9 Best Things To do In Livingstone, Zambia!

Howdy! 😀 Is Zambia on your bucket-list? Yes…No? Well, in this post I am going to give you sufficient reasons to go! Buckle-in as we explore the Best Things To Do In Livingstone with bonus travel tips just for you…

P.S. Have you read Part 1 of our Lusaka to Livingstone Travel Guide? Check it out HERE!

Whether you are an adventure junkie, a nature lover or an enthusiastic foodie, you’ll certainly find a variety of things to do in Livingstone!

And perhaps therein lies the true magic of Livingstone… In the way it gracefully embraces you with arms wide open, regardless of who you are or where you’re from! 🙂

9 Ideas of the Best things to do in Livingstone, Zambia!

P.S. The moments on this trip were captured before the pandemic. So be sure to follow the Covid-19 safety measures in place. For helpful tips, check out my blog post on 7 Tips For Mindful Travel In 2021.

Get A Splash of the Victoria Falls

Named as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the Victoria Falls simply must be experienced at least once in your lifetime!

It is majestic, captivating, and it is awe-inspiring! When you see it with your own eyes, you’ll get a sense of ‘why’…  Even as I write about it now, my heart is filled with awe! 😀

Located on the course of the River Zambezi, and at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, the Victoria Falls adds to the Livingstone charm! Its local name in the Sotho language is Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘The Smoke That Thunders.’

There are two ways to experience the Victoria Falls… During the peak season, when the falls are full, or during the low water season.

We happened to visit during the low water period, in November. Thanks to previous months of drought, the waterfall had nearly dried up on the Zambia side… This served to provide incredible views of the exposed rock that usually lies behind the mighty waters!

The jagged rock formation, with its folds and creases formed after thousands of years of being beaten and caressed by running water, was breathtakingly beautiful! 🙂

I felt such a deep reverence for God as my eyes beheld His wonderful creation! And I couldn’t help thinking: it is for such moments that we travel! 😀

In the wet months, (February to May) the experience is a different kind of wonder! Apparently the fog is usually so thick, with the rush of free-flowing water so wild, that you can hardly to see beyond your nose.

No matter the season, the Victoria Falls presents a unique, unforgettable adventure… 🙂

Travel Tips:-

• In the wet months, carry a raincoat and sturdy walking shoes. You might also need a change of clothes.
• Raincoats are available for hire at the entrance.
• Park entrance fees cost about 20USD per person (foreigners).
• A walk around the waterfall takes about 45 minutes and it’s included in the park entrance fees.

Descend to the Boiling Point…

Don’t worry, no heat is involved… Well, except for working your leg muscles & braving the hot weather! 😀

This activity involves walking down to the heart of the waterfall, known as ‘boiling point’. Thanks to the wild, green undergrowth, you’ll feel like you are walking through an Amazonian jungle. And instead of Mowgli, you’ll have cheeky baboons swinging from tree to tree.

It helps to have good company… First to enjoy the views with and especially to boost morale while facing the ‘hectic climb’ back up.

I was fortunate to be in amazing company of my friends: John & Jane Malea, Beth & Frank Radcliffe and Twaambo. John found himself what he called a ‘Moses stick’ and he walked ahead of us like the Israelites in the dessert. It made for a good laugh! 😀

The views at the bottom of the Waterfall are surreal, and the sound of water is beyond relaxing! Caught up in the excitement, I slipped on a wet rock! Thankfully, I landed on my bum & didn’t get hurt! 🙂

Quick Tips:

• Put away your snacks and drinks, as the baboons will make a grab for them.
• Wear sturdy shoes because it gets very slippery, at the bottom.
• Walking to the boiling point is free (included in the entrance fee).

Swim in the Devil’s Pool.

I probably shied away from this activity because of its name… As a non-swimmer, there was no way I was going to try ‘playing with the devil.’

You, on the other hand, might be more daring than I am, so let’s talk about it! 😀

The Devil’s Pool is situated at the edge of the Victoria falls, where the water pours off. Apparently, it’s safe thanks to a rock that acts as a barrier which prevents you from being drained off with the water.

