In addition to the natural spectacle that is Victoria Falls, the town of Livingstone has a wide range of activities to offer its visitors. Featured on this page are a selection of the most popular activities, from cultural experiences and exciting excursions, to 'once in a life-time' white knuckle encounters.
All excursions and other activities may be pre-booked through our destinations management partner in Livingstone – Bushtracks Africa. You can also arrange these yourself on arrival at your hotel.
Excursions in Livingstone
Clearly no-one is going to visit Livingstone without viewing Victoria Falls. If you are staying at either the Zambezi Sun or Royal Livingstone Hotels, then you can visit the Falls by yourself as many times as you like, since they are located only a short distance away. Be prepared to get very wet, as you are effectively travelling through a small patch of rain forest, due to your route's proximity to the Falls.
An alternative is to take a guided tour, during which your guide can explain how the Falls were formed, and the local customs and traditions surrounding them. The Falls themselves extend into Zimbabwe, and it is also possible to book a guided walk which includes both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides.
Livingstone Island
When David Livingstone discovered the Falls, his first sighting
was from an island (now named Livingstone Island) situated right on the
lip of the chasm. Rather than arriving by makoro (dug out canoe), modern
day visitors can be taken there by a powerful twin-engined boat instead,
being served light snacks and drinks on arrival – the real treat being
to take lunch there. These visits are generally restricted to the ‘low
water’ season – mid-July to end of January.
Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is a small wildlife sanctuary on the banks of the Zambezi, close to the Falls themselves.
It protects two white rhino (the only remaining white rhino in Zambia) plus various antelope, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra. The riverine vegetation is beautiful and there are stunning views across the Zambezi River. It is also possible to see the Old Drift where the settlers lived before 1904.
It is also possible to take a day visit to the Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana, famed for its elephant population and abundant bird life.
The African Queen River Cruises
Experience the grandeur of a bygone era, a time where decadent indulgence
is not a rarity, but a way of life, in old world style, reborn on the
waters of the mighty Zambezi river, nestled in breathtaking Zambia. Embrace
the opulence of privileged living and the mystery and tradition of an
untouched African way of life. This is the true spirit of Africa; this
is The African Queen.
The African Queen is a triple deck 70ft catamaran, furnished with
Rhodesian Teak, Beech Wood and brass finishes. Accommodating a
total of 120 guests, offering luxurious cruises on the Zambezi
River, the African Queen lets you experience all the wonders
that nature and this mighty river have to offer. On arrival at the
Royal Landing, you are greeted with a cold cocktail and the sounds
of the Marimba Band, a local instrument that laments the sounds of
Africa. A full bar on both upper and lower deck serve a selection
of cocktails, iced drinks and a variety of snacks.
Mid-morning, Lunchtime and
Sunset cruises are available.
This takes place on the tranquil waters of the Upper Zambezi. The canoe trails operate above Victoria Falls and are the perfect activity for those who want to experience the tranquility of the Zambezi River as they paddle downstream with the current in inflatable two-man canoes.
The trails begin approximately 25km upstream from the Victoria Falls and during the day about 18km is spent canoeing with a stop at an island for lunch.
Horse Trails
One of the finest ways to experience the African bush is on horseback. A
range of trip options is available ranging from half day novice rides
to full and multi day adventures for experienced riders that range far
into splendid Teak forests, Mopani woodland and sub-riverine bush to explore
the dramatic scenery above the Batoka Gorge.
The trails lead through riverine bush and shallow parts of the Zambezi River onto the islands. Actual time spent riding is approximately one hour, after which an elephant interaction takes place. During interaction, the guide will give an informative talk on the African Elephant and its relationship with man. Whilst on the ride, clients may see other wild elephant as well as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a host of other plains game.
