In 1855, explorer David Livingstone documented the existence of what he later named Victoria Falls, after Queen Victoria. The local tribes called it ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ meaning ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. Tradesmen and missionaries soon settled in the region of Old Drift, 10 km west of the Falls, until the completion of the Victoria Falls railway bridge in 1905, when they moved to higher ground near the bridge, and established the town of Livingstone.

The British South African Company made its headquarters in Livingstone, and the town grew rapidly. In 1911 it became the capital of Northern Rhodesia, but Britain made Lusaka the capital in 1935 in order to be closer to the copper and farming districts. Livingstone’s status as capital city saw it receiving preferential treatment as is evidenced by the many majestic Edwardian buildings which line the streets. Ironically, the town only got its first traffic light in 2011. Originally neglected by tourists in favour of the much smaller town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, tourism activity in Livingstone increased due to Zimbabwe’s political instability after independence. Today, more than 140 000 people live here.

Close to the world-famous Victoria Falls, Livingstone is the perfect point for exploring this natural wonder. But there’s a lot more on offer besides this.

For the history buffs there’s the Livingstone Museum, with five galleries displaying natural, cultural and historical development in the country, while the Railway Museum depicts the history of the railway in Zambia. At Old Drift there’s a small cemetery which serves as a reminder of the town’s humble beginnings. Or you can simply take a slow drive (or walk) up the town’s main road to admire the grand old buildings which date back to Edwardian times.

For souvenir hunters, Mukuni Park Curio Market is a must; this is a large market selling curios and souvenirs handmade in Zambia. With the official opening of the Victoria Falls Railway Bridge in 1905, Chief Lewanika of the Lozi tribe, put up a display of Barotse arts and crafts in the area known today as Mukuni Park (then Barotse Park). Since then the area was used by traders and artists to display and sell their wares, and in 2013 the Zambian government erected the more permanent stalls in use today. Mukuni Park Curio Market is the ideal place to shop for souvenirs. There’s a large variety of Zambian crafts on display and prices are always negotiable - but be fair, the traders are also trying to make a living! In the park behind the stalls is a display that details the history of Old Drift, Livingstone, the railway bridge, and Mukuni Park.

If you prefer a less touristy market, the traditional Maramba Market is the largest in Livingstone, and sells everything from fruit & veg, curios, clothing, pots, pans and much more. Prices are more affordable, this is where the locals shop!

The Mosi-Oa-Tunya Nature Reserve stretches from the Victoria Falls for about 12 kilometres along the northern banks of the Zambezi River. At 66 km2 it’s Zambia’s smallest park, with big game such as rhino, elephant and buffalo, but no predators. The park was established in 1972 to form a buffer between the town of Livingstone and the animals which cross the Zambezi from the Zimbabwean side. Other game includes warthog, wildebeest and giraffe (easily spotted in such a small park).

But of course it’s Victoria Falls which are the main attraction. At 108 m these are not the tallest waterfall in the world, and at 1 700 m, neither are they the widest. But they are considered to be the largest waterfall in the world as they boast the largest continuous ‘curtain’ of water.
Geology buffs may be interested to know that the Falls, in geological years, is but an embryo. About a million years ago, the Zambezi River flowed from the north uninterrupted southwards, to where the Matetsi River today flows into the Zambezi. Here, the river fell over a 250 m drop, over thousands of years gradually eroding away the ‘lip’ of the waterfall.

Further upstream, in the Batoka Gorge Region, weaknesses in the rock, called fissures, filled with softer sandstone, eroded faster than the basalt, and about 40 000 years ago, formed a deep crack, with the basalt forming a solid rock wall over which the river falls, creating a new waterfall further upstream. The water now erodes a new fissure behind this wall of rock, and the process is repeated, and the falls retreat further upstream. The eight gorges which lend the Zambezi its zig-zag flow just below the Falls were all formed in this manner. Careful observers will be able to spot the beginning of a new fissure on the eastern side of Devil’s Cataract, where the water is gradually wearing away at yet another weakness to form a new waterfall a few thousand years from now.

Birders may note that the Batoka Gorge is listed as an Important Birding Area, and is a breeding area for the endangered Taita Falcon, as well as lanner falcon, peregrine falcon, and Verraux’s Eagle. Reptile fans can enjoy close-up views of crocodiles, snakes and tortoises at the Livingstone Reptile Park.

Probably the most frequently-asked questions about visiting the Victoria Falls is where to view it from: the Zimbabwean side or the Zambian side? While the best view of the Falls is undoubtedly from the Zimbabwean side (though this may be a matter of personal opinion), if you want to see the Falls in their full glory, you need to do both, as the Eastern Cataract is only visible from Zambia. From this point you also get a lovely view down the length of the falls as the sun sets.

David Livingstone first viewed the Falls from a small island above the Falls, today named Livingstone Island. This small island on the edge of the Falls is situated on the Zambian side, and viewing the falls from here, is a unique experience. While viewing the Falls from the Zimbabwean side gives you a full view of the falls, a visit to Livingstone Island brings you up close to the thundering masses of water of the Main Falls, an exhilarating experience.

