Hotels in Livingstone

Livingstone: Gateway to Victoria Falls

Livingstone, Zambia's tourism capital, sits on the south bank of the Zambezi River, 10 km from Victoria Falls — one of the largest waterfalls on Earth at 1,708 metres wide and up to 108 metres tall. Named after Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who reached the falls in 1855, the city retains colonial-era architecture along Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, the main commercial spine. The Livingstone Museum, opened in 1934, holds the country's largest collection of Livingstone artefacts and pre-colonial ethnographic material.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster along Mosi-oa-Tunya Road or within Zambezi National Park buffer zones north of town, offering river frontage. Budget guesthouses concentrate near Dambwa North market, while lodges with Zambezi views sit 4–7 km from the town centre toward the falls. Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport receives regional flights from Lusaka (one hour) and Johannesburg (two hours).

Practical Tips

• Best time to visit: April–June for peak spray and green surrounds; September–October for lower water and clearer gorge views.
• Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW); USD widely accepted at lodges.
• Border crossing: The Zimbabwe border at Kazungula Road operates daily — carry a valid visa for both countries if visiting Victoria Falls town across the river.
• Activities: White-water rafting on Grade V rapids below the falls runs May–January when water levels permit.