Livingstone, Zambia‘s top tourist town, boasts a long list of exciting things to do from bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge to sunset cruises on the mighty Zambezi River. Livingstone is a bustling town, easily accessible with accommodation options to suit every pocket. Definitely worth a visit!
Livingstone I presume?
‘Look at that cloud,’ James pointed to the horizon as we approached Livingstone in Zambia, ‘it’s the spray from Victoria Falls.’ The cloud looked less like spray and more like, well, a cloud. ‘Rubbish!’ I protested, but he was right. Victoria Falls is otherwise known as Mosi-oa-Tunya – ‘the smoke that thunders’ – an apt description for the thunderous falls that are among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The closer we got to the cloud, the more I realised that an anticlimax wasn’t possible, a concern I’d harboured after a lifetime of looking at pictures and listening to all the hype. The falls were all they are cracked up to be – big, powerful, beeeeg.
Five lekker things to do in Livingstone
My time in Livingstone was spent in the Zambezi, on the Zambezi and dangling above the Zambezi, ticking every must-do-and-see box I could manage. These are the boxes I wouldn’t hesitate to revisit.
1. White-water rafting
I did it through Safari Par Excellence ($120-$145) because they are based on the easily accessible Livingstone Waterfront. There are other Livingstone-based adventure specialists around if you want to go bargain hunting. The water level was low so I couldn’t do a full day but if I had the choice I would still opt for a half day. After four hours on the water I was exhausted, cold and ready for lunch.
2. Bungee jump/bridge swing/zip line/all of the above
I started off with the intention of doing the bungee jump ($120) but when I learnt about the package deal ($150) I opted for all three. Well worth the extra $30!
3. Sunset cruise
Again I went with Safari Par Excellence. At $45 for two hours on the boat, unlimited access to a fully stocked bar (the only thing they didn’t have was tequila), snacks and dinner, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal.
4. Walk around Victoria Falls
The $20 entrance fee seemed steep at first but considering that it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it could be worse. I’ve been told that the falls are better viewed from the Zimbabwean side but if you are in Livingstone that involves going through customs and getting your passport stamped. I was more than satisfied with the Zambian side. Take a raincoat! You’ll still get soaked but they serve as good protection for your camera.
5. Visit the local Livingstone Market
Not the one along the main road or the one at the falls selling thousands of curious that all look the same. There is another one close to a taxi rank that is cheap and authentic with very few salesmen intent on badgering.
There are plenty of other things to do in and around Livingstone – game drives, lion walks, village tours, hikes, helicopter flips … the list goes on. Moreover there are accommodation options to suit every pocket, ranging from rustic backpackers and campsites to high-end lodges. Direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Livingstone Airport make this small, exciting town easily accessible. Definitely worth a visit!
Safari Par Excellence
Tel +44 845 293 0512
www.victoriafalls.net/
