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Top Things To Do In Livingstone Zambia

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  things to do in victoria falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia
 
 
The city draws many people from around the world. There are many things to do in  Livingstone Zambia, beyond Victoria Falls. I am going to take you through some of the cool places to visit in Livingstone Zambia, plus many free things to do in Livingstone, the main outdoor activities in Livingstone, many of which are centered around experiences and things to do in Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-tunya National Park. Will also cover tours like the Royal Livingstone express, and other Livingstone activities prices, as well as Livingstone hotels.

 

 

Visiting Livingstone Zambia

 

With Zambia being a former British colony it may come as no surprise that Livingstone would be named after David Livingstone. A British explore, like Christopher Colobumus who went around the world discovering places that were already discovered by locals who lived and roamed about the lands they were not shockingly being ‘discovered’ by a European explorer. With so many amazing things to see and do in Livingstone,  for my trip back to Zambia a few months I wanted to introduce my boyfriend to more of the continent’s world wonders other than our diving trip in Egypt’s Red Sea.
 
 
We explored Mosi-oa-Tunya national park, stayed in cool Livingstone hotels on the Zambezi River, did game drives, explored the Livingstone Islandand swam across Victoria Falls to dip into the Devil’s Pool, while wondering if David Livingstone had the pleasure of experiencing this beautiful natural wonder on the Victoria Falls before he renamed it.
 
 
If you are heading to visit Livingstone Zambia then I have a couple tips for exploring that area, places to check out, cool tours and activities not to miss out among tourist attractions in Livingstone you need to check out.
 
 

 

Outdoor Activities In Livingstone | Attractions Near Victoria falls

 
You may have seen my posts on Dipping into the Devil’s Pool or getting a little rest and relaxation from the world’s insanity at Tonabezi’s river lodges. If you haven’t then you need to go check them to give you an idea of what to do in Livingstone as well as to inspire your Livingstone Zambia holiday activities.
 
 
There are endless outdoor activities in Livingstone to get lost in.  From places like Reptile Park,  which is Livingstone’s Reptile Park that boasts a collection of Livingstone’s most notorious reptiles. For adrenaline junkies, one cannot miss out on whitewater rafting as you marvel at the magnificent beauty of the Batoka Gorge between some of the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet.
 
 
Below are some the cool and exciting outdoor activities to experience in Livingstone:

 

  • Whitewater rafting through Batoka Gorge
  • Canoeing on the Zambezi River
  • Game Safaris
  • Micro lighting or Helicopter over Victoria Falls
  • Lion and Cheetah walks
  • Abseiling and gorge swinging
  • River Safari
  • Fishing in the Zambezi
  • Golfing
  • Steam Train Rides over the Victoria Falls Bridge

 

Free Things To Do In Livingstone Zambia

 
In addition to the above, my absolute favourite places to visit in Livingstone, Zambia are the nearby markets, a perfect addition to those looking for free things to do in Livingstone Zambia.
 
 
 Just because I am at home doesn’t mean haggling goes out the window.  No, sir! Livingstone market was where Bee gots her little treasures to bring back to London from her travels.
 
 
Below are some of our pictures, with shots from our journey from Lusaka to Livingstone. For more tours to add to your list of Livingstone Zambia attractions check out Get Your Guide and Viator Tours in Livingstone Zambia.
 
 
 
Things To Do In Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia #itsallbee #africa #traveltips #adventure
Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls
Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls
 
 

Top Things To Do In Livingstone Zambia | Places To Visit In Livingstone

 

The below are among the best things to do in Livingstone, Zambia. So you find yourself at Victoria Falls and you have marveled at God’s masterpiece and have taken a million selfies (let’s not kid ourselves, I will bet you are also hiding a selfie stick too – don’t worry I will keep the judging to myself). So what else is there in this little city of Livingstone?

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Just for reference as Victoria falls is on the border with Zimbabwe, most of the things to do in Livingstone Zambia, in the list below are based in on the Zambian side. Also, note that you can get the bus to Chobe’s national park from Livingstone.

