Livingstone is Southern Africa's adventure capital, a compact riverside town that sits in the spray shadow of Victoria Falls. Named after Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who became the first European to see the falls in 1855, the town has grown into one of Africa's most exciting destinations for both adrenaline seekers and leisure travelers. Within a few square kilometers, you can bungee jump 111 meters off Victoria Falls Bridge, raft Grade 5 rapids in the Batoka Gorge, swim in Devil's Pool on the lip of the falls, and take a helicopter flight over the largest curtain of water on Earth. But Livingstone is more than its adventure credentials. The town itself has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with colonial-era buildings, a lively craft market, and excellent restaurants and bars catering to the steady stream of international visitors. It is the gateway to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where you can walk with white rhinos and view the falls from the Zambian side. The nearby Zambezi River offers sunset cruises with hippos and elephants on the banks. With the KAZA UniVisa allowing easy crossing to the Zimbabwe side, Livingstone is the perfect base for experiencing Victoria Falls from every angle.
Things to Do in Livingstone
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
Natural WonderOne of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Zambian side offers close-up views from the Knife Edge Bridge, surrounded by spray. The most powerful waterfall on Earth by combined width and height.
Duration: ~2 hours
Livingstone Museum
MuseumZambia's oldest and largest museum, with exhibits on David Livingstone, the history of the falls, and Zambian ethnography. Worth a visit for context before seeing the falls.
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Mukuni Park Craft Market
MarketA large open-air craft market near the falls entrance selling carvings, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience.
Duration: ~1 hours
Victoria Falls Bridge
LandmarkThe historic bridge spanning the gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Walk to the middle for views of the falls and gorge. Also the site for bungee jumping and the bridge swing.
Duration: ~0.5 hours
Livingstone Neighborhoods
Where to stay and explore
Town Center
Safe during the dayRelaxed, walkable, colonial charm
The compact downtown area with restaurants, shops, the Livingstone Museum, and the Mukuni Park craft market. Walkable and tourist-friendly.
Price level: $$
Zambezi Riverside
Safe (wildlife awareness needed)Exclusive, peaceful, wildlife on your doorstep
The stretch along the Zambezi upstream of the falls where luxury lodges sit on the riverbank. Hippos, elephants, and warthogs wander through lodge grounds.
Price level: $$$
Falls Area
SafeTourist hub, natural wonder
The area around the entrance to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Victoria Falls. Walking distance from town.
Price level: $$
Food & Restaurants
Livingstone has an excellent restaurant scene for a town its size, driven by the tourist trade. Options range from fine dining at riverside lodges to casual cafes and lively bars. Local Zambian food, Indian cuisine, and international menus are all well represented.
Must-Try Dishes
Nshima with game meat
Traditional maize porridge served with game meat relish, a Zambian staple with a local twist
Bream (tilapia)
Freshwater fish from the Zambezi, grilled or fried, served with nshima and vegetables
Vitumbuwa
Fried dough fritters, a popular Zambian street snack
Top Restaurants
Olga's Italian Corner
$$Italian • Town Center
Best pizza in Livingstone, popular with travelers and locals alike
The Royal Livingstone Dining Room
$$$Fine Dining • Riverside
Elegant dining overlooking the Zambezi with views toward the falls spray. Afternoon tea is excellent.
Livingstone Nightlife
Livingstone's nightlife is relaxed but lively, centered around hotel bars, backpacker hostels, and a few local venues. Jollyboys Backpackers is a social hub for budget travelers. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi are the most popular evening activity.
Best areas: Town Center, Backpacker hostels
Jollyboys Backpackers
Backpacker BarTown Center
Livingstone's social hub with a pool, bar, and nightly events. Popular with backpackers and overlanders.
Royal Livingstone Deck Bar
Hotel BarRiverside
Elegant bar overlooking the Zambezi. Cocktails with spray from the falls visible in the distance.
Shopping in Livingstone
Shopping in Livingstone is centered on crafts and souvenirs. The Mukuni Park Craft Market near the falls entrance is the main spot. Bargain firmly but fairly.
Malls
- Falls Park Shopping Centre (Town outskirts)
Markets
- Mukuni Park Craft Market - Daily market
- Town Market - Daily market
What to Buy
Safety in Livingstone
Livingstone is one of the safest towns in Zambia and well-accustomed to tourists. Petty theft is uncommon. The main risk is from aggressive touts near the craft market and falls entrance. Wildlife (hippos, elephants) can be present in lodge grounds and along the river, so follow lodge safety guidelines.
Safe Areas
- ✓ Town center (daytime)
- ✓ Riverside lodges
- ✓ Falls area
- ✓ All tourist activity locations
Avoid
- ✗ Outer residential areas at night
- ✗ Walking alone on unlit roads at night
Safety Tips
- • Agree on prices for activities and taxis before starting
- • Be firm but polite with craft market vendors and street touts
- • Never approach hippos or elephants on foot, even in lodge grounds
- • Keep doors closed at lodges; monkeys and baboons may enter looking for food
Getting Around Livingstone
Walking
RecommendedThe town center is walkable. The falls entrance is about 10 minutes by foot from the closest hotels.
Free
Hotel transfer / Taxi
RecommendedHotels arrange transfers to activities, the airport, and the Zimbabwe border. Local taxis are also available.
$5-20 per trip
Bicycle rental
RecommendedSome hostels and lodges rent bicycles. A good way to explore the town at your own pace.
$5-10 per day
Livingstone Weather
Subtropical, hot in the Zambezi valley
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| december | 32°C | 19°C | 160mm | Hot, rainy |
| january | 31°C | 19°C | 190mm | Peak rains, hot |
| february | 31°C | 19°C | 150mm | Rainy, hot |
| march | 31°C | 18°C | 80mm | Rains easing |
| april | 30°C | 15°C | 20mm | Drying, pleasant |
| may | 28°C | 11°C | 2mm | Dry, cooling |
| june | 26°C | 8°C | 0mm | Cool and dry |
| july | 26°C | 7°C | 0mm | Coolest month |
| august | 29°C | 10°C | 0mm | Warming, dry |
| september | 33°C | 15°C | 2mm | Hot and dry |
| october | 35°C | 19°C | 15mm | Very hot |
| november | 34°C | 19°C | 80mm | Hot, rains starting |
How Many Days in Livingstone?
2
Minimum
3
Recommended
4
Ideal