Livingstone, Zambia

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Livingstone, Zambia

Region: Southern Province


Geographic Coordinates: -17.850000, 25.866700
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 136897
Language: English

Livingstone is a picturesque town situated in the southern part of Zambia, Near the Zimbabwean border. It is renowned as the tourism hub of Zambia and named after David Livingstone, A Scottish explorer who was among the first Europeans to discover Victoria Falls. The town boasts of rich culture and history, Evident in its traditional customs and architecture. Victoria Falls is one of Livingstone’s primary attractions and one of the seven wonders of nature globally. This awe-inspiring waterfall stretches over 1 mile wide and plunges over 100 meters into a gorge below.

Tourists can take guided tours to view this majestic sight from various viewpoints such as Knife Edge Bridge or Devil’s Pool. Besides Victoria Falls, Livingstone has numerous other exciting activities for visitors like bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge or white water rafting on Zambezi River. Wildlife safaris are also available where tourists can see elephants, Lions, Giraffes and other animals that roam freely in their natural habitat.

For those interested in learning about local culture, Several museums showcase Zambian history and traditions like The Livingstone Museum displaying artifacts from pre-colonial times while Mukuni Park Curio Market sells handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans. Livingstone has an active nightlife scene with bars & restaurants offering delicious cuisine ranging from traditional African dishes to international cuisine like Italian or Indian food. For those seeking something more adventurous, There are nightclubs where visitors can dance until dawn.

The town provides several accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts like Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara or Avani Victoria Falls Resort which offer stunning views of Zambezi River. Livingstone offers an unforgettable experience for tourists looking for adventure or relaxation alike with its stunning natural beauty combined with cultural heritage making it an ideal destination for