Livingstone is more than just a gateway to the iconic Victoria Falls—it’s a destination in its own right, full of adventure, culture, and charm. From its vibrant local markets and colonial architecture to thrilling experiences like white-water rafting and helicopter flips over the Falls, Livingstone offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adrenaline.
Spend your days on safari in nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, cruise the Zambezi at sunset, or explore museums that tell the town’s rich history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, Livingstone never fails to surprise and inspire.
Livingstone is the beating heart of Zambia’s tourism story. As the country’s original capital, it retains a sense of grandeur with wide avenues, historic buildings, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to stay awhile. But it’s what lies just beyond the town that draws travelers from across the world: the mighty Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders.” Just minutes from the town center, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth.
Beyond the Falls, Livingstone is an activity hub for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Go bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, kayak down the Zambezi, or track rhino on foot in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Yet the town also caters to the culturally curious: explore the Livingstone Museum, discover local crafts at Maramba Market, or enjoy a traditional meal accompanied by drumming and dancing.
Livingstone’s charm lies in its contrasts—it’s where wild nature meets warm hospitality, where adventure meets authenticity. Whether you’re sipping a sundowner on a Zambezi cruise or sharing stories around a campfire, it’s a place where meaningful travel moments happen.
Ready to explore Livingstone?
Browse our list of trusted Africa’s Eden members in this destination—accommodation providers, tour operators, and unique experiences—all ready to make your visit unforgettable.
While Zambia might be synonymous with Victoria Falls and some of the best wildlife sightings on the planet, it’s the diversity of this country’s landscape and people that make it uniquely special. For lovers of wilderness, Zambia has it all. Leopards thrive, as do lions, elephants and other big game species including rhino.
JACQ Travel Agency is a premier luxury travel management company specializing in exclusive, tailor-made journeys.
At The Royal Livingstone by Anantara, couples can immerse themselves in a truly romantic dining experience unlike any other.
The lounge at The Royal Livingstone by Anantara is a serene retreat filled with historic charm and elegant comfort.
Enjoy stylish cocktails, fine dining, and spectacular African sunsets at Kubu, with a menu blending local and international flavors beside the Victoria Falls.
Kulala Stays Lodge is a welcoming 9-room boutique lodge in Livingstone, located within easy reach of Victoria Falls.
Taxi services
Taxis are always readily available in Livingstone and are probably the best way to get around. The town centre is quite a distance from Victoria Falls and there are wild animals (mainly elephants) roaming the roads!
Some hotels and lodges offer free shuttle buses to and from Victoria Falls, so make sure you ask about this on arrival as it will save you some money.
Does the town have an airport?
Yes. Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport is the airport in Livingstone. Usually, this airport receives flights from all over Africa, including (but not limited to) Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Lusaka and Lower Zambezi.
Shops
Livingstone has a few small shopping malls. The main ones are Falls Park Mall and Mosi-oa-Tunya Square, where you will find a music store, a popular seafood restaurant, some fast-food restaurants, curio shops, and supermarkets. Along the main road, there are a few clothing shops, boutiques, grocery stores and pharmacies. The central craft market and curio shops sell local handmade goods, as well as paintings and jewellery.
If you visit a market in Livingstone, such as the Maramba Market, you will be able to find nearly anything you want, from food to clothes, to blankets and more!
Hours of Business
Most businesses and shops in Livingstone are open from 08:00 – 17:00 during the week, and some are open on Saturdays. Restaurants and bars stay open until late.
Zambia’s official currency is the Kwacha (ZMK); however, the US Dollar is widely accepted. There are ATM’s around town that accept foreign bank cards. We do recommend carrying cash with you as it is not unheard of for the ATM’s to be out of service.
Some restaurants, hotels, lodges and other shops accept credit cards, but of course, this will come with a surcharge.
Zambia’s electricity can be unreliable, but it does not affect tourists. Solar power, inverters or generators almost always back up hotels, lodges, restaurants and other tourist centres.
Zambia uses power outlets and plugs of types C, D and G. Type C is the standard European plug with two small round pins. Type D has three round pins and type G, mainly used in the UK, has three square pins.
