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Livingstone & Victoria Falls: The Thundering Heart of Zambia

Explore Victoria Falls and Livingstone, combining traditional Zambian culture, river excursions, and hiking in the Batoka Gorge.

Livingstone | Hiking & Camping | Mokoro Tripi | Cookworkshop | Devil’s Pool | Swimming in Victoria Falls |  Frequently Asked Queustions
Livingstone | Hiking & Camping | Mokoro Tripi | Cookworkshop | Devil’s Pool | Swimming in Victoria Falls |  FAQs

Livingstone & Mosi-oa-Tunya: Beyond the Waterfall

Victoria Falls is usually the reason people come to Livingstone, but it is only one part of the experience. The town of Livingstone sits on the banks of the Zambezi River in southern Zambia, serving as a hub where active outdoor adventure meets deeply rooted Zambian culture. Here, you can easily shift from walking along canyon trails to visiting local food markets or exploring the river's seasonal channels. Because it borders Zimbabwe and sits close to Botswana, you can easily explore different sections of the river, watch the seasonal changes in the water flow, and spend your days down in the deep basalt gorges

Activities in Ifrane & surroundings

Whether you're camping in the deep gorge, drifting on a sunset mokoro trip, or getting right up to the falls, these activities show you the river's different paces.

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Overnight Batoka Gorge Hike & Camping Experience

Most people only see the Batoka Gorge from a viewpoint at the top or through a helicopter window. This hike gets you right down into it, where you can actually feel the scale of the canyon walls towering over you. The route follows a steep trail down into the gorge, dropping from the rim all the way to the banks of the Zambezi below. Here, Jonathan, our local partner who has spent years exploring these basalt cliffs, will set up camp on a secluded sandy beach. Sitting around the campfire, sharing stories with partners who have spent their lives along the Zambezi, you get a real sense of life in the canyon. Sleeping at the very bottom of the gorge offers a completely different perspective of the river.

Mokoro Trip on the Upper Zambezi

No engines, no rush and no busy boats around you. Just you, a mokoro and one of Africa’s most famous rivers. Sitting low in a traditional canoe, you'll quietly make your way through the channels and islands of the upper Zambezi, guided by a local partner who grew up navigating these exact waterways. They know the river's subtle shifts and can spot elephants feeding along the banks or hippos surfacing nearby long before you do. Along the way, you'll stop on a sandy island to stretch your legs. Sharing a cold drink and chatting about river life with someone who knows this landscape intimately makes the journey feel personal. It is a slower, quieter, and wild side of the Zambezi.

Zambian Culture & Cooking with a Local Family

One of the best afternoons around Livingstone does not involve the waterfall at all. Instead, you'll head to a nearby village to spend time with a local Tonga family in their home. The Tonga people are known for their farming traditions and hospitality. Rather than watching a performance, you'll get properly stuck in alongside your hosts, helping prepare a traditional meal over an open fire. As you help stir the maize meal to make nshima, the family will share stories about village life and their local customs. Once the food is ready, everyone sits down together to share the meal. It is a relaxed, informal afternoon of swapping jokes, sharing food, and enjoying a genuine glimpse into everyday life here.

Swimming on the edge in Devil's Pool

Most people experience Victoria Falls from one side of a fence. This experience puts you right at the very top of it. After a short boat ride to Livingstone Island, you'll head out with a local partner who knows these currents inside out. They have spent years reading the river's seasonal changes and know exactly when and where it is safe to enter the water. During the dry season, when water levels are low, you can swim right up to the edge and look down into the gorge more than 100 meters below. The noise, the spray, and the reassurance of having someone alongside who intimately understands the river's behavior make this an incredibly memorable way to experience the falls.

Swim Under Victoria Falls

Swimming beneath Victoria Falls is not something many people realize you can do. Together with one of our trusted local partners, who grew up exploring these rocky channels, you'll spend a few hours navigating the pools and stone walls hidden within the gorge below the falls. Depending on water levels, you'll swim through sections of the river, move between natural pools, and reach parts of the canyon that most visitors never see. Your local partner's deep familiarity with the gorge ensures you find the best spots while learning how the river winds through the rocks. It is an active, grounded way to experience the river system alongside someone who has spent their life in this landscape.

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All frequently asked questions about Victoria falls & Livingstone

What is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

The river's flow changes throughout the year, altering the appearance of the falls. From March to May, following the rainy season, the water volume is at its peak, producing dense spray that can limit close-up visibility but is visible from miles away. By October and November, the water level drops significantly, exposing the basalt cliff face on the Zambian side. This low-water period is the only time Devil’s Pool is open for swimming.

Do I need a visa if I want to visit both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides?

Yes, visitors wanting to cross the border should purchase the KAZA Univisa upon arrival at the airport or border post. This visa costs $50 USD and allows unlimited travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe for up to 30 days. It is also valid for day trips across the border into Botswana's Chobe region.

Which side is better to stay on: the Zambian side (Livingstone) or the Zimbabwean side?

Both destinations offer different views of the falls. The Zimbabwean side features a continuous path with classic views of the main water flow year-round. Staying on the Zambian side in Livingstone provides direct access to Livingstone Island, Devil's Pool, and the Batoka Gorge hikes. Livingstone is also a larger town with a broader range of local markets, historic buildings, and active river trips

What is the situation regarding safety and malaria in the Livingstone region?

Livingstone is a peaceful town with a well-established travel industry, and walking around during the day is generally safe. However, because it sits on the Zambezi River, it is an active malaria zone. Visitors should consult a medical professional before traveling to discuss malaria prophylaxis, wear long sleeves in the evenings, and use insect repellent containing DEET.

Is Livingstone a suitable destination for a trip with children?

Yes, Livingstone is suitable for families, particularly those with older children and teenagers who can participate in active excursions like canoeing, walking safaris, and hiking. Certain activities, such as swimming in Devil's Pool or rafting, have strict age limits for safety, but gentle boat safaris and wildlife viewing are open to all ages.

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