Livingstone is a historic colonial city and present capital of the Southern Province of Zambia, a tourism centre for Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls) lying 10 km (6.2 mi) south on the Zambezi River, and a border town with road and rail connections to Zimbabwe on the other side of the Falls.
Apart from tourism, the other hope on Livingstone's horizon is development stimulated by the Walvis Bay Corridor with the opening of the Katima Mulilo Bridge and completion of the Transcaprivi Highway 200 km (120 mi) east, which funnels more trade through the town.
The name Maramba predates Livingstone as the name of the river flowing on the eastern outskirts and the large township next to it. The name is used for a number of places and features in Livingstone and has been proposed as a new or alternative name for the city as a whole. Livingstone is the only non-African name for a town or city town in Zambia not changed since independence, largely due to the influence of first president Kenneth Kaunda, whose father was educated by Scottish missionaries who followed in David Livingstone's footsteps. However several websites (including some United Nations ones) and some maps jumped the gun on any decision, and wrongly report that it is now called Maramba.The town's recent tourism success may mean that any change is less likely as businesses are likely to resist anything which would affect recognition of the town as an international tourist destination.
PLACE TO VISIT
Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most amazing sights in the world. Twice as tall as Niagara Falls, and several times longer, Victoria Falls affords visitors a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing experience.
Thanks to a well-designed park, visitors can touch the waters of the Zambezi just meters before it plunges over the falls; cross the falls on narrow bridge that provides spectacular views; and shoot rolls and rolls of film, without feeling their photos are redundant.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to one half of the Mosi-oa-Tunya — 'The Smoke Which Thunders' — known worldwide as Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. The river forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, so the falls are shared by the two countries, and the park is 'twin' to the Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side.
The Victoria Falls Field Museum is a museum located along the Zambezi River in Victoria Falls, Zambia. It has displays relating to the history of the region, and to the formation of the falls.
Livingstone Museum is devoted to archaeology, ethnography and history and contains a magnificent collection of memorabilia relating to David Livingstone. In front of the museum there is a statue to him, as well as to Czech ethnographer Emil Holub, erected in 2005.
The Victoria Falls Bridge crosses the Zambezi River just below the Victoria Falls and is built over the Second Gorge of the falls. As the river is the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the bridge links the two countries and has border posts on the approaches to both ends, at the towns of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingstone, Zambia. The bridge was the brainchild of Cecil Rhodes, who wanted the "spray of the falls over the train carriages", even though he never visited the falls and died before construction of the Bridge began.
Old Government House, Livingstone — the main government office and governor's residence 1907-1935 when Livingstone was the capital of North-Western Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia; (awaiting restoration).
WHAT TO DO
Victoria Falls is becoming an adventurer's paradise. In recent years, many "extreme sports" have appeared, including:
White Water Rafting -- boasting several Class V rapids, the roiling waters south of the Falls provide 18 of the world's best rapids literally starting in the gorge of Victoria falls in the Boiling Pot, right under Victoria Falls Bridge. Several outfitters (Bundu is a popular choice; it's offices are located in Livingstone (Zambia) and Safari Par Exellence) have popped up in the past few years to take the courageous down the river. The rafting, itself, can be physically exhausting (and watch out for (albiet small) crocodoiles in the still water), but the climb out of the canyon at the end of the trip is the real beast -- it's long, steep, and difficult. The cost is well worth it (about $100 for the day) and includes lunch, dinner, and beer.
If rafting doesn't sound like fun, or you want to do something different, you can body board the first few rapids (it is advisable that you be able to swim fairly well or you won't get the most out of it)
Bungi Jumping from the bridge spanning Zambia and Zimbabwe is very popular. The location affords a spectacular view of the Falls -- behind you, on the Zam side -- and the Victoria Hotel -- in front of you, on the Zim side. The cost is about $100 per jump.
