi – oa – Tunya National Park

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mosi- oa – Tunya National Park is located right beside Victoria Falls. Even after being the smallest national park in Zambia, this national park is home to a diverse range of animals.

During your game drive in Mosi- oa Tunya National Park, you can spot the migratory elephants that come to this national park in the dry season from Zimbabwe.

Some other animals include white rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra, bushbuck, warthogs, monkeys and many others. Hippos and crocodiles are also permanent members of its wildlife family.

• The Best Time to Visit – June to September.
• Activities you can take part in- walking safaris, game drives

South Luangwa National Park

A Livingstone Safari is incomplete without visiting the South Luangwa National Park. Being home to ample wildlife and unspoiled vegetation, game drives in the national parks let you taste the real African wilderness.  

A large herd of wildlife like elephants, Cape buffalo, hippo, lion, impala, spotted hyenas, and the greater kudu and eland can be found in this National Park. This is where you can also spot the famous African Big Four (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard), unfortunately, you cannot spot any rhino species in South Luangwa National Park.

• The best time to visit – April to October.
• Activities in South Luangwa National Park- game drives, bird-watching and walking safaris

Kafue National Park

Covering an area of 8648 miles, Kafue National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Zambia. This national park boasts an outstanding diversity of wildlife such as lions, Hartebeest, Zebra, Buffalo, and hippos. Wild dogs and cheetahs are also very commonly spotted animals.

• Best time to visit – April to October, these months are perfect for wildlife spotting.
• Activities – Canoe Safaris and Game Drives
  
  

Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National Park is located on the northern bank of the Zambezi River. Being home to thousands of animals, this national park offers an incredible game-viewing experience.

      And, a typical game drive in this national park lets you spot a wide range of wildlife like elephants, cheetahs, leopards, lions and hippos. Lower Zambezi National Park is also considered one of the best birding destinations in Zambia.

• Best time to visit – June to September
• Activities – Birding, canoe safaris and game drives
  

Liuwa Plains National Park

Located far west of Zambia this park is a unique combination of scenic surroundings and unspoiled wilderness. This is where you can spot finest Zambia Wildlife. Some famously known species are Wild Dogs, hyenas, jackals and wildcats.

• Best time to visit – August to December
• Activity – Game Drives

Places to Discover in Livingstone

Livingstone, located in the heart of Zambia, is one most visited destination in Zambia. It is often regarded as the gateway to African adventure. This city is associated with rich history and culture.

From adventure hotspot Victoria Falls to wildlife hubs like Kafue National Park, this vibrant city has many places that you can discover on Livingstone Tour.

Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders

Visiting Victoria Falls is perhaps one of the top reasons, that draws a large number of visitors. This Falls is located just 11 km away from the city centre.

No doubt that Victoria Falls offers a magnificent view, but this is not the only reason that makes it stand out. The real reason is the adrenaline adventure. It starts with White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, and the list end goes on.  If you’re curious about the Victoria Falls adventure activities you can check out this page-

https://falconsafaris.com/victoria-falls-activities

Mosi- oa – Tunya National Park

Wildlife, scenery and adventure, are three words that exactly describe the Mosi – oa – Tunya National Park. This national park is known for its white rhino population. Other than this national park is home to an abundant population of elephants, zebra, giraffes, buffalo and other antelope species.

A Livingstone Safaris in Mosi- oa – Tunya National Pak is the best way to explore it vast wildlife roaming freely around the park.

Note- The Bush walk in this Mosi- oa-Tunya National Park is the best way to spot white rhinos.

Railway & Gateway Jewish Museum

If ancient history and culture fascinate you, then visit Railway &Gateway Jewish Museum during your Livingstone Tours. These two places count as a great attraction in Livingstone and let you learn the history and culture of Livingstone.

The Jewish Museum takes you to a flashback to 1890, when the Jews come from South Africa come to Livingstone for settlement.  And in Railway Museum, visitors can see the 19^th-century steam engine and the clamber.