>>The best and safest times to go is between August and December when the waterfall isn’t at its peak.

>>It costs about 90USD for non-Zambians.

Go Bungee Jumping!

If you are an adrenaline-chaser, then add this to your bucket-list of things to do in Livingstone! At 111m high, the Victoria Falls bridge is one of the highest bungee jumps in the world!

The bridge connects Zambia to Zimbabwe, and you will land on the Zimbabwean side, hence you’ll need your passport to cross back.

I didn’t try this out, but it looks like lots of fun- for those who dare! 😀

>>Bungee jumping costs around 160USD to 180USD.

Sun-downer dinner at David Livingstone Lodge

After an adrenaline-charged day, a sun-downer at the edge of the River Zambezi will feel heavenly. 🙂

We drove to the David Livingstone Lodge for dinner and to catch the sunset… On our way, we encountered a herd of elephants crossing the road. It was both scary and exhilarating! Twaambo, set behind the wheel, reversed the car slowly to get us well out of their path.

The elephants paid us no mind though, crossing over without a fuss. And the residents must be used to it too, because they seemed calm and unbothered… 😀

The Lodge is beautiful and offers panoramic views of the Zambezi River. It was a cloudy day so the sun didn’t quite come out to play… Still, we had a lovely time, and the food was delectable!

>>Try their fresh, grilled fish served with nshima (ugali) and rape (kale).

>>Carry an insect repellent, because the Livingstone mosquitos are unforgiving!

Visit the Look Out Tree

The Look Out Tree, is a baobab tree (Mubuyu) that’s apparently been around for over a 1,000 years old.

They’ve constructed a ladder around it, with a viewing platform at the roof of the tree. It offers fantastic views of Livingstone, and you get to appreciate the vastness of it all.

>>This is free, though you can tip the guys there if you like.

Walk With Lions

Humans have somehow perfected the art of doing dangerous things, and ‘making it fun’… But that’s living I suppose, ay? 😀

Mukuni Big 5 is a safaris company that offers guided tours in Livingstone, including walking with lions and cheetahs. The place is lovely and green, and they have a restaurant where you can grab cold drinks if you like.

We didn’t do the ‘walking with lions’ tour but we got to see them up close and personal in their wide enclosures. Felt like I was finally meeting King Mufasa in all his glory! 😀

You’ll also get to see other wild animals like cheetahs & elephants.

>> Contact them on tours@mukunibig5.co.zm for more details on the costs.

Lunch at Flavours Grill

Flavours Grill a is fine restaurant in the heart of Livingstone town. They have a terrace dining area that’s perfect to get a breather from the hot weather.

Their menu offers a fusion of oriental and Zambian cuisines. Unable to decide on what to eat, Jane came to my rescue offering to share a meal. We had the chicken curry with rice and a side of naan. The portions were quite generous, so it makes sense to share a meal.

>>Their meals range between 3USD and 15USD.

>>Though we had an okay experience ourselves, I’ve seen mixed reviews about their service. Hopefully they’ve improved.

Sundowner Boat Cruise on the Zambezi River

This is honestly one of my most memorable experiences in Livingstone! 😀 The guys at Mukuni Big 5 operate a luxurious boat called the Lion King.

And for only 55USD, you get to go on a sundowner cruise on the River Zambezi, feeling like a Royal. They provide bottomless drinks and snacks during the 2-hours’ cruise. The boat movement is so smooth, that you hardly feel it gliding swiftly over the water.

A family of elephants was crossing the river, and it made for an epic viewing, with a sunset teasing us in the horizon…

This is such a magical experience and I would definitely recommend it! 🙂

Photography By:

Twaambo Chikoye

&

Marion Mithamo

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Thank you for reading! 😀 Did you enjoy this post with things to do in Livingstone? What else would you add to this list? Are you feeling inspired to plan your trip to Zambia?

I would love to hear from you, feel free to leave a comment down below with your inputs/questions.

<< Stay. Inspired. Always. >>