Joanna James
While many travellers arrive in Livingstone to explore the nearby attractions in Zimbabwe and Botswana, very few think to explore the hidden wonders within Livingstone itself. Home to multiple jaw-dropping wonders of nature, as well as its own historical and cultural background, Zambia’s untapped city is definitely worth a closer look. Here are some of the must-visit places that will help you better appreciate this city and its natural and cultural significance.
This is one of the main attractions that draw visitors to Livingstone, a magnificent waterfall that truly displays the raw power and strength of nature. Also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya which means ‘smoke that thunders’, the waterfall's strength is evident from the roar of its waters that can be heard long before it can be seen. As the largest sheet of waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visiting it is one of the most popular things to do in Zambia.
Located in the vicinity of Victoria Falls, this national park extends over 50 square miles and features a range of animals including zebras, buffalo, elephants, giraffes and birds. As part of your visit to the park, you can also witness the rhino-breeding program that allows you to visit and interact with the rhinos to witness their surprising gentleness.
This is a natural infinity pool set directly on the edge of Victoria Falls and if you dare to take a dip in the water and venture out to the edge, you’ll be greeted with an extraordinary view of the 100 metre drop of the waterfalls. The Devil’s Pool is best visited during the drier months from mid-August to mid-January, which is also the ideal time to take a swim in its waters. If you happen to be staying at the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, you can organise an excursion to Livingstone Island where the pool is located.
Located at the heart of Livingstone, the Railway Museum tells the history of Zambia’s rail transportation system by showcasing various historical objects such as vintage carriages, locomotives and other railway artefacts, along with several exhibits that detail the history of the railway industry in Zambia.
The Gateway Jewish Museum on the other hand documents the history of Livingstone’s Jewish community that arrived from Lithuania in the late 1800s to settle in the region. The site also features the Jewish cemetery and the country’s first synagogue which is now a church.
A trip to the Livingstone Museum located in the city centre will tell you all you need to know about the history of Livingstone. It features exhibits related to various areas including archaeology, ethnography, history and natural history. It also features a unique collection of memorabilia relating to the city’s founder and namesake, David Livingstone; various tribal artefacts like witchcraft items and bark cloth; and a life-sized model of an African village.
This local village is not an established tourist attraction but welcomes visitors to learn about their clothing, food, dance and their daily ways of living. The village also features a large outdoor market where you can find handicraft items made by local artisans, which make for authentic souvenirs and gifts that you can take back home.
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.
