Things to do in Livingstone
Whether you’re in Zambia for a short, long-weekend adventure, slowly traveling through Southern Africa, or having a work trip, I’ve got the top things to do in Livingstone.
I visited Livingstone for just 5 days. The first three days I attended a workshop for my real job and then Wilhelm joined me for the next two days where we centered our activities around the Victoria Falls. I felt like 2 days was enough Livingstone though we could have spent more time just for the sake of visiting restaurants.
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Visit Victoria Falls
Visit Victoria Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides all in one day by yourself or go with a guide on the Zambian side or Zimbabwean side. Read all about how to visit both:
Where to eat and drink
Kubu Cafe
Kubu is a cute little cafe, farmstall, and shop. You can walk about 5 minutes from Jollyboys to reach the cafe. It’s so cute! There are some resident kittens and dogs on site that are so sweet.
We ordered omelets and breakfast burritos with delish coffee. I also bought several gifts from this shop as well as a cute little bag for myself.
p.s. Kubu means Hippo in Tswana.
Drinks at the Royal Livingstone Hotel
Enjoy a magical evening at Zambia’s Royal Livingstone Hotel, where you’ll witness the stunning sunset over the Zambezi River. Adding to the unique (and expensive) atmosphere of the property, zebras roam freely on the property, creating a memorable blend of nature and luxury. I felt like I was walking onto a movie set. No joke. This is one of the most gorgeous things to do in Livingstone.
Savor delicious food and drinks while taking in the beautiful views at both the bar and the Kubu Restaurant. Book Kubu in advance so that you can sit out on the water.
Experience Zambia
Experience the Livingstone Museum for a history of ancient finds up to modern days. No pictures are allowed inside. It’s USD 5 entry per person.
If you want to go with a guide to experience the museum, market, and traditional village, check out this half-day tour.
We enjoyed walking around Livingstone
Many African markets start to look the same after a while. The main items that I thought were unique to Zambia were stone carvings. We bought a small soap dish with a hippo on it at the craft market. It’s small but it’s enough to pick up any souvenirs you need to get for people.
The city market is a fun thing to do in Livingstone. We only had time to explore the first floor with tons of secondhand cellphones, fruits, and veggies. We picked up a couple of tomatoes and avos for our lunches over the next couple of days. There are also gorgeous piles of beans, mopane worms, and dried fish. You might also be offered to try edible clay which is apparently a good source for iron and other minerals. For some reason, it’s called the “Zimbabwe Market” on Google Maps but the location is correct.
Wildlife Tours
Experience a memorable evening at the Elephant Cafe. Arrive at the restaurant by boat, enjoying the scenic Zambezi River along the way. Interact with magnificent elephants, feeding them and learning about their conservation. You’ll indulge in a delicious dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients, skillfully prepared. This unique experience combines wildlife education, delightful cuisine, and the tranquility of nature for an evening you won’t forget.
Go on a Rhino walk in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for an adventure close to Livingstone or take a day trip safari to Chobe National Park in Botswana, home of the cutest elephants!
Adventure
Between February and July, you can go white water rafting in the Zambezi River through the Batoka Gorge.
You can also go bungee jumping off the no-man’s-land bridge. Book in advance or take the plunge when you cross between the two countries.
Take a Zambezi River Cruise: Enjoy stunning views, spot wildlife along the riverbanks, and witness incredible sunsets while sipping on refreshing drinks. There are different options for cruises, from dinner packages to drinks. Check out this one or ask your hotel to suggest one for you to go on.
Adventure in the Dry Season
Victoria Falls is too powerful for the following things to do in Livingstone to take place year-round. The dry season is typically mid-August to early January when the water levels of the Zambezi River recede. However, it is important to note that the availability of these activities may vary depending on the specific conditions each year, so it’s advisable to check with local tour operators or authorities for the most up-to-date info.
- Experience Devil’s Pool: For the adventurous, take a dip in the Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool located on the edge of Victoria Falls.
- Visit Livingstone Island: Journey to Livingstone Island, the very place where David Livingstone first glimpsed Victoria Falls.
- You can combo both these activities on a small group tour.
Stay at Jollyboys Backpackers
For family, friends, couples, and solo travelers, Jollyboys is the perfect place to stay. It’s easily accessible and well-known. We were able to walk around from here and also organize taxi rides. I found it much more fun than staying at the nearby Marriot during the work portion of my stay.
Bonus: After spending 2 nights at Jollyboys, splurge at Camp Nkwazi for an unforgettable experience on the banks of the Zambezi River.