Mukuni Research Centre

The Mukuni Research Centre offers an amazing opportunity to observe nature from very close. The primary purpose of this research centre is to educate visitors about the behaviour and conservation of wild animals.  Visitors during the Livingstone Tours take part in various programmes like cheetah walks, and lion interaction in Mukuni Research Centre.

By interacting with these animals, visitors can get a better understanding of nature.

Livingstone Island

Open in 1992, Livingstone Island is the perfect spot for an excursion to Victoria Falls. On this Livingstone Island Tour, you can feel the current of the Zambezi River.

The Livingstone Island tour takes you to close the natural habitat and gives you a truly memorable experience. The best time to plan this Island tour is the dry months when the water level is low. It takes only 5 to 8 minutes by boat ride through the Zambezi River.

The Zambezi River

Last but not least, the Zambezi River offers some of the most thrilling adventures. This is where can enjoy the most daring adventures like river rafting, canoeing and cruising. Both parts, the upper and lower Zambezi offers unique experiences.

While the upper Zambezi is best for the fishing, the lower Zambezi lets you spot wildlife on a safari tour.

Things to Do in Livingstone

From wildlife to adventure, a Livingstone Tour gives you a chance to participate in a wide range of activities. No matter what you love wildlife or adventure, this city is everything for everyone.

You can take part in a safari in Mosi–oa–Tunya National Park or you can go for an adventure in Victoria Falls. Here are some of the best-recommended Things To Do In Livingstone.

• Visit Victoria Falls:

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it is the main attraction in Livingstone. You can take a tour of the falls, and even go on a rafting trip down the Zambezi River.

• Go on a sunset cruise: There are several sunset cruise options on the Zambezi River, and it is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery while sipping on a drink.

• Visit the Livingstone Museum: The Livingstone Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Zambia. The museum has exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and natural history.

• Take a safari: There are several national parks and game reserves in the area, including the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where you can see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.

• Visit Mukuni Village: Mukuni Village is a traditional village that offers visitors the chance to experience Zambian culture firsthand. You can learn about traditional customs and beliefs, and even see a traditional dance performance.

• Go bungee jumping: Livingstone is home to one of the world's highest bungee jumps. It is not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, this is the activity for you.

• Visit the markets: Livingstone has several markets where you can buy souvenirs, arts and crafts, and traditional clothing.

• Take a helicopter ride: A helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls is a great way to see the falls from a different perspective. April to May is the best time for a Helicopter Tours over Victoria Falls.

• Visit the crocodile farm: The Crocodile Farm is a great place to see these reptiles up close. You can also take a guided tour of the farm to learn more about crocodile breeding.

• Relax: Livingstone is a great place to unwind and relax. There are several spas and wellness centres in the area where you can pamper yourself with a massage or a yoga class.

Also these should be added on the Things To Do In Zambia.

Accommodation in Livingstone

Livingstone Tour, Zambia offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the popular choices:

• Hotels:
  

There are several hotels in Livingstone ranging from luxury hotels to mid-range options. Many of these hotels offer amenities such as swimming pouls, restaurants, and bars.

• Guesthouses:

Guesthouses are a popular choice for travelers looking for a more personal experience. They offer a range of rooms, from basic to luxury, and often include breakfast in the price.

• Lodges:

Lodges are a great option for those who want to be close to nature. Many of the lodges in Livingstone are located in or near national parks or game reserves.

• Campsites:

Camping is a popular option for those on a budget or for those who want to experience the outdoors. There are several campsites in and around Livingstone that offer basic facilities such as showers and toilets.

• Backpacker hostels:

Livingstone has several backpacker hostels that are popular with budget travellers. These hostels offer dormitory-style accommodation and often have communal areas for socializing.

• Safari lodges:

For those looking for a luxury experience, several safari lodges in and around Livingstone offer all-inclusive packages, including game drives and other activities.

No matter what your budget or preference is, Livingstone has a variety of accommodation options to choose from. For more check our Zambia Accommodations.

Final Thought

Livingstone is a vibrant town with a relaxed atmosphere, and a Livingstone Tours offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Livingstone is a great destination to visit on Zambia Safaris.