"The town of Livingstone has grown up around the international attraction of Victoria Falls. It offers plentiful accommodation, both in town and along the nearby Zambezi, and is the hub for tourist activities such as white-water rafting. Beyond the waterfall, , natural attractions include river cruises and excursions into nearby Mosi oa Tunya National Park. Wildlife throughout the area includes hippos, elephant, buffalo and a host of antelope species, plus – inside the park – a small protected population of white rhinos. Birdlife is outstanding. A joint visa arrangement allows visitors to cross into the Zimbabwean side, while excursions further afield, for example to Hwange (Zimababwe) or Chobe (Botswana) National Parks, are easily arranged.”

- Mike Unwin

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Livingstone, Zambia’s Victoria Falls

Livingstone is Zambia’s busiest destination. This small town, 10km north of Victoria Falls, hit boom time as tourism across the river in Zimbabwe declined. Today, accommodation ranges from hotels in town to quiet, elegant lodges upstream along the Zambezi, while activities include adventure sports such as white-water rafting and bungee-jumping, plus more sedaate explorations of the region’s history and wildlife. Attractions on the Zimbabwean side, such as the famous Victoria Falls hotel, are easily reached courtesy of a joint visa arrangement.

Of course, the prime attraction is the waterfall itself, which may not be quite the world’s widest or steepest but, by volume of water, is its largest. The Zambian side offers views quite different from those in Zimbabwe, allowing you to appreciate the full sweep of the 1.6km wide gorge from its easternmost point, and to explore the islands upstream – even venturing to Devils’ Pool on the very lip. The spectacle is most impressive in the late rainy season, when you should expect a drenching, and is also eerily spectacular by moonlight. A small rainforest on the Zimbabwean side, created by the permanent spray, harbours small game and some special local birds, such as Livingstone’s turaco.

Despite its intensive development, this remains a rich wildlife area. Activities focus on the Zambezi river upstream of the falls. On sundowner cruises you may spy hippos, crocodiles and drinking elephants, while short canoe safaris bring you closer to the riverine birdlife. Inland, Mosi oa Tunya National Park (which translates as ‘the smoke that thunders,’ the local Batonka name for the falls) also has buffalo, giraffe and variety of antelope. There is also a small population of white rhino, introduced from South Africa, which you can approach on foot – and occasionally wild dogs are seen. For those combining Victoria Falls with safaris further afield, Livingstone is a convenient stop-off en route to nearby Chobe (Botswana) or Hwange (Zimbabwe).

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’

This is the wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.

The Zambezi River's water levels begin to increase, improving the Victoria Falls spectacle. White water rafting is good at this time of year particularly in the first half of the month.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’

This is the wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.

The Zambezi River's water levels begin to increase, improving the Victoria Falls spectacle. White water rafting is good at this time of year particularly in the first half of the month.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’

This is the wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.

The Zambezi River's water levels begin to increase, improving the Victoria Falls spectacle. White water rafting is good at this time of year particularly in the first half of the month.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’

Temperatures are pleasant, and the rains are beginning to ease. The water level of the Zambezi should be at its peak, showcasing Victoria Falls in all her glory.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

DRY SEASON

May is the beginning of the dry season, although the landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains. Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can however be surprisingly cool at around 10°C/49°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.

Water levels remain high over the Falls.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

DRY SEASON

Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can, however, be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.

Water levels remain high over the Falls

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

DRY SEASON

Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can, however, be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.

Water levels remain high over the Falls.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

DRY SEASON

Clear skies still dominate. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 33°C/91°F and 18°C/64°F respectfully.

Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

DRY SEASON

Clear skies still dominate. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 33°C/91°F and 18°C/64°F respectfully.

Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

DRY SEASON

Temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon.

Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible. Zambezi River rafting is at its best, with exciting rapids and drop-offs

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

WET SEASON

The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures still remain very hot, while the humidity adds a level of discomfort.

Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible. Zambezi River rafting is at its best, with exciting rapids and drop-offs.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

WET SEASON

Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.

Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible. Zambezi River rafting is at its best, with exciting rapids and drop-offs.

Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.

Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.

Experiences

Take in views of the worlds largest waterfall, measuring an incredible 1,708 meters at it’s height

Experience Victoria Falls from a unique perspective

Take nature at your own pace, as you float down Africa’s greatest river

Or set your pulse racing on some of the worlds more exhilarating rapids

Take a swim on the edge, with a dip in Devil’s Pool

Visit Mosi-oaTunya National Park to track on foot one of the most endangered species on the planet, the white rhino

Explore Livingstone, Zambia’s Victoria Falls Properties

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