Named after the famous Victorian missionary explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, the Town was established in 1905. As a major European settlement, the town was made the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. As the capital, it enjoyed excellent facilities far superior to anything in the country, as can be seen from the surviving Edwardian colonial buildings that line the city's main road, and even had the distinction of having the country's first newspaper.
The capital was moved to Lusaka in 1935 and the bustling city has become a quiet town, a little neglected but still retaining a special charm. The proximity to the Zambezi River and the spectacular Victoria Falls has led it to become a base for travelers from all over the world wanting to explore this Seventh wonder of the World.
Stop in at the Adventure Centre for a wide range of adventure activities, services and shops. There are several Adventure Companies offering Riverboarding, White water rafting, Canoeing, Horse riding trails, Abseiling, local tours to the Victoria Falls and around Livingstone. There are Safari operators, a Restaurant, an Internet Cafe, a Backpackers Lodge and an excellent Arts and Crafts Gallery. You'll find them in Mosi-o-Tunya road heading towards the Falls (corner of Nakatindi rd out to Kazungula) Don't miss it!
Sightseeing:
Many of the area’s hotels and lodges offer day trips into Livingstone town, otherwise chauffeured cars are available for hire if you are not in you own vehicle.
The Livingstone Museum is the country’s biggest and oldest museum, dating back to the 1930’s. It has five sections. The Archaeology Gallery, describes human evolution and cultural development in Zambia from Stone Age to Iron Age. The Ethnography and Art Gallery shows objects relating to the different cultures of the country including handicrafts, musical instruments. The History Gallery includes the origins of the Bantu people, the development of British colonial rule and the attainment of independence. It also houses a large collection of David Livingstone memorabilia, donated by the Livingstone family. The natural history section shows various indigenous animals in their natural habitat. There is also an extensive library with books ranging from archaeology, wildlife and also some of Livingstone’s journals. The museum is open every day from 09h00 - 16h30 and is on the main road through the center of town.
For steam engine enthusiasts, the Railway Museum in Chishimba Falls road holds some fine examples of Zambia’s railway heritage including old steam locomotives and vintage coaches to the tiniest railway memorabilia and old photographs illustrating life in the pioneer days of the town.
Cruise on the wide upper Zambezi, go to the boat club where you’ll find a two deck cruiser called the African Queen.
Interesting examples of old colonial architecture are the North Western Hotel, the St Andrews Anglican Church and Coillard Memorial Church all built in the first decade of the century.
Livingstone also has an 18 hole golf course.
The markets are very colorful and lively and can be found in Dambwa north or near the police station.
What to do:
Livingstone is rapidly becoming known as the ‘Adventure Centre’ of Southern Africa, with various adrenaline sports, unmatched scenery of breathtaking proportions, and many other leisure options for outdoor lovers.
Whitewater Rafting through Batoka Gorge
Canoeing on the upper Zambezi
Horseback Trails in the Mosi-o-Tunya National Park
River Boarding mega thrills on the Zambezi rapids
Bungi Jumping off the 111m high Victoria Falls Bridge
Abseiling and Gorge Swinging off the sheer cliffs of Victoria Falls Gorge
Tandem Kayaking An experienced kayaker will take you through the raging rapids of the Zambezi
Game Safaris Take a drive or a walk through the Mosi-o-Tunya National Park
Microlighting or Helicopter flips over the falls
River Safaris, Quiet jet-propelled boats take you into remote parts of the upper Zambezi
Elephant back Safaris Tame elephants give the best view for game viewing in the Reserve.
Jet Boating - hi speed jet propelled boats take you down the rapids.
Fishing Spend a day on the magnificent Upper Zambezi River - pitting your skills against the vivacious Tiger Fish and delicious bream as well as various other fish that the Zambezi has to offer.
Getting there:
Zambian Airways has scheduled planes to Livingstone from Lusaka and will soon be flying from Livingstone to Johannesburg.
By Road, Livingstone can be approached from three directions. If you’re coming from Zimbabwe, cross the border at the town of Victoria Falls over the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, carry straight on this road for about 11 kilometres. From Botswana, cross the border at Kazungula by ferry, and continue east for about 60kms. From Lusaka, Livingstone is 470 kms. Take the southbound Kafue Road out of Lusaka and just after the Kafue River Bridge, turn right towards Mazabuka. This road leads straight to Livingstone.
Where to stay:
Stanley Safari Lodge A very exclusive lodge erected on a hill overlooking the spray of the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi river. The 7 rooms have a fabulous view and stunning sunsets. The 4 suites have their private plunge pool.
Tongabezi an exclusive and romantic lodge beautifully positioned on the banks of the river, with stunning views across the Zambezi. It is home to just 18 guests in exquisite cottages and houses. Personal valets and attention to detail complete an African dream, with emphasis on style, service and atmosphere.
Sussi & Chuma An enchanting riverbank hideaway just 10 minutes upstream of the Victoria Falls. Hidden in the riverine forest is a private luxury tree house, built among the branches of a huge ebony. . It is not uncommon to see elephant, buffalo or rhinoceros passing below our walkways.
A Sun International Resort is superbly positioned very close to the Falls. There are two hotels, The Zambezi Sun (3 star ) as well as The Royal Livingstone (5 star ). Each of the hotels has its own design, specific character and identity. The needs of the widest possible range of clients are provided for, including families and corporate and conference groups, as well as top end individual travellers.
Natural Mystic Lodge Thatched en suite chalets, riverfront bar and restaurant, curio shop, pool, secluded location on the banks of the zambezi
Thorntree has 9 en-suite, self contained rooms all with river views .
The River Club is a luxury colonial style lodge on the banks of the Zambezi
The Waterfront has a superb view of the river and offers both chalets, tents and camping
Restaurants:
Utsav Indian Restaurant - found in the main Mosi-o-tunya rd. They also have a take-away section called Exciting Biting !
The Laughing Dragon is a Chinese establishment just off the main rd near the Hungry Lion.
Hippo's pub behind Fawlty Towers serves great meals and has a pool table and darts.
ZigZag also doubles as a booking office for various adventures as well as a small shop but serves lunches and cakes on the pavement.
The Pigs Head, Kabompo Road is one of the local pubs, also serving food.
Eatrite Fast Foods, in the main road
For excellent lunches and steaks try Mr Pete's just on the outskirts of Town on the way to the Falls.
Chanters is a good restaurant in Lukulu Rd with accommodation as well.
Flying Pizza on the main rd near the Adventure Centre serves great pizzas, shwarmas, burrittos, soft drinks.
The Waterfront always has meals available on their great terrace on the river's edge
Both Sun International Hotels have several good restaurants although they're quite pricey.
Curio Shops
African Visions has a wide selection of Zambian and other African works of art and craftwork, there's also a bookshop and coffeeshop. Find them in Mosi-o-Tunya Rd.
Kubu Crafts sells fine wood crafted furniture among other curios and souvenirs - also found along Mosi-o-Tunya Rd as well as a shop at the airport.
