Livingstone
Flagship destination — falls, river activities, gateway to Lower Zambezi
Mosi-oa-Tunya
Stand in awe at the edge of the thundering Eastern Cataract where the spray rises hundreds of meters into the sky.
Discover the magic of Livingstone
Livingstone town itself is quieter and more laid-back than its Zimbabwean counterpart, with a strong colonial history (named for David Livingstone, the first European to document the falls in 1855), a good museum, and easy access to Livingstone Island for Devil's Pool. It's also the natural springboard for river-based add-ons — sunset cruises depart right from town, and it's the closest gateway to the Lower Zambezi safari circuit downstream.
When to visit Livingstone
Bespoke monthly climate indicators detailing temperature shifts and average precipitation levels.
Peak Flood (High Water)
Knife-Edge Bridge is spectacular, heavy mist spray, rafting closed.
Cool Dry Winter
Pleasant, dry. Excellent for game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Park.
Hot Dry Spring
Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island open up. Calmer river levels.
Summer Rains
Lush green lands, afternoon storms, humid heat.
Points of Interest
Glimpses of local landmarks and experiences, capturing moments that define Livingstone.
Mosi Oa Tunya — Zambia
The Zambian falls walk, including the Knife-Edge Bridge — the closest possible viewpoint to the thunderous Eastern Cataract. Expect to get soaked.
Livingstone Island
Accessible by boat (water levels permitting), the spot where David Livingstone first viewed the falls, and the launch point for Devil's Pool swims.
Victoria Falls Bridge Crossing
Walk or cycle between Zambia and Zimbabwe for views straight down into the gorge (passport required even for a short crossing).
Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Park
A small park on the Zambian side home to white rhino, giraffe, zebra, and antelope; good for a short game drive or rhino-tracking walk.
Livingstone Museum
The largest and oldest museum in Zambia, covering the region's archaeological history, local culture, and the David Livingstone expeditions.
Zambezi River Cruises
Sunset and lunch cruises departing from jetties just outside town, drifting past hippos and crocodiles.
Signature Activities
Whether booked individually or integrated into our itineraries, these are the standout experiences in Livingstone.
Devil's Pool & Livingstone Island
Livingstone Island is the speck of land where David Livingstone first laid eyes on the Falls in 1855, perched right on the edge of the precipice. During the low-water months a natural rock barrier forms a pool — Devil's Pool — where you can swim to the very lip of the Falls and peer over a 100-metre drop, held safely by the rock wall and guides. It is one of the most famous and photographed experiences in Africa. Access is by short boat transfer to the island, followed by a guided wade and swim out to the pool. Swimming is optional — many come simply for the unmatched setting and the food, served picnic-style on the island.
Microlight Flight over Victoria Falls
If the helicopter is the comfortable way to see the Falls from above, the microlight is the visceral one. You sit in an open two-seater behind the pilot with nothing between you and the view — the closest thing to flying like a bird over Mosi-oa-Tunya. Many travellers rate it the single most memorable thing they do in Victoria Falls. The 15-minute flight runs along the Zambezi and makes several circuits over the Falls, taking in the rainforest and wildlife below. The 30-minute flight extends downstream over the Batoka Gorges and upstream along the Zambezi and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where hippo, crocodile, giraffe and elephant are almost always seen.
Royal Livingstone Express — Steam Train Dinner
A five-course fine-dining journey aboard beautifully restored Pullman coaches, hauled by a vintage steam locomotive from Livingstone out toward the Victoria Falls Bridge and through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. As the train rolls slowly through the bush at golden hour, you may spot game from the open observation platform before settling in for dinner as the sun sets — a romantic, nostalgic evening that's a highlight for many couples.
Where to stay
Hand-selected camps and lodges that blend high-end design, proximity to wilderness, and superior hosting.
Thorntree River Lodge
Set on the banks of the Zambezi within Zambia's Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Thorntree River Lodge is an ultra-luxurious sanctuary managed by the renowned African Bush Camps. This is where contemporary eco-design meets untamed wilderness, just a short distance from the smoke that thunders, Victoria Falls. The lodge’s design is a masterpiece of sustainability, blending local timber and stone with classic tented roofs to create a space that is both sophisticated and deeply connected to its environment. The main lodge flows from an elegant lounge and library to an open-plan dining area, all offering panoramic views of the river. Step outside onto the expansive deck with its infinity pool that melts into the horizon, or gather around the sunken boma's firepit under a blanket of stars. A unique floating deck rises and falls with the river, providing an unparalleled vantage point for watching hippos and elephants. For rejuvenation, a tranquil spa and a fully-equipped gym await. Each of the ten tented suites is a private haven of comfort, complete with its own plunge pool, deck, and indoor-outdoor bathroom. From rhino tracking on foot and sunset river cruises to bespoke tours of the Falls, the experiences here are as exceptional as the setting. Thorntree is more than a lodge; it's a purpose-led destination for discerning travellers, honeymooners, and families seeking an intimate and unforgettable Zambezi adventure.
