Livingstone FAQ
The top questions about Victoria Falls activities, tours, safaris and the falls answered
What is there to do in Livingstone, Zambia?
Livingstone is Zambia's tourism capital and one of southern Africa's leading adventure destinations.
The most popular activities include:
Visiting Victoria Falls
Walking safaris near the rare White Rhino population.
Helicopter flights ("Flight of Angels")
Microlight flights
Sunset cruises, breakfast cruises, lunch cruises or dinner cruises on the Zambezi River
White-water rafting
River safaris on the Upper Zambezi River
Bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge
Zip line at the Victoria Falls Bridge
Gorge Swing from Victoria Falls Bridge
Devil's Pool or Angel's Pool swimming
Livingstone Island tours
Wildlife safaris
Rhino tracking in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Chobe National Park day trips
Canoe safaris
Cultural village tours
Livingstone city tour
Rhino Game Drive
Hwange National Park day trips
Canoe safari
Birding
Quad biking tour
Visit the museums
Enjoy good food and nice bars
Wander around the markets and streets
Meet the culture
Shop the markets
Spa & wellness
Weddings or conferences
Cultural events
and many more...
Livingstone combines natural beauty, adventure, conservation, culture, and hospitality, making it much more than simply a gateway to Victoria Falls.
See vic-falls.org for all the activities we offer.
How far is Livingstone from Victoria Falls?
Livingstone city center is located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Victoria Falls, making access quick and convenient.
Travel times are typically:
15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi
Similar for hotel transfers and pick-up/drop-off services
Longer if crossing international borders between Zambia and Zimbabwe depending on immigration procedures and traffic around the borders
Because Livingstone is so close to the falls, many visitors stay in the city while enjoying daily access to Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and Zambezi River activities.
Pick-up and drop-off services are included in all our activities. We also offer transport services: send us a WhatsApp, give us a call or fill in the form!
Where should I stay in Livingstone?
Where should I stay in Livingstone?
Livingstone offers accommodation for every type of traveler, from budget backpackers to luxury safari lodges. In and around Livingstone you can find lodges, hotels, hostels, camping spots, apartments, villas, homestays, etcetera.
Best areas to stay:
Near Victoria Falls
Quick access to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Easy departure for activities
Ideal for first-time visitors
Along the Zambezi River
Beautiful river views
Sunset cruises nearby
Luxury lodge experience
Livingstone Town Centre
Budget-friendly options
Restaurants, shops and local culture
Convenient transport links
Livingstone is one of Southern Africa's most established tourism destinations and offers excellent accommodation standards. Sources discussing access, tourism infrastructure, and major visitor areas consistently highlight Livingstone as the primary Zambian tourism hub near Victoria Falls.
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What is Livingstone known for?
Livingstone is best known as the gateway to Victoria Falls and Zambia's adventure tourism capital. It was named after Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who became the first European recorded to see Victoria Falls in 1855.
Today, Livingstone is famous for:
Victoria Falls
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Devil's Pool
White Rhinos
White-water rafting
Sunset cruises
Victoria Falls Bridge thrill adventures
Wildlife experiences
Livingstone Museum
Adventure tourism
Entrance to Zimbabwe and Botswana
The city combines history, culture, conservation, and outdoor activities, making it one of Zambia's most visited destinations.
Why Is Livingstone Called Livingstone and How Did the City Begin?
Livingstone, Zambia, was named after the famous Scottish explorer and missionary Dr. David Livingstone, who became the first European recorded to see Victoria Falls in 1855. Today, the city serves as Zambia's tourism capital and the main gateway to Victoria Falls, but its origins go much deeper than colonial history alone.
Who Was David Livingstone?
David Livingstone was a Scottish explorer, missionary, and physician who traveled extensively through Southern and Central Africa during the 19th century. In November 1855, local leaders guided him to the waterfall known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "The Smoke That Thunders." Livingstone later introduced the falls to the Western world and named them after Queen Victoria.
Because of his connection to the area, the future town was named in his honor.
What Existed Before Livingstone?
Long before the city was established, the region was home to indigenous communities including the Toka-Leya, Tonga, Baleya, and other peoples who lived along the Zambezi River. Nearby villages such as Mukuni Village were important settlements centuries before the founding of Livingstone.
This means the area's history did not begin with European exploration. Local communities had lived, traded, farmed, and maintained cultural traditions around the Zambezi River long before Livingstone arrived.
How Was the City Founded?
The origins of modern Livingstone can be traced to a colonial settlement known as Old Drift, located near a major crossing point on the Zambezi River. As trade and travel increased during the late 1890s, Old Drift became an important transport and administrative center.
However, the low-lying riverside location suffered from frequent malaria outbreaks. Colonial authorities therefore moved the settlement to higher, healthier ground in the early 1900s. The new town was officially named Livingstone, and its development accelerated with the arrival of the railway and the construction of the Victoria Falls Bridge in 1905.
Why Did Livingstone Become Important?
Several factors helped Livingstone grow into one of Zambia's most significant cities:
Its location near Victoria Falls.
Its position on major railway and trade routes.
The opening of the Victoria Falls Bridge in 1905.
Its role as the capital of Northern Rhodesia from 1911 until 1935.
During this period, Livingstone became an important administrative and commercial hub for the region.
What Is Livingstone Known for Today?
Today, Livingstone is widely recognized as:
The gateway to Victoria Falls.
Zambia's adventure tourism capital.
Home to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
A hub for safaris, river cruises, and cultural experiences.
One of Southern Africa's most important tourism destinations.
Visitors come from around the world to experience Victoria Falls, explore the Zambezi River, visit local villages, and enjoy the city's unique blend of history, culture, and adventure.
Key Takeaway
Livingstone was founded in the early 1900s and named after explorer David Livingstone, but the area's history stretches back centuries through the indigenous communities that lived along the Zambezi River. Its growth was fueled by trade, the railway, the Victoria Falls Bridge, and its proximity to one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
We can help you out here! Take a look at our Victoria Falls activities, our safaris, our Custom Made Adventures, or our all-inclusive package deals:
References & Sources: how we verify information
Page last updated: 10-08-2026
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