Fishing
The Zambezi is famous for one of the great freshwater game fish – the
Tiger fish, a powerful predator that can weigh over 15 lbs, and require
a good deal of fishing skill to land. Bream also abound in the river,
and, although nowhere near as aggressive as the Tiger, even a 5 lb specimen
can provide a major challenge. Although the Lower Zambezi remains our
favourite destination for fly-fishing, the Upper Zambezi here still
provides excellent sport (generally on a catch-and-replace basis).
To put the Victoria Falls into true perspective, they must really be seen from the air. With any luck your pilot on your arrival into Livingstone will fly you over the Falls on arrival. Failing this, stunning views of Victoria Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park can be enjoyed from the comfort of a modern helicopter. The helicopter seating is designed so that all passengers have a good view on the Falls and the scenery below.
The same trip may also be taken by light aircraft, or even in a 1940s vintage Tiger Moth biplane, complete with leather helmet and goggles!
Historical and Cultural Tours
The Livingstone Museum
This is Zambia’s national museum, and traces the entire history of man
in Zambia. It also contains a wealth of memorabilia relating to David
Livingstone – personal effects, letters, notebooks and maps. Tours last for 2 hours
For many years Livingstone was the Railway Capital of a vast region, and much of its wealth came from the railways. The museum traces the history of the railway in Zambia, and houses the restored Zambezi Saw Mills loco-shed buildings, together with engines and other rolling stock dating back a century or more. A tour here lasts 2 hours, and may be combined with a guided tour of the town itself, and its colourful Maramba Market, to give a full morning’s activity.
Mukuni Village
Chief Mukuni invites visitors to his village, home to the Leya people.
This is a unique opportunity to see how the local people live in
a working village, not one built for tourists. Approximately 6000
people live here and a visit is a fascinating insight into their
life style. A member of the village shows visitors around and they
can see how traditional huts are built and decorated, take a look
inside, meet the residents and see the locals at work. In July of
each year the Leya people partake in the colourful Lwiindi Ceremony.
Adrenalin Experiences
Microlighting
Flight duration ranges from 15 minutes which offers stunning views of Victoria Falls
and the Zambezi River; to a 30 minute flight which goes down stream over the Batoka Gorge
or upstream over the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park providing an excellent game spotting opportunity.
The ultimate adrenalin experience – a 111 metre bungee jump from the main road bridge linking Zambia to Zimbabwe. The jump operates off the Victoria Falls Bridge, with the Victoria Falls itself providing an awesome background, and has a 100% safety record. To date over 50,000 people have committed themselves to the thrill of jumping off the bridge. Ankle and body harnesses are attached separately to clients. After jumping they are winched back onto the bridge. Photographs and video are taken of each jumper and are available for purchase.
Jet Boating
Jet boating is a thrilling new adventure on the Zambezi River in the Batoka Gorge
below the Victoria Falls. Feel the wind in your hair and the spray in your face
as the powerful jet boats speed through rapids, rush past gorge walls and spin
on the flat water.
The swirling rapids of the Zambezi, below Victoria Falls, offer some of the finest and most exciting rafting waters in the world. August and September are the best months. This is a high volume, pool-drop river with little exposed rock either in the 21 rapids themselves, or in the pools below. Rafting trips are accompanied by professional guides, and full briefing is given, as well as familiarisation with your raft prior to commencement of the trips.
The rapids are exciting and strenuous, and the scenery in the gorge is breathtaking. Lunch is served in the gorge. A strenuous climb up the gorge marks the end of a memorable day. Cold beers are served on your way back to town. This is a high volume, pool-drop river with little exposed rock either in the rapids or in the pools below the rapids. Tandem kayaking provides an exhilarating alternative to rafting.
Abseiling & Gorge Swinging
Boost your adrenalin levels by abseiling 53 metres down the Batoka Gorge on the
end of a rope. Boost them even further by flinging yourself over the edge of
the gorge in a body harness, falling some 50 metres and then swinging right
across the gorge and back, until your momentum runs out, and you are lowered
to the ground.
For more information visit:
www.thezambeziswing.com