 

The attractions and places to visit in Livingstone below can easily be added to your Livingstone or Zambia itinerary as I have also linked to tours you can easily add on to your itinerary.

 

For Victoria Falls tours in Zambia click here and for Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe click here. While you are here, also worth checking out is Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo.

 

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1. Explore Victoria Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambian sides.

 
 
The unmissable attraction in Livingstone among things to do in Livingstone is Victoria Falls. Among all the places to visit in Livingstone, this is one that you simply cannot skip! As far as Livingstone activities Zambia and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls views are both a must-see.
 
 
One of the best places to see Victoria Falls is from the Zimbabwean side. You can only see the falls from the Zambian side during the dry seasons as the Zambia side is mostly submerged in water from the Zambezi River – The water source for the Victoria Falls. When and if you do, its an experience not to be forgotten. Visiting the national park in Zimbabwe to see the falls costs about £10. 
 

 

 
Victoria Falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia
 

 

2. Zambian Bridge Swing Over Victoria Falls

 
No, nope not that kind of swinging, but it will still involve swinging on both sides. I am talking about both the Zambian and Zimbabwean side, of course. There are gorge swings on the bridge by the border where you start from Zambia and swing into Zimbabwe and back.
 
 
Essentially swinging on both sides! This thrilling Victoria Falls experience is perfect for thrill-seeking adventurers who want to have one of Africa’s most-adrenaline pumping experiences.
 

 

 

3. Take A Cruise On The Zambezi – Victoria Falls Sunset Cruise

 

One of the most famous places in Zambia. Attractions near Victoria Falls don’t get any cooler. There are a few operators that operate morning, noon and sunset cruises on the Zambezi. There are also so many activities in Livingstone centered around the Victoria Falls. There are plenty of activities to do in victoria falls, these include safaris both boat and jeep based where you can see crocodiles, hippos, elephants, birdlife and whatever animal decides to turn up to the party all the while cruising with a drink in hand a leisurely pace.
 
 
There are plenty of tours available in Livingstone and Zambia in general. Victoria Falls sunset cruise prices start from around £50 and go up if food and other activties are included.
 
 

Victoria Falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia

 

 

4. Explore Livingstone Island Tour & Dive Into The Devil’s Pool

 

 
Looking for attractions near Victoria falls? How about right on the falls themselves. This is among the top things to do in Livingstone. It’s only available during a specific period in the year. Activities to do in Victoria Falls seriously do not get any cooler than this. If you don’t have the heart to dive into the Devils pool on Victoria Falls, you can also opt for the guided tour of Victoria Falls by way of the Livingstone Island tour.
 
 
This tour takes from your hotel in Victoria Falls via coach to Royal Livingstone Hotel and then take you to Livingstone Island by boat. Take in stunning views, swim in its famous pool and explore Livingston Island before a tasty bush breakfast or lunch.
 
 
Victoria Falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia

The Devils Pool On Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia

 

5. Adrenaline Seeker’s Delight In Bungee Jumping Over Victoria Falls

 
Love adrenaline-packed activities?  Then bungee jumping in Livingstone is a must-do. African bungee jumping over Victoria Falls are what ultimate African bucket lists are made of, knowing you have only the rope to keep you from being a tasty taster to the crocodile’s dinner for the day, in the river below. Now, how’s that for an adrenaline kick!
 

 

6. Afternoon Tea At Royal Victoria Hotel On The Zambezi

 

Learn all about the local culture, the pioneers and the history of the town on this full day trip. Visit Victoria Falls Hotel, the oldest hotel in Zimbabwe, to enjoy its famous high tea, see the 1000-year-old big tree and discover the falls.

 

You can also opt to enjoy an afternoon tea at Royal Livingstone Hotel where tours to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool leave from.

 

Victoria Falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia Victoria Falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia
 

 

7. Explore The Livingstone Museum

 
Among the Livingstone attractions, another one not to miss is the museum. You can sample Zambia food in the town centre of Livingstone before checking out the Livingstone museum. You can learn about Zambian history, living and national food too. A cool addition to an itinerary with attractions near victoria falls.
 
 
The museum will set you back an equivalent of about £2-3 or about $4. Also handy is the tourist information site right next to the museum where you can find more information on hotels in town for those that are more lastminute.com as well as tour operators, transportation and the like.
 
 
Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls | 10 Top Things to do In Livingstone Zambia
 

8. What To Do In Livingstone For Thrill Seekers? Zambezi White Water Rafting!

 

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For those that like to test just how fast their heart can dance around their rib cage then you will be left in a state on nirvana with activities like white water rafting down the Zambezi.

 

The Zambezi River is internationally acclaimed as one of the best locations for white water rafting. Enjoy the adrenaline-pumping thrill of this exceptional activity, and also marvel at the stark, sheer beauty and tranquility of the Batoka Gorge. The cost of white water rafting in victoria falls starts from around $160. As this is an extreme sport always make sure you have travel insurance that covers extreme sports.

 

activities to do in victoria falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia -

White Water Rafting On Victoria Falls (Zambezi)

 

 

9. Go For A Safari In  Zambezi National Park

 
Explore Zambezi National Park for a safari by embarking on this full day guided tour with lunch where you will be taken to the Victoria Falls rainforest and the Zambezi National Park.
 
 
At the end of the day, you will go on a sunset cruise down the majestic Zambezi River. Zambia has some of the most amazing safaris in Africa and we are one of a couple of countries still left with tree climbing lions.
 

 

 

 

 

attractions near victoria falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia

Safari in Livingstone National Park Zambia

 

 

10. See Victoria Falls From Above On A Flight of Angels Helicopter Experience

 
The “Flight of Angels” is an amazing journey over the 1700m vast curtain of water known locally as the “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders) aka Victoria Falls, along the Zambezi River and the Zambezi National Park.

 

 
Victoria Falls | Top 10 Things to do In Livingstone Zambia - activities in livingstone africa

Micro flight over Victoria Falls

 

 

11. Dine On The Royal Livingstone Express For Romantics At Heart

 
Dine on the restored steam locomotive steeped in luxury decor. Polished leather, teak and brass is the setting for your exquisite five-course meal. Free-flowing beer and wine as you dine to the sound of the Victoria Falls. The tour also comes with a history talk on Victorian times and colonial history. As you drink and dine,  the train takes a slow drive through the countryside towards the Victoria Falls Bridge which spans the Zambezi between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Departing from Livingstone through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the Zambezi River Valley, marvel at the sight of wild giraffes, zebras and antelope. Cross the Victoria Falls Bridge as you sip on curated South African wines and dine on fine flavours inspired by the setting. Flawless service completes your iconic journey reminiscent of times past.
Monday, Wednesday & Saturday: 4.00 pm – 8.30 pm and Royal Livingstone Express prices start from $190 person.
 
 
 
 

 
 

More Pictures From Our Trip In Livingstone Zambia

 
 
Victoria Falls | 5 Top Things to do In Livingstone Zambia - free things to do in livingstone zambia
Victoria Falls | 10 Top Things to do In Livingstone Zambia - places to visit in livingstone zambia

Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls

Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls And Livingstone Zambia

 

The beauty of Zambia is that the best time to visit Zambia is any time of the year. We have a rainy season and a dry season. Our winters in Zambia are so mild and our summer in Zambia are super hot. The best time to visit Zambia is from August to October. That is the beginning of October and not when summer starts. The summer months the weather is too hot. The weather in August is managable so this is the best time to visit Livingstone and Zambia in general.

 

If you are wondering when the best time to visit Victoria Falls is, the answer is that it depends on whether you want to go to the Devil’s Pool. The Devil’s Pool opens from September onwards. You can read my post on the Devils Pool on the blog.  If you don’t come within the season for the Devil’s Pool, you can opt for a visit to Angel’s Pool which are just as cool. 

 

 
Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls
The boyfriend gets schooled on a new game.
Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls
 
 

Livingstone Zambia Hotels | Where To Stay In Livingston

 

I have blogged about some of our experiences at Maramba River Lodge, Livingstone accommodation that caters to budge and mid-range, on-site you can camp, you can rent a luxury tent and you can also have chalets.

 

I found this to be great value for money as we were right on the banks of the river which meant that safari animals can be seen all while you have breakfast, lunch or dinner.

 

We also sampled Tongabeziand Royal Livingstone which fall under luxury accommodation near Victoria Falls Zambia. With Royal Livingstone you can see the mist of the Victoria Falls as you are that close to not only the falls but activities on victoria falls as Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool tours depart from here.

 

Suggested Hotels In Livingstone

 

Budget Hotels In Livingstone:

There are options for camping and hostels if you are looking for budget accommodation in Livingstone. Check out:

  • Cafe Zambezi House of Africa which is only 1km from Livingstone Museum. There is a large pool and garden area to chill out.
  • Fawlty Towers Backpackers offers a free shuttle service, there is a restaurant onsite, as well as a pool to chill out during the hot Zambian summer months.
  • Victoria Falls Backpackers Zambia is located about 10km from Victoria falls, comes with pool and also a short walk from the city center.
  • Thandizani Campsite offers cheap options for those travelling on a shoestring. Located 3.1km from Livingstone Railway Museum. There is free wifi, breakfast is available at an additional cost, there is also a garden onsite to chill out in.
  • Butterfly apartments offer an amazing option for budget accommodation. You can easily rent an apartment for 2 people from £20 per night.
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Mid-Range Hotels In Livingstone check out:

  • New Fairmount Hotel And Casino for reasonably cheap considering location and amenities. You can have a double room for £45 per night. The hotel is located in Livingstone town centre. There is an outdoor pool, a night club on-site if you want to experience a little bit of nightlife. The hotel offers free wifi and parking.
  • The Royal Sichango Village is a lovely traditional style building with thatched roofing. While some rooms may be on the expensive side you can get a twin room for £50 a night with free full English breakfast. King-sized rooms are around £80+ a night. The rooms are comfortable with an onsite outdoor pool as well as a garden and bar. The hotel is located 1.2km Livingstone Reptile Park.
  • Gloria’s Bed and Breakfast is only about a mile from Livingstone town centre and only 15 minutes drive from Victoria Falls. There is a pool and a garden on site. All rooms from with aircon and a fridge too. Room rates also come with free breakfast. Rates start from £40 a night.
  • Green Tree Lodge is only a quick 5 minutes drive from the Airport. The lodge has a restaurant on site as well as an outdoor pool. Breakfast is available at an additional charge.

 

Luxury Hotels In Livingstone: 

If you are looking for ultra-luxury with views of the Zambezi or a hotel with views of the Victoria Falls then you will have plenty more than you can imagine. There are also all inclusives on offer too.

  • Camp Nkwazi offers all-inclusive rates. The Zambezi National Park is only 2.4 miles away. There is free wifi on site. There are various activities on offer too; horse riding, fishing, safaris and more. The accommodation offers super luxury on the Zambezi with superb service.
  • The River Club offers an amazing view across the Zambezi. An outdoor pool, luxury rooms with a private pool, a fitness centre, an on-site restaurant serving European cuisine.
  • The Garden Villa, Livingstone – Amazing holiday rental with all the amenities you could ask for. Free wifi, private pool, air conditioning, children’s playground and is also close to Livingstone Museum and offers easy access to the Livingstone Pub Crawl.
  • The Royal Chandu River – The ultimate luxury hotel on the Zambezi also offer all inclusive options. Amazing views across the Zambezi where safari animals roam. Rooms come with river views, the hotel offers hiking, fishing, canoeing and other safari activites. Breakfast is included.

 

For more hotels and accommodation near victoria falls Zambia side click here and for Victoria Falls hotels Zimbabwe side click here.

 
 
Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls - attractions near victoria falls
Experience Zambia! Things To Do In Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia #bungeejumping #itsallbee #africa #traveltips #adventure #microflight #royalvictoriaexpress #devilspool #angelfalls #livingstoneisland #whitewaterrafting #sunsetcruise
 
 

How To Get Around In Livingstone

 
For this part of the trip, we didn’t rent a car as we were going to do that in Botswana. You can rent your own car, Livingstone is fairly easy to navigate without a car. If you have to rent a car, you can pick one up from Avis which has a branch at the Victoria Falls Airport. For getting around on public transport and taxis, we got the hotels we were staying at to call taxis for us. If you are in Livingstone for a few days you can navigate with the taxi drivers for a daily rate for them to pick you up and take you to where you need to go. 
 
In the town center you can also pick up shared taxis that go to other cities in Zambia as well as cross border to Zimbabwe and Botswana. We managed to get a shared taxi to Botswana. They are all pretty safe. Note that they will not leave until the car is full or unless you want to pay extra for the other seats. They are fairly inexpensive too and quicker than buses as they have less stops to deal with.
 
 
Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls - places to visit in livingstone zambia
 
 
Livingstone Zambia | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls
 

Additional Travel Tips For Livingstone | Zambia Travel Tips

 
 
I would highly recommend learning a few basics on Zambia greetings. Zambia has several languages but the main languages are Njanja and English. Most people in Zambia speak English but learning how to say how are you (Bwanji?) and Thank you (Zikomo) will take you a long way. Also if you are visiting Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Botswana or Southern Africa for that matter, I would highly recommend getting a guide book for additional tips on places to visit in Livingstone and beyond as well as some travel tips as well as safety tips for this region.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
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Livingstone town centre

 
 
 
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How many of the Livingstone adventures in Zambia above are not added to your bucket list?

 

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Experience Zambia! Things To Do In Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia #bungeejumping #itsallbee #africa #traveltips #adventure #microflight #royalvictoriaexpress #devilspool #angelfalls #livingstoneisland #whitewaterrafting #sunsetcruise Experience Zambia! Things To Do In Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia #bungeejumping #itsallbee #africa #traveltips #adventure #microflight #royalvictoriaexpress #devilspool #angelfalls #livingstoneisland #whitewaterrafting #sunsetcruise  Experience Zambia! Things To Do In Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia #bungeejumping #itsallbee #africa #traveltips #adventure #microflight #royalvictoriaexpress #devilspool #angelfalls #livingstoneisland #whitewaterrafting #sunsetcruise

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Monique

    The photos make me want to go RIGHT NOW! It looks so awesome! I am adding things to do in Victoria falls on bucket list. Your pictures of Victoria Falls are just so beautiful! So many things to experience too. Man where does one even start with these activities?

    Reply

    • Bianca

      There are a couple of budget things to do. You can also find many cool tours and activities in Livingstone that don’t cost a lot of money so you can reduce cost.

      Reply

    • Bianca

      Yes, Royal Livingstone express is one of those splurge experiences that are just too good to miss out one among activities on Livingstone Victoria falls.

      Reply

  6. Matthew

    So many great things to do in Livingstone and all for such a low cost. Definitely worth checking some of these out. Thanks for inspiring yet more adventures.

    Reply

  7. Jyoti

    Love your article and how comprehensive it is! I wish I had seen it a couple of months ago, before we went to Livingston.
    We spent much of our time on Vic falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, eating at Africa Mama, walking around and hanging out with the locals. We stayed at Avani + Royal Livingston which made visiting the falls at all times of the day.
    We loved horseback Safari from Royal Livingston. That have an amazing equestrian center and even better trainer.

    Reply

  8. Michael C.

    Livingstone is not a place I ever thought I would picture myself wanting to go visit but you have convinced me, this is a must see place! The animal life, the culture, everything about the area just speaks to me. I don’t know when I will be going exactly but I am going to try to plan a trip to Zambia by 2020. I have only ever been to Italy, France, and Mexico so this would be quite the difference for me. Do you recommend going as a group for the first time or just my wife and I going together alone?

    Reply

    • Bianca

      Hi Michael, if you are heading the for the first time, unless you are an avid traveller then I would recommend an organised tour as that way they also cover how to get around and help with planning things to do in Livingstone and many other parts of the tour that are included in your package.

      Reply

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