| Introduction to Livingstone
Like a firecracker, the Zambian town of Livingstone has exploded into life since 2001 as a world-class tourist destination. This is because high-quality deluxe hotels and lodges as well as more affordable options, including fine backpackers’ spots, now abound at this the Zambian side of the wonder-of-the-world Victoria Falls.
Access is simple – there are daily direct scheduled flights of 1.5 hours from Johannesburg to the new-look Livingstone International Airport and light aircraft options from Lusaka. Commanding centre-stage, of course, are the Victoria Falls and the legendary Zambezi River that ensure a plethora of activity options to suit all ages and tastes. This area, including the Victoria Falls Zimbabwe just across the magnificent border bridge, is acclaimed as the unchallenged Adventure Capital of Africa.
There are more than 1,000 beds to choose from. At the pinnacle is the truly world-class 5 star Royal Livingstone Hotel (173 rooms) within sight and sound of the Victoria Falls at the supreme location. The adjacent 3-star Zambezi Sun Hotel (215 rooms) is a superb and affordable playground for families while the 4-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa (77 rooms) is just upriver and is very highly rated for ambience and food.
There are fabulous small and exclusive safari lodges further downstream, all in breathtaking locations at the edge of the Zambezi, and for discerning travellers we highly recommend The River Club, Sussi & Chuma, Tongabezi, Thorntree River Lodge, Islands of Siankaba, Sindabezi Island and Toka Leya. At a more affordable rate but away from the river are Taita Falcon Lodge (spectacular views over the gorge) and Stanley Safari Lodge. Highly recommended for young backpackers is The Waterfront chalets or tents in a superb location and featuring bar, restaurant and pool.
Botswana’s famous safari destination of Chobe National Park is just 80km away and so easy to weave in to an overall itinerary or to make a rewarding day trip. It is important to note that, due to river levels, the view of Victoria Falls from the Zambian side diminishes rapidly from August through to the end of January and actually dries up completely. The best viewing of the awesome Falls is always from the Zimbabwe side throughout the year, though it is also very special from the Zambian side from March through July.
Traditional Tourist
Sunset Zambezi Safari Cruises
Three large luxury boats (that seat 120, 140, 80) offer sunset cruises with snacks and cocktails on the Zambezi. Invariably there are memorable sunsets and often there are sightings of elephants, giraffe, crocodiles, hippo and other game. There are also several smaller boats.
Tour of Victoria Falls
A must for all tourists, stroll along the edge of the awesome Victoria Falls and be amazed at its power. Seeing is believing and you will know why it is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. A local traditional craft market is nearby.
Helicopter Flips
Go on a 15-minute flip over the Falls and the Zambezi River to get a bird’s eye view of the greatest waterfall on earth. Explorer Dr Livingstone once exclaimed: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Very highly recommended.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Test your skills at shooting the moving bird with clay and skeet shooting just a few minutes away from the town centre at a special facility.
Tours of traditional villages
There are many large and small authentic mud-hut villages where you may interact with the villagers and learn their simple way of life. Meet the children in school and see the way the villagers make their crafts.
Walking with the Lions
The unique African Lion Encounter operates from Thorntree Lodge and is a thrilling wildlife adventure where, for an hour-and-a-half, you walk alongside and interact with lion cubs aged between 3-16 months. No leashes, no collars – a rare encounter inside the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Livingstone Express Luxury Steam Train
The style and opulence of this magnificent train is right up with the famous Orient Express. This evening trip incorporates a classic steam train expedition with fine dining provided by the Royal Livingstone Hotel chefs. You will pass through Dambwa Township and then through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National park for a four course gourmet dinner. Minimum numbers will be required.
Elephant Back Safaris
A ride, for an hour through pristine wilderness on the largest animal in Africa, is an unforgettable experience. You also get the opportunity to interact with the elephants for amazing photo opportunities. There are morning and afternoon rides.
Horse Trails
There is a selection of short horse trails for novice riders plus multi-day safaris for experienced riders.
Craft Shopping
There are several local craft markets in and near Livingstone
Golf
The century old Livingstone Golf Club has been lovingly restored to beyond its former glory and boasts a stylish colonial clubhouse, bar, restaurant and an 18-hole course. Clubs may be hired and there is a full pro-shop.
Jet Boats
The most exciting way to explore the channels and rapids of the Zambezi that are beyond the reach of the bigger boats. You can get a front-row seat in the view of the Falls and safely go thrillingly close to the edge.
Walking in the Wilds
Walk with an armed National Parks scout in the small but productive Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park just five minutes out of Livingstone town. You may come across elephants, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, kudu and many other species.
Quad Bikes
Have some rollicking fun near the river in the most awe-inspiring surroundings as you explore various places.
Fishing
The Zambezi is home to the fighting tigerfish and also the delectable bream. Take a small boat with a local expert fisherman and try your luck. Fishing is also very good on the Chobe River in Botswana just 80km away from Victoria Falls.
Game Drives
If you can’t get to Chobe Botswana then the small Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park 10 minutes out of Livingstone borders the Zambezi River and can be very rewarding for elephants, giraffe, zebra and other animals.
Chobe Safari Day Trip
Just 80km from Livingstone lies one of the world’s most famous and prolific wildlife parks, Chobe in Botswana, home to the largest elephant herds of earth and more than 110 other mammal species plus 450 bird species. Prime time for a visit is May-November.
Adrenalin Junkies
White Water Rafting
Rightly acclaimed as the finest one-day white water rafting in the world in the Victoria Falls’ Batoka Gorge. Choose from half-day or full day trips while there are also multi-day expeditions for the hardiest adventurers. The normal season is June through January because of the water levels, though this changes from year-to-year.
River Boarding
This is the pure adrenaline sport of surfing the fearsome rapids in the Batoka Gorge. You’ll be on a body board and accompanied by a qualified river guide.
Canoe the Zambezi
Travel with expert guides on one of the world’s legendary rivers, the upper Zambezi, in two and three-person klepper canoes. Explore the channels and get close to nature in a dramatic way. You may see crocodiles and come within trunk-touching distance from elephants, but you’ll stay at a careful distance from the pods of hippo you are certain to see. A thrilling adventure!
Gorge Swings
A whole series of pure adrenaline thrills located at Gorge 7. ABSEIL 54m down a sheer cliff wall, guided by an instructor all the way. SWING forwards, backwards or do the death drop! Jump on your own or in tandem. It’s 54m (160ft) of pure freefall and you will reach speeds of up to 180 km/h. HIGH WIRE in full body harness and take a running dive off the cliff. A cable spans the 135m width of the gorge and you’ll soar like a bird 75m above the river. RAP JUMP when you run as fast as you like down a 54m sheer cliff facing forwards! WHOOPIE SLIDE for 350m across the gorge. Fun for all ages from 6 plus.
Microlight Flips
The open cockpit offers a unique vista of the Falls, the Zambezi River, the wildlife and the general area of Victoria Falls.
Bunji Jumping
Go solo or tandem in a thrill-packed experience off the Victoria Falls Bridge with a fantastic backdrop of the mighty Falls. This is an awesome 111m leap with the raging Zambezi River beneath you. Not for the feint-hearted!
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