Near Livingstone Island is Devil’s Pool; a swim here is on every adrenaline junkie’s bucket list. This natural pool, which can only be accessed from Zambia, was created by erosion right on the edge of the Falls; a shallow ledge forms a natural barrier, preventing people from being washed over the edge and into the 103 m chasm below.

Access to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool is by boat and seasonal, as they can only be accessed in periods of low water, usually from August to January, but this may vary depending on water levels. If Devil’s Pool doesn’t satisfy your adrenaline fix, you can abseil into the gorge, go white-water rafting (seasonal), bungee jump or swing off the Victoria Falls Bridge, or enjoy a microlight flight over the Falls from the Zambian side.

For the more faint-at-heart, helicopter flights over the Falls are available from both Livingstone and Victoria Falls, whereas microlight flights can only be done in Zambia. Or enjoy a typical English High Tea at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, overlooking the Zambezi River – totally adrenaline-free! A great way to end such a day would be a ride aboard the Royal Livingstone Express; this old steam train offers a 5-star dining experience and stops for 20 minutes on the Victoria Falls Bridge for sunset views of the falls before returning to Livingstone station.

Alternatively, a classic end to the day in these parts is a chilled sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, just don’t expect the wildlife you see in Botswana on the Chobe river. The Zambezi here is fast flowing and deep, and while you can expect some hippo and good birding, and the occasional giraffe and other antelope on the northern banks, wildlife is not as prolific as on the Chobe River boat cruise. The sunsets are usually spectacular though!

ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation options stretch from camping to low budget backpackers, affordable guesthouses and five star hotels. Whatever accommodation you prefer, you’ll find it in Livingstone.

The town is about ten kilometres away from the falls, with only the upmarket Royal Livingstone Hotel and the more affordable Avani Victoria Falls Resort situated near the falls. Campsites are usually situated along the Zambezi River or one of its contributories, but not within walking distance of the Falls unless you’re up for a day’s walk!

CAR RENTALS:
Car rental services are situated at Livingstone International Airport.

COMMUNICATIONS:
For internet access, visit the City Cyber Business Centre situated along Dambwa central market open between 08h00-18h00 daily; Most accommodations and restaurants now provide free WiFi access.

EMERGENCY SERVICES:
There is a central police station in Livingstone.

NOTE: Visitors to Zambia are advised to have their own personal travel insurance. Local police, hospitals, clinics etc. cannot be relied upon.
Please note that any emergency numbers indicated on our data will be for the local police, hospital, clinic etc. and most of the times, don't work. Many tourism sites show the numbers like 999 for police, they often don’t work.

If you have a medical problem when in Zambia, Specialty Emergency Services has a Call Centre (24 hours). Phone them on 737. This company has offices in Livingstone, Lusaka and Kitwe. But they will fly anywhere to assist if visitors have the right insurance. If you want to check your insurance, contact SES on [email protected]. (http://ses-zambia.com/).

FUEL:
Note that petrol and diesel prices change all the time, and you can expect to pay different prices at different fuel stations. 'KR' in the petrol and fuel prices refer to 'Kwacha renewed', as the many zeros are being removed from Kwacha currency. Some fuel stops in Livingstone includes the Engen fuel stop, Total fuel stop, Puma Fuel Stop, all situated along the main T1 highway in Livingstone.

GAS REFILL:
Done at Ankufa Supplies Gas Refill where SA Gas bottle refill is done but cannot refill UK bottles.

HEALTHCARE:
Livingstone Central Hospital open 24 hrs a day situated along Zambia Youth Ave. There is also the Southern Medical centre along Mokambo Rd, also open 24hrs - try +260(0)21 332 3547. Clinics also includes the Maramba along Maramba Rd and Mahatma Gandhi Clinic along Kanila and Maoma Rd also open 24hrs.
Most pharmacies are situated along the T1 major highway. These includes the Healthrise pharmacy, Health and Glow pharmacy and HK pharmacy amongst others.

MECHANICAL SERVICES:
For vehicle repairs and auto parts visit Autoworld situated along John Hunt way open till from 08h00 to 17h00 during working days; 08h00-12h00 on Saturdays and closed on Sundays; Try : +260(0)97 996 7768.
There is also Foley's Land Rovers situated along Balewa Rd, open 08h00-17h00 during working days and 08h00-12h30 on Sat; Try +260(0)21 332 0888.
Or contact Desmond Hitchens on +260(0)96 504 0950.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
Shopping can be done at modern supermarkets such as Spar and Shoprite, or the traditional Maramba market. Banks, ATMs, Forex Exchange, fuel stations and restaurants dot virtually every corner of the town. Whether it’s the start or end of your tour, or a halfway stop, you’ll be sure to find what you need in Livingstone.

For craft market, visit the Mukuni Park Curio Market along Mwela Street. Bobbili Gems and jewellery offers a selection of jewellery, necklaces and earings.

TOW-IN:
Tow-in tel is for CFAO Zambia but they cater for their clients only who have the Nissan vehicle brands.
Also try Deemac Vehicle Recovery +260(0)95 419 5050.

TYRE REPAIRS & SALES:
Tyre repairs services are also offered at Foley's Land Rovers situated along Balewa Rd, open 08h00-17h00 during working days and 08h00-12h30 on Sat; Try: +260(0)21 332 0888. (Jan-2019).
Tyre repairs and sales are available at Autoworld in Livingstone.

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