Victoria Falls from the air, Zimbabwe

Livingstone

This small town on the edge of the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls is a hub for activities and adventure.

Livingstone offers a wonderful final stage to a safari in Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe sometimes offering an alternative to a seaside resort. Only a few lodges and camps have been built along the banks of the Upper Zambezi River, all of which are ideal for visits to the nearby Victoria Falls.

For the intrepid, there is an opportunity to go white water rafting, canoeing or bungee jumping and you can take a Flight of Angels over the Falls by helicopter or micro-light.

View at night, Tongabezi, Livingstone
Tongabezi, Livingstone, Zambia
Aerial View, The Royal Livingstone, Livingstone, Zambia
The Royal Livingstone, Livingstone, Zambia
Rafting, Livingstone, Zambia
Rafting, Livingstone, Zambia

A little more about Livingstone

Stay close enough to town to be able to engage in all the activities offered in the area. Especially exciting is visiting Devil’s Pool, which can only be done from the Zambian side.

A change of clothes is a must if you are visiting the falls in the months of April or May as the spray will drench you. May to November offers the best viewing of the falls, with May possibly being wet. Most activities are available from June to November.

Victoria Falls, Zambia
Victoria Falls, Zambia

Victoria Falls

Described by the Kololo tribe as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, the Smoke that Thunders, Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight, shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Many people claim that the view is more impressive from the Zambian side, with the added attraction of having far fewer tourists than the Zimbabwean side.

Columns of spray can be seen from miles away, as 546 million cubic metres of water per minute plummet over the edge at the height of the flood season, into a deep gorge over 100 metres below. A path along the edge of the falls provides unparalleled views of this natural wonder, although be prepared to be drenched by the spray.

Experiences

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Victoria Falls, Zambia
Livingstone

Victoria Falls

Visit the famous Victoria Falls, which is split between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Cross over the border for views from the other side.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Rafting, Livingstone, Zambia
Livingstone

Outdoor Adventures

Try the huge variety of activities and adventures in and around the falls. These include zip lining, rafting, bungee jumping and more.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Boat trip, Chiawa Camp, Lower ZamBezi
Livingstone

Cruise the Zambezi

Explore the Zambezi River by canoe or test your mettle by rafting the rapids.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Victoria Falls, Zambia
Livingstone

Heli-Adventure

Take a heli-flight over the Victoria Falls at sunset. Or, alternatively, try a flight in a microlight for a different perspective.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Zambia holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Thorntree River Lodge £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Set in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and only a short distance from Victoria Falls, this elegant river-facing lodge lies on the banks of the Zambezi. Built in a contemporary style, Thorntree River Lodge centres on a beautiful open dining area, with expansive wooden decking that features a cosy sunken boma.

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Islands of Siankaba £££££

  • Zambia
  • Boutique

The Islands of Siankaba is comprised of two densely forested sand islands in the Zambezi River near the Siansimba Rapids. Located 40 kilometres upstream from the internationally renowned Victoria Falls and just 50 kilometres from the magnificent Chobe National Park, Siankaba is an incredibly picturesque destination. The camp is split between the two islands and linked by a suspension bridge and overhead walkway in the tree canopy. One is home to seven secluded chalets constructed from teak and custom-made canvas tenting – raised well above ground level in the tree canopy, they have private balconies that extend over the river. The other island houses a restaurant with a reputation for ‘haute-cuisine in the bush’.

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Tongabezi £££££

  • Zambia
  • Wilderness

Tongabezi is situated on a private estate on a sweeping bend of the Zambezi River, facing west and towards the sunset and the Victoria Falls National Park. The lodge has five cottages and six houses – The Tree House, The Dog House, The Bird House, Honeymoon House and The Nut House – all with spectacular views across the river. Tongabezi cottages are comfortably furnished and the houses are all unique in design. Both the cottages and houses have en-suite facilities with a shower and a ‘bath with a view’. The central lounge, bar and dining room are under thatch and there is a swimming pool which has been landscaped into the rock face. Activities are varied and include a tour into Livingstone town to visit the historical museum and other places of interest.

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Waterberry Zambezi Lodge £££££

  • Zambia
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Just a 30-minute drive from Livingstone town and upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls on the banks of the Zambezi River is the informal and friendly, Waterberry Zambezi Lodge. An attractive riverside setting in a secluded position, Waterberry boasts wonderful views across the river to the Zambezi National Park.

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The Royal Livingstone £££££

  • Zambia

The Royal Livingstone is a sophisticated five-star hotel found on the banks of the Zambezi River on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. See the spray and hear the roar of the falls from the grounds of The Royal Livingstone and have direct access to the falls. It sits within the Most-oa-Tunya National Park with giraffes, zebra and impala regularly roaming throughout the property. Its 173 rooms are elegant and classy and are designed to evoke a bygone era – all have private balconies or terraces. The hotel has an a la carte restaurant and a lounge bar serving light meals, both of which open into spacious verandas overlooking the gardens and river. Guests are also able to enjoy a traditional Boma dining experience at its sister property, the Avani Victoria Falls, next door.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

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  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

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  • 01285 880 980

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