Written by Kim Barnett
Call us biased, but Livingstone has the most spectacular sunsets in Africa. Whether it is your first sunset or your 10,0001st, it is near impossible not to gaze upon that fiery ball with awe and wonder. While we have been known to pull over on the side of the road to take a few solitary moments to watch the sun go down, there are numerous places in Livingstone worthy of scheduling into your diary. Check out our 10 places to watch an unforgettable sunset in Livingstone, Zambia.
Victoria Falls Bridge
Credit: Chris Hutchins
The Victoria Falls National Park in Zambia is open daily from 6 am-6 pm, which means that it is typically not possible to watch the sunset from within the park. However, it is possible to go onto the Victoria Falls Bridge and watch the spectacle from there. You won’t need a visa to go onto the bridge, as it will be a similar procedure to those doing a bungee jump; simply bring your passport to gain free access.
Royal Livingstone Express Steam Train
Take yourself back in time and be treated to one of the best train journeys on Earth. Bushtracks Africa will treat passengers to a five-star stream train experience with spectacular views. Certain departures stop in the middle of the Victoria Falls Bridge. These are perfectly timed for watching the sun go down on another day in Livingstone, Zambia, complete with a glass of bubbles. We are confident this will be a photo that is worthy of framing.
Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara
Imagine yourself sitting on a plush chair at the Royal Livingstone Hotel alongside the Zambezi River. The mist of the Victoria Falls rises in the background, and zebras munch on the lawns beside you. This is the time to splurge on a Royal Gin and Tonic or one of the signature cocktails available on the sunset deck. This spot is a highlight for both in-house guests and local residents, so get down early to grab a seat.
The Victoria Falls Waterfront
If you ask any Livingstone resident where they recommend watching the sunset on a Friday evening, then we are sure most will tell you to head to The Victoria Falls Waterfront. Affectionately called The Waterfront by locals, this is a popular haunt with an eclectic mix of patrons from rafting enthusiasts to business people. The unobstructed views of the sunset over the Zambezi River make this one of the best sunset spots in the country, and we can vouch that the wood-fired pizza is pretty fabulous as well.
Taonga River Shack
Between The Victoria Falls Waterfront and Mosi-oa-tunya National Park, you’ll find Taonga River Shack. This is the jetty for the popular booze cruise, and there is a bar that often has live music on offer. The deck overlooking the river is popular with Livingstonians, as is the plentiful braaied (barbequed) food on offer.
Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi
In our opinion, every trip to Livingstone should include at least one sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Luxury lodges on the upper Zambezi like The River Club have their own private boats that can take you out on the river. There are also numerous boats moored closer to town that is available for dry hire (no alcohol) or with packages that include all of your drinks, snacks, and a light dinner. Enquire at your choice of Livingstone accommodation about the various cruise options.
The deck at Taita Falcon Lodge
If you have your own vehicle with decent clearance, then it is well worth the trip out to Taita Falcon for dinner and drinks. Give them a call in advance to schedule your arrival, but the journey through local villages and the view upon arrival is well worth the trip. The sunset deck is perched above Rapid 17 at the top of the Batoka Gorge. If you head out for the day, then you may catch a glimpse of rafters bouncing through the rapids below.
Sanpan Dinner with Tongabezi Lodge by Green Safaris
Tongabezi Lodge is synonymous with romance. Each unique room is secluded for the ultimate in privacy and so comfortable that you’ll need a good reason to leave your quiet deck overlooking the Zambezi River. Luckily, you have options. A personal butler service can bring cocktails directly to your door, or you can pre-book an exclusive Sampan Dinner in the middle of the Zambezi River where each course is boated out to you.
On horseback at Chundukwa River Lodge
Did you know that Livingstone has a long history of polocrosse and that Zambia boasts one of the world’s best teams? Many of the players can be found practising on weekends at the pitch within the property of Chundukwa River Lodge. The lodge is home to dozens of horses that guests from beginners to the most experienced can take out for trail rides. Multi-day horse safaris are also on offer through their sister camp at Simalaha Horse Safaris.