Livingstone Island a trip to Livingstone Island is unmissable. An island situated in the Zambezi river, 2 or 3 feet from the top of the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. Trips leave from the Royal Livingstone Hotel and cost about $45 including breakfast. You will have the opportunity to stand in shallow water, 2 inches (literally) from where the water gushes over the edge of the falls, and swim in Devil's Pool, a reasonable current-free pool a couple of feet from the top of the falls, close enough to lean over the edge. This makes fantastic photo opportunities with a permanent rainbow from the mist of the falls behind you. This MAY only be available during UK Summer months due to water levels. Book with a reputable company as this is obviously a dangerous activity and unregistered access to the island is illegal (ask at your hotel or hostel).
The Zambezi Swing is a relatively new outfit, featured on the very first episode of The Amazing Race in 2001. For about $100, this South African group lets you abseil, rap jump, do a zip line, and -- the highlight -- a gorge swing. While Bungi Jumping is over in a few minutes, these guys let you play all day.
Del-Air offers helicopter pleasure flights over the Falls, for about $100 per person. This is a spectacular way to see the Falls. Just as important, however, it's a neat way to get to see the Zambezi River -- look for alligators attacking prey! -- and to see exactly how the River has moved over time. It's truly awesome to see how nature has carved away at the landscape.
Another company offers microglider rides over the Falls. This provides a much closer view of the Falls than the helicopter ride, but it does not give you as broad of a view. The microgliders do not fly on windy days.
Another must is the elephant back safari run by Elephant Trails, a truly spiritual experience.
It's possible to walk with several young lions in a park in Zimbabwe. It costs around $100 and is well worth the expense. Inquire at your hostel or hotel.
Tandem skydiving is also now available.
Several companies provide a sunset booze cruise on the Zambezi, above the Falls. For $25, you get a two-hour cruise, all the drinks you can throw back, a little game-viewing, and a braai (BBQ) afterwards. The trip can be really crazy or really mellow, depending on who's scheduled on your trip.
The Livingstone Museum costs about 15 cents and is worth breezing through. Most notable (read: curious) among the information is the fact that Zambians did not have access to a wheel until Europeans brought one in the 19th Century.
Finally, there are several game parks nearby, many of which are well-worth the visit. Livingstone boasts the only white rhino in Zambia. There was a breeding pair in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park but poachers killed the female and injured the male on June 6, 2007. The male is currently under heavy guard.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Livingstone has its own small airport (ICAO: LVI), and flights arrive daily.
British Airways (Conair), Nationwide and South African Airways fly between Livingstone and Johannesburg.
Air Zimbabwe and South African Airways operate between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (airport code VFA), Livingstone's "sister city," located on the Zimbabwe side of the border.
By bus - Relatively comfortable luxury buses travel between Lusaka and Livingstone, for around Zambian Kwachas 60.000 (appr. US$ 13,-) tickets may be purchased one day in advance at the bus terminal in Lusaka. Two to three buscompanies operates this route, about 6 departures per day. Unconfortable thing with these buses are that most of them have five seat on row, so space per passenger is not too much. These buses transport you in 6 hours to downtown Livingstone (total distance 470 km), near a taxi rank. It is also possible to catch a minibus from Lusaka, for about the same price. Recommended bus operator is "Mashiandu (not sure for correct spelling) family Bus". they have seat number system. It means there is no need to fight for your seat when boarding.
By car - If you are aching to rent a car and drive yourself around Zambia, this might be the trip for you. The roads between Livingstone and Lusaka are among the country's best, and the trip involves only one right turn. However, a 30km strech of road from Zimba to Livingstone is bad, there is a 20km dirt road diversion, and then 10km of extemely bad road (as at 03/Jan/2009).
For the international driver, roads lead into Livingstone from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). You can buy a temp. import permit at your port of entry, for 1 month, 3 months or longer. Also a Zambian third party insurance is mandatory, next to reflective stickers or reflectors at the front of your vehicle (white) and at the back (red). Dimensions must be 5 x 5 cm, however rectangular is permitted as well.
