Livingstone and Victoria Falls

Livingstone and Victoria Falls Overview

The Livingstone area has an amazing diversity of activities available. A visit to the majestic Victoria Falls is a must. Game drives and Rhino walks are available in the adjoining Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park .

On the Zambezi River upstream of the Falls you can go on a cruise, take a houseboat trip, canoe, or go fishing. White water rafting, jet-boating and tandem kayaking occur amongst the rapids downstream of the Falls. A great way to see the Falls and surrounding area is from the air in a microlight.

Bungi jumping off the famous Victoria Falls bridge is popular with both spectators and participants. Nearby is the adrenalin pumping gorge swing and abseil. 

Highlights & Places in Livingstone and Victoria Falls

Livingstone is a bustling city with a mixture of traditional colonial architecture and modern buildings. Its museum is both the countries oldest and biggest. Munkuni park curio market, on the main street, is full of local artefacts. The Shopright Shopping Complex en route to the Falls at the Kazungula Road junction has coffee shops, restaurants and curio outlets.

The Zambezi river, which forms the border with Zimbabwe, when in full flood sends 546 million cubic litres of water per minute 100 meters into the gorge below. At this time of year you will need an umbrella, waterproofs and some protection for your camera to view the Falls. Close by and also bordering the river is the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. 

Best Time to Visit Livingstone and Victoria Falls

When to Go

Victoria Falls are in full flood at the end of the November to April rainy season. This is not the best time however to visit them as the excessive spray restricts viewing. In April the river is at its highest and white water rafting stops until the water volumes decrease. October has very low water flow, a lot of the Falls disappear leaving just cliffs. June and July are the cool winter months, October and November the extremely hot ones.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Livingstone and Victoria Falls

There are daily flights to Livingstone from Lusaka with Proflight and a variety of airlines fly to Livingstone from Johannesburg.

Livingstone can be accessed via road from Lusaka, which is 470km away. Victoria Falls town is just over the border in Zimbabwe. it has an airport for regional and local flights and daily buses and trains from Bulawayo and Harare. If coming from Kasane in Botswana you cross the Kazangula ferry and continue for 60km to Livingstone. 

Getting Around Livingstone and Victoria Falls

Because everything is so spread out around Livingstone, and it is very hot, walking around is often not feasible. If you don’t have your own vehicle you can hire a car, with or without a chauffeur. Most activity and safari operators will pick you up from your accommodation. Alternatively you can hire a push bike to get around the smaller distances.

Livingstone and Victoria Falls Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
There are numerous banks in Livingstone that have ATMs.

Forex/Money:
Money can be changed at the banks, the major Bureau de Changes around town and often at your place of accommodation.

Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most lodges, shops and restaurants.

Internet availability:
Internet cafes can be found at coffee shops and along the main street. Lodges have their own internet services.

Drinking water:
The town water is treated but can taste a bit ‘swampy’ and have a yellow tinge at certain times of year. Bottled water is available though out the town.

Hospitals & Medical:
There are 2 private clinics in Livingstone. The Lusaka government hospital has X-ray facilities but otherwise is fairly basic. For emergency treatment it may be necessary to fly to Johannesburg.

Visa Requirements:
Citizens of USA, Australia, New Zealand and all European countries -excluding Ireland - require visas. Single entry is US$50 and double entry US$70. 

Livingstone and Victoria Falls Map