"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
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
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
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
Explore Livingstone, Zambia’s Victoria Falls Properties
-
Chundukwa River Lodge
Chundukwa River Lodge
A serene river lodge on the grassy banks of the Zambezi, Chundukwa River Lodge is an intimate accommodation with a rural feel yet makes the perfect base for exploring the game-rich area, Livingstone Town and the natural wonders of ..
-
Royal Chundu River Lodge & Island Lodge
Royal Chundu River Lodge & Island Lodge
Royal Chundu is a luxurious family owned and run property consisting of two spectacular lodges. River Lodge is the heart of the two, exuding a mix of African charm and contemporary chic with the Zambezi River as its focal point. ..
-
Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma
Named after David Livingstone’s faithful friends, Sussi and Chuma Lodge is a boutique property on a quiet bend of the Zambezi River. Sitting amid Pheonix palms and jackalberry trees, enjoy luxury tree-houses and a remote setting ..
-
The Royal Livingstone Hotel
The Royal Livingstone Hotel
A five-star iconic hotel on the banks of the Zambezi, The Royal Livingstone tips its hat to elegant travel of the past. Named in honour of explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the hotel offers an antique yet fresh ambience with its ..
-
Thorntree River Lodge
Thorntree River Lodge
The tapestry of luxury safari lodges is constantly evolving, but the rebirth of the Thorntree River Lodge, a jewel in the crown of African Bush Camps (ABC), is an evocative rendition of contemporary African elegance. Opened in May ..
-
Toka Leya Camp
Toka Leya Camp
Toka Leya is an upmarket camp run by Wilderness Safaris, offering a scenic riverside location and a safari-chic atmosphere. With a secluded setting, this contemporary camp within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a tranquil spot ..
-
Tongabezi
Tongabezi
Tongabezi Lodge is a secluded riverside camp with excellent service and luxurious rooms creating a private and unique haven for each group of guests. Enjoying a perfect location on the grassy banks of the Zambezi, this ..
What People Say
-
The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
-
We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
-
Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
-
Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
-
Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
-
Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
-
Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
-
We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
-
Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
