Explore Livingstone in 2 Days
Zambia Travel Guide

© Capitol Street in Livingstone. Livingstone Tourism

With so much to do and see in the Victoria Falls area, it is a challenge to explore Livingstone in just 2 days, but where there is a will there is a way. Here is a guide on what to expect and suggestions for activities that can be combined for a mini adventure.

Access

Livingstone in Zambia is the most accessible by road and air. By road you can travel from Lusaka in Zambia, from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and from Kazangula in Botswana. By air, Livingstone Airport is well connected internally to other destinations in Zambia and to Johannesburg, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Cape Town in South Africa.

Airport

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone is served by a number of local and international airlines. You can fly via Lusaka to Livingstone or from Johannesburg, Nelspruit (near Kruger National Park) and Cape Town to Livingstone. Private Charter flights can also be arranged from just about anywhere.

Regions

Established in 1905, Livingstone is a busy town on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. A narrow, historic railway bridge connects Livingstone to Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe. There is a border post on either side of the bridge, which is considered to be "no man's land". You can cross over on foot, by car (only 2 light vehicles at any one time on the bridge) or scheduled transfer provided you have a valid passport and visa if required (visas can also be purchased at the bridge although this may cause delays due to queues).

Highlights

Livingstone is a very historic yet relaxed town and loaded with pioneer history. It is enjoying renewed popularity as the Adventure Capital of Africa due to its thriving tourism industry. You'll see plenty of colonial architecture (although a little faded) in between modern shopping centres and restaurants plus a number of interesting museums and a great golf club.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is on the edge of the town and provides the perfect environment for wildlife encounters and activities along the Zambezi River just above the Victoria Falls. You can go on self-drives, game drives, Walks with Lions and Elephant Back Safaris. When the water is low you can cross along the lip of the falls on foot to get to Livingstone Island or take a boat transfer.

The park gives access to view sites for the Victoria Falls, a rainforest and walking trails. In certain spots when the water is low, you may be lucky enough to see Elephants crossing from the Zambian side to the Zimbabwe side or vice versa.

Enjoy amazing views of the falls and Batoka Gorge from the Knife-Edge Bridge plus a steep walk down to the Boiling Pot, from where you can see the second gorge and views of the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Activities

Livingstone offers an incredible range of activities for all ages and interests.

Adventure activities include white water rafting, jet boating, river boarding, canoeing, kayaking, abseiling, bungi jumping, gorge swinging.
Safari activities include game drives, Elephant Back Rides, Walks with Lions, horsetrails, quad biking, canoeing, fishing, walking safaris, river cruises.
Excursions include Livingstone Island tours, steam train rides, historic and cultural tours, Victoria Falls tours, craft markets and rounds of golf.

Climate

General: December to April is humid and wet with heavy downpours usually late in the day. May to August is dry and cool, with chilly nights in June and July. September to November is dry and hot, October is the hottest month.

Water levels: Peak flooding season is March and April, although the spray can sometimes obscure a full view of the falls except from the air. Lowest water levels are in November and December which offers detailed views of the steep cliffs into the deep Batoka Gorge.

The Experience

Here is an overview of what types of activities you can do on a 2 day visit to Livingstone. Each morning and afternoon session lists a choice of activities to suit different ages and interests.

Day 1:
  • Morning - White Water Rafting / Jet Boating / Canoe Safari / Raft Float / Victoria Falls Tour
  • Afternoon - Flight over the Falls / Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi
  • Night - Special tour at the time of the Full Moon only - Lunar Rainbow Tour
Day 2
  • Morning - Game of golf / Fishing Safari / Livingstone Island Tour / Walking Safari / Historic or Cultural Tour of Livingstone
  • Afternoon - Elephant Back Safari / Walk with Lions / Horseback Safari / Quad Bike Safari / Game Drive / Steam Train Experience on the historic Victoria Falls Bridge
Accommodation: Livingstone caters for every kind of traveller and there is sure to be something to suit your pocket. So whether you are after backpacking accommodation or blow the budget luxury, modern international hotel style or intimate safari lodging, there is a place for singles, couples and families.

What you need to know: Livingstone is a low risk area for malaria - ensure you get suitable advice on prophylaxis, especially if you are travelling onward into high risk areas. You can prevent being bitten by taking precautions such as covering exposed skin at dawn and dusk (especially wrists and ankles) and using repellents.

Livingstone Accommodation

Livingstone is located north of the great Zambezi River, and is the capital of Zambia. This African destination serves as a base for Victori...more
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