David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa
A comfortable, well-run riverside lodge on the Zambezi, the David Livingstone offers upmarket rooms — many with river views — a riverfront pool, a wellness spa and gym (included), and its own jetty for sunset cruises. It blends colonial-inspired style with a relaxed, mid-luxury atmosphere, and its riverbank setting and on-site activities make it a solid all-round base on the Zambian side.
Avani Victoria Falls Resort
The Avani shares its prime riverside setting and private Falls access with the neighbouring Royal Livingstone, but at a more accessible price — making it the best-value way to be within walking distance of the Falls on the Zambian side. The large, relaxed resort has 212 rooms, a big pool, multiple dining options, and resident zebra and giraffe wandering the shared grounds. Its walk-to-the-Falls convenience and family-friendly facilities make it a popular, sensible choice.
The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara
The Royal Livingstone is the Zambian side's flagship luxury hotel — and its trump card is location: it sits directly on the Zambezi with its own private access to the Falls, so guests can walk to the edge in minutes. Elegant colonial-style rooms spread along manicured riverside lawns where zebra and giraffe graze, and the famous sundowner deck looks straight up the river to the spray. With 173 rooms, a spa, gym and full resort facilities, it pairs grand-hotel polish with an unbeatable setting.
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
Escape the crowds at Waterberry Zambezi Lodge, a tranquil, owner-run sanctuary tucked away on the banks of the Zambezi River, just a 35-minute drive upstream from the rush of Victoria Falls. With views across the water into Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, it offers a front-row seat to wild Africa, where elephants often splash on the opposite bank and the sound of hippos provides a nightly soundtrack. Waterberry strikes a perfect balance between rustic-chic comfort and exceptional value. It trades the formal atmosphere of larger resorts for genuine warmth, hearty home-cooked meals, and authentic Zambian hospitality. The main lodge features a double-story thatched building with an open-air dining terrace and a cozy upstairs viewing lounge and bar, perfect for sharing stories after a day of exploration. The lodge offers a variety of accommodation, from intimate riverside cottages to secluded forest tents and a magnificent private villa, The River Farmhouse. More than just a beautiful stay, Waterberry is a model for responsible tourism, directly funding and running a local school and community farm. It's an ideal choice for travellers seeking a peaceful, personal, and impactful connection to the Zambezi.
Tongabezi Lodge
Tongabezi is the Zambian side's most celebrated boutique lodge — a secluded, intensely romantic retreat strung along a private stretch of Zambezi riverbank upstream of the Falls. A pioneer of luxury tourism in the region, it blends high-end romance with deep-rooted sustainability, creating an experience that is organic, quirky, and incredibly stylish. Its individually designed houses and cottages are open to the river, some famously without a fourth wall, and constructed with local stone and massive timber decks that immerse you in the riverine forest. Every booking includes a personal valet who acts as your concierge, arranging everything from private meals on a floating sampan in the river to game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Fully inclusive rates cover exceptional dining, drinks, laundry, and a wide range of activities including sunset cruises, guided Falls tours, and cultural visits. As the original operator of the Livingstone Island/Devil's Pool experience, Tongabezi offers an unparalleled connection to the magic of the Zambezi.
The Victoria Falls Waterfront
The Victoria Falls Waterfront is Livingstone's legendary adventure hub, perfectly positioned on the banks of the Zambezi River inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. It masterfully bridges the gap between a well-equipped campsite for overlanders and a comfortable mid-range lodge, creating a vibrant, social atmosphere that's unmatched on the Zambian side. The heart of the property is its famous wooden deck and open-air bar, which extends over the river, offering one of the best sunset views in the region. It's a place to gather, share stories, and watch hippos in the water below. With a range of accommodation from en-suite riverside chalets and garden rooms to permanent dome tents and a sprawling campsite, it caters to every type of traveller seeking value without sacrificing location. Operated by Safari Par Excellence, the pioneers of Zambian adventure, this isn't just a place to stay—it's a launchpad. Rafting trips, sunset cruises, and river safaris depart directly from its jetty, making it the most convenient and energetic base for exploring everything Victoria Falls has to offer.
Practical Info
We believe smooth logistics are the foundation of a great safari. Here is what you need to know about arriving and travelling.