Livingstone
Livingstone sits beside the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, pairing dramatic natural scenery with a relaxed frontier town atmosphere, colonial-era landmarks and easy access to wildlife adventures.
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About Southern
Livingstone is Zambia's tourism capital and gateway to Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), one of the world's largest waterfalls. The compact city sits on the Zambezi River in Southern Province, close to the border with Zimbabwe.
Founded in 1905 and named after Scottish explorer David Livingstone, the town served as the capital of Northern Rhodesia until 1935 and remained an important colonial and transport centre. Its history is preserved at the Livingstone Museum and the Railway Museum, while Edwardian-era buildings still line parts of the centre.
The main draw is Victoria Falls, where visitors can follow rainforest trails along the gorge edge, take sunset cruises on the Zambezi, or try white-water rafting, bungee jumping and microlight flights. Nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers wildlife viewing, and Mukuni Village introduces local culture.
Away from the falls, the town centre has markets, cafés and restaurants, with quiet residential areas spreading east toward the airport. Livingstone works well for both leisure travellers heading to the falls and business visitors attending conferences and regional meetings, with a steady flow of international arrivals through Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport.
Southern Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from May to October offers clear skies, cooler temperatures and reliable wildlife viewing, with peak water flow at Victoria Falls between about February and May. Lower water levels from September to December make the Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island accessible.
How to Get Around
Livingstone is compact enough to explore the town centre on foot, while taxis, private transfers and rental cars are the main options for reaching Victoria Falls, lodges and the airport. Many hotels arrange shuttles, and drivers can be hired for day trips around Southern Province.
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay in the town centre, along the Zambezi riverbank or at lodges near Victoria Falls. Budget guesthouses and hostels cluster near the centre, while riverside lodges offer quieter stays with views and easy access to sunset cruises.
Food & Drink
Local dining centres on nshima with relish, grilled meats and Zambezi bream, alongside international options at hotels and riverside restaurants. The town has casual cafés, markets selling fresh produce and lively spots for drinks near the falls road.
Ground Transportation Services in Southern
Airport Transfers
Travel between Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport and hotels, riverside lodges, the town centre and Victoria Falls with a pre-booked private transfer.
Hourly Chauffeur
Hire a private chauffeur by the hour for Victoria Falls trips, business meetings, shopping and flexible sightseeing around Livingstone and Southern Province.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Livingstone for independent travel to Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and other destinations in the region.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate events, conferences, airport pickups and guided excursions in and around Livingstone.
Frequently Asked Questions
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