The Gateway to Victoria Falls: Things to do on safari in Livingstone, Zambia

Nestled on the banks of the sacred Zambezi River and gazing southwest toward the vast Zambezi National Park, Livingstone, Zambia, exudes old-world charm and natural beauty with a rustic authenticity. With its rich blend of history and culture, Livingstone lures the discerning traveler on a journey of discovery into one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring feats of nature.

As the gateway to the magnificent Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or "the smoke that thunders," Livingstone offers an unparalleled combination of adventure, relaxation and cultural enrichment. Follow along as we delve into the heart of the city and the wealth of experiences that await ROAR AFRICA guests in Zambia.

Getting to Know Livingstone, Zambia

Located in the very south of Zambia on the border with ROAR AFRICA founder, Deborah Calmeyer’s homeland of Zimbabwe, Livingstone was the capital of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) while the territory was under British rule. Dr. David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer for whom Livingstone was named in 1905, is known as the first European to set eyes on nearby Victoria Falls. David Livingstone’s stories and positive impressions about his missionary travels helped bring international attention to Livingstone, cementing its reputation as the gateway to a Wonder of the World.

Though Livingstone is no longer Zambia’s capital, its colonial-era character remains: Edwardian buildings still line the roads, and a vast collection of David Livingstone letters and memorabilia can be found in the Livingstone Museum. Stepping back in time is not difficult in this city—the town did not have a single traffic light prior to 2011.

Planning Your Trip to Livingstone, Zambia: Travel Tips and Essentials to Know

When is the best time to visit Livingstone, Zambia?

An adventure on the Zambezi River is the highlight of any luxury Zambia safari with ROAR AFRICA. To make the most of your time in Zambia, we recommend planning your trip for late August or early September. Livingstone’s weather is mild during this later period of the dry season, while water levels are low enough for safe rafting on the Zambezi River. During this time, the Devil’s Pool is often open for a daring, wildly beautiful dip on the edge of Victoria Falls.

How do you get to Livingstone, Zambia?

Direct flights from Nairobi, Cape Town, Johannesburg and other cities make their way to Livingstone’s Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport on a regular basis. From the airport, you can get to Victoria Falls and Livingstone’s best safari lodges in half an hour or less.

What are the best hotels in Livingstone, Zambia?

At ROAR AFRICA, we give travelers unrivaled access to Africa’s top safari accommodations, choosing only those that are luxuriously comfortable, situated in breathtaking natural landscapes and committed to high standards of conservation, to boot. One of Livingstone’s most iconic hotels by far is The Royal Livingstone, an elegant, old-world retreat where zebras safely roam the grounds and the garden overlooks the ethereal mist rising from Victoria Falls. Toka Leya, meanwhile, is a calm camp of twelve luxurious tented suites on the banks of the great Zambezi River. (Or, for those reading who might be planning to stay on the Zimbabwean side, we recommend Matetsi River Lodge, our inimitably beautiful base for stop 1 on The Greatest Safari on Earth.)

Top Attractions and Experiences in Livingstone, Zambia

The Smoke that Thunders

Experiencing Victoria Falls, the world’s largest curtain of falling water, may be your first plan of action when visiting Zambia, and rightly so. To hear the falls thundering in your ears and feel the cool mist blanketing your skin is transcendent—and only made better by the sight of a rainbow arching above the rock face. To stand before this iconic waterfall is to feel truly alive.

When visiting the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, you stand on the land of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park—named for indigenous tribes’ description of “the smoke that thunders,” or the mist that rises from the booming falls and can be seen from miles away. Exploring the park, you have the rare opportunity to see Zambia’s last remaining southern white rhinos, thanks to local authorities’ steadfast anti-poaching efforts. It is also well worth noting that Zambia was the first African country to introduce walking safaris, certainly the most quietly thrilling way to witness Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park’s scores of elephants, zebras and other active wildlife on the riverbanks near Victoria Falls.

Adrenalizing Adventures

Water sports enthusiasts in Livingstone might be lured by the Zambezi River’s many activities, from kayaking and canoeing to river boarding and rafting. For something more relaxing with just as many wildlife viewing opportunities, you may prefer a Zambezi River fishing excursion or boat cruise to get up close to among thirsty drinking elephants along the riverbank or and elusive tigerfish just below the surface.

If you’re called to the air, Livingstone is the ultimate place to take flight. How about the Victoria Falls gorge swing that soars over Batoka Gorge, a 75-mile rush of rapids flanked by dramatic sandstone cliffs? Helicopter safaris are another favorite way to get a unique, bird’s eye perspective of this spectacular gorge, carved over millennia by the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, from above.

There is perhaps no better way to immerse oneself in the beauty and wonder of Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park than to traverse it via horseback. As your horse trots through rippling waterways and bends down to eat beside grazing zebras, you will feel attuned to the rhythms of nature like never before.

Unrivaled Dining Experiences

Safari-goers in Livingstone can find locally sourced, impeccably prepared food at a number of restaurants, and the food at the Royal Livingstone Hotel is excellent, but certain experiences stand out. The Royal Livingstone Express travels along one of Africa’s most historic rail lines, and an evening aboard the luxury steam train includes sunset drinks at the Victoria Falls Bridge followed by a five-course meal. The Elephant Cafe, meanwhile, gives you the opportunity to feed gentle elephants before sitting down to a farm-to-table fine-dining feast on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Riveting Local Culture

Round out your Livingstone safari by viewing historical tribal artifacts, antelope exhibits and other facets of Zambian culture and natural history at the Livingstone Museum, Zambia’s oldest and largest museum. Mukuni Village visits, too, are a wonderful way to appreciate traditional Leya homes, crafts, language and daily customs honed over 800 years.

Of course, sundowners on the Zambezi River are another rite of passage while on safari on Livingstone Island or indeed anywhere on the Zambezi River. With a crisp gin tonic in hand and the sunset casting a glow on the tranquil water, you will feel utterly at peace in this slice of pure, untamed wilderness. On a luxury safari with ROAR AFRICA’s devoted team of experts, you will quickly discover that southern Africa is the greatest source of joy, and it is our urgent duty to protect its exceptional landscapes, wildlife and artistic heritage in perpetuity. Choose ROAR AFRICA for your Zambian getaway and rest assured that our seamlessly-planned, sustainably-minded itinerary will not only change your life, but also leave a positive impact on Livingstone and the iconic Victoria Falls for generations to come.

Delight in the extraordinary when you visit Livingstone, Zambia. Learn what it means to embark on a luxury African safari with ROAR AFRICA today.