Livingstone
Africa · Zambia
See also
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe17.93°S 25.83°E · 892 m
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Kasane
Botswana17.80°S 25.15°E · 970 m
Overview
Livingstone is Zambia's tourist capital and the primary gateway to Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. Formerly the capital of Zambia before the seat of government moved to Lusaka, this Southern Province city retains colonial charm and serves as the base for adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter tours over the falls.
Languages: English
Why Go
Livingstone is Zambia's tourist capital and the primary gateway to Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. Formerly the capital of Zambia before the seat of government moved to Lusaka, this Southern Province city retains colonial charm and serves as the base for adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter tours over the falls. The town offers a more laid-back atmosphere than its Zimbabwean counterpart across the border, with budget hostels, curio markets, and easy access to multiple African countries including Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) serves Livingstone with daily flights. Overland arrivals come via bus from Lusaka (approximately 8-10 hours) or from the Zimbabwe border at Victoria Falls. Shared taxis operate from the taxi depot near Shoprite Livingstone, with fares to Victoria Falls at ZK20 and to the Kazungula crossing with Botswana at ZK100. Cross-border options include buses to Sesheke on the Namibia border and shared taxis to Kasane, Botswana (approximately 1.5 hours).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
The city center is compact enough for walking, but the 10 km (6 mi) distance to Victoria Falls makes taxis necessary. Official taxis are blue with red number plates. A going rate to the falls is US$10 each way, though haggling can secure lower prices. Budget travelers can take shared minivans from the taxi depot across from Shoprite Livingstone, which wait until full before departing. Journeys to 5-star hotels cost substantially more.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
The best time to visit Livingstone is during the dry season from May to October, when water flow at Victoria Falls is lower and activities like bungee jumping and rafting are most reliable. The wet season (November to April) brings spectacular full cascades but some activities may be suspended due to high water levels. Avoid walking the 8 km to Victoria Falls during musk season when bull elephants become irritable and aggressive.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Livingstone offers accommodation across all budgets. Budget accommodation means under US$20/night, with dorm beds at Jollyboys Backpackers and Fawlty Towers both around US$12. Camping is available at Jollyboys Camp and Fawlty Towers. Mid-range options include Zig Zag Guesthouse (US$50 with breakfast) and Kozo Lodge (US$27 double with breakfast). Luxury properties like The Royal Livingstone and David Livingstone Safari Lodge cater to high-end travelers along the Zambezi River.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Livingstone offers diverse dining from Western fast food to authentic Zambian cuisine. Olga's Italian Corner serves the best food in town with pizzas and pasta up to $8, with profits supporting local youth programs. For local Zambian food, try Chanters Lodge for pepper steak or Sunrise in Kutaway for an authentic experience. Local nightlife centers on hostel bars like Hippos at Fawlty Towers, with clubs downtown playing local Congo music and Western hits. Stepright and Chez nTemba are popular evening spots.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Beyond Victoria Falls activities, Livingstone offers cultural attractions including the Livingstone Museum (US$5 for non-Zambians) showcasing natural history and Zambia's independence movement, and the Maramba Cultural Museum displaying traditional Zambian art. The Zambia Railway Museum honors the country's rail heritage. Evening entertainment includes LiPAF performances at Wasawange Hotel (US$25 per person) featuring traditional music and dance. Curio markets near town and the falls entrance offer souvenirs, though prices are higher than in outlying areas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Livingstone is generally safe for travelers, though caution is advised downtown at night due to limited street lighting and poverty. Avoid walking the 8 km to Victoria Falls, particularly at night or during elephant musk season. Currency exchange scams are common; use government bureaus or post office for exchanging money rather than accepting tout offers. Increasing numbers of Zimbabwean refugees have led to some tensions and occasional attacks. When rafting, verify guide credentials and ensure safety equipment is in good condition.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Daily budgets in Livingstone range from US$30-50 for budget travelers. Accommodation in dorms costs US$10-12, while budget meals run US$5-10. Activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter rides are significant expenses (typically US$100-200+). Many adventure activities require cash payment in US dollars, with credit card or kwacha payments charged at a premium. ATMs at Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered, and FNB accept Visa and Mastercard.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day Trips
Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is the primary day trip, accessible by taxi (US$10) or free shuttle from hostels. The safari town of Kasane in Botswana (1.5 hours by shared taxi) serves as gateway to Chobe National Park. From Kazungula, travelers can cross into Namibia via ferry or dugout canoe to Katimi Mulilo on the Caprivi Strip. The desolate Southern Province offers overland routes toward Namibia's border.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
From Livingstone, onward destinations include Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (walk across from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park), Lusaka by bus (8-10 hours), and Kasane, Botswana for Chobe National Park. The Namibia border crossing at Sesheke offers a dusty but memorable overland route. Cross-border ferries and dugout canoes connect to the Caprivi Strip, while Kazungula provides access to multiple Southern African destinations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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David Livingstone Safari Lodge
The banks of the mighty Zambezi have welcomed a breathtaking two-story 77-roomed hotel, comprising 72 river facing rooms and 5 luxurious suites. Historical English elements reflect in lofty scale with the rawness of texture, stone, wood and earth, contrasting with the richness of exotic gold, bronze, copper and ivory, once traded through ancient Arab routes. Price from US$150/pp.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Fawlty Towers Backpackers
Popular downtown hostel with pool, free pancakes at 15:00, and helpful staff who book activities.
Recorded price: Dorm US$12, double room $55-85
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Jollyboys Backpackers
Has a small campsite as well as dorm beds for US$10/night and up and private rooms with either shared or en suite bathrooms. It features a pool and a roofed viewing platform which lets you see the steam from the falls on a good day. There are also hammocks and mango trees if you feel like just lazing around. The bar serves breakfast and home cooked meals throughout the day, or a self-catering kitchen is also available. The well traveled staff can help answer questions and book activities. WiFi is available for purchase. There's a free shuttle to the falls every morning at 10:00.
Recorded price: $12
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Jollyboys Camp
Geared for a quieter crowd and tends to get a lot of families, school groups and mission groups. It is located about a 10-minute walk from the centre of town. Camp sites are available and dorm beds start at $12/night. Private rooms with shared or en suite bathrooms are also available. There's a playground for kids, a pool, and a campfire area. The bar serves breakfast and basic meals, and there's an open-air self-catering kitchen. The front desk can book activities. WiFi is available for purchase. There's a free shuttle to the falls each morning at 11:00. This is the quieter family-friendly version of Jollyboys Backpackers in town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Kozo Lodge Livingstone.
double room with own bathroom and breakfast.
Recorded price: US$27.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Olga's Accommodation
Coming soon. Run by the same organization as Olga's: The Italian Corner restaurant.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Royal Chundu Lodge
Opened in 2010 to five star standards. It is 50 km upstream from the Falls, away from the noise and hubbub of the Falls and Livingstone. There is one lodge with ten suites on stilts in the river, and one, which is 3 km upstream on a private island with four villas and its own private staff complement, boats, 15 km of navigable private river at over 1 km wide.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Stanley Safari Lodge
Overlooking the Zambezi, the Falls and the Elephant Drinking Place. Very luxurious.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Activities
Major activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter rides require cash payment in US dollars. Book through your hostel for reputation-verified operators.
Connectivity
WiFi is available at many hostels and cafes, sometimes for purchase. Local SIM cards are available for mobile connectivity.
Etiquette
Bargaining is expected at curio markets. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Dress modestly when visiting markets and local areas.
Money
US dollars are widely accepted for activities and accommodation, often preferred over local kwacha. ATMs at Stanbic, Standard Chartered, and FNB accept Visa and Mastercard. Currency exchange touts may offer deceptive rates; use government bureaus or post office instead.
Safety
Avoid walking downtown at night due to limited street lighting. Do not walk the 8km to Victoria Falls, especially during elephant musk season. Verify rafting guides' credentials before booking.
Transport
Taxis to Victoria Falls cost approximately US$10 each way. Shared minivans to Victoria Falls are ZK20, to Kazungula Botswana ZK100. Budget for taxi transport as walking the 10km to the falls is not recommended.