Joanna James
A vibrant city in southern Zambia, Livingstone is a key hub influencing the nation’s economic and cultural landscape. With its strategic position with proximity to the Zimbabwe border and the world-famous Victoria Falls, Livingstone also serves as a crucial gateway city for visitors to Zambia.
Being named after the Scottish missionary and explorer of Africa, David Livingstone, the city was established as the capital of northern Rhodesia (now known as Zambia) in 1905 and was a key administrative and commercial centre under the British Colonial Administration. With the railway line coming up through Livingstone by the 1930’s the city became an important trade hub.
By the mid-20th century, the city was developed, and tourism blossomed due to the popularity of Victoria Falls. Although the city went through challenges in the late 20th century due to economic difficulties, tourism was still generating revenue. Since the dawn of this century, Livingstone has invested in the development of infrastructure and amenities to attract more tourists to Zambia. This has resulted in a surge of tourism activities with hotels in Livingstone Zambia seeing a growing number of tourist arrivals. The demand for adventure tourism is taking the lead. Discover some of the unique experiences enjoyed by visitors.
There are many different cruises offered on this iconic river of Africa. Out of all of them, the sunset cruise is the most spectacular one offering an enchanting vista of the sun going down and beautiful views from the Zambezi River. Spot wildlife comprising massive hippos, elephants, crocodiles and birds on the riverbanks. With snacks and local drinks offered, these cruises are an awesome way to relax yet enjoy the natural beauty of Africa.
Experience a local village to get insights into the culture, way of living and the livelihoods of local people. The Mukuni Village tour is such an excursion. With a drive of less than 20 minutes from properties like The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, this is a Royal Village established in the 13th century as Gundu Village and renamed Mukuni to honour its chief Mukokalya Mukuni Ngombe in the 17th century.
With about 7,000 inhabitants who are Leya people, visitors are welcomed by this working village to witness their daily activities. The local guide will take you around and introduce you to the various artisans attending to their craft. You can taste traditional food items, enjoy a beer and pick up some souvenirs as a gesture to help the Leya people.
This type of adventure is sought more often by visitors. An open Game Drive at this incredible National Park is a one-of-a-kind experience. Situated above Victoria Falls, the Big 5 and more are seen at this national park. Visitors are guided by park rangers on foot to have them witness these beautiful creatures at close range. Seeing the rare white rhinos here is possible if you are lucky.
No visit to Livingstone in Zambia is complete without witnessing this massive cascading waterfall between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known as the world’s greatest curtain of falling water most visitors use Livingstone as a gateway to see this beauty, one of the world’s seven natural wonders from Zambia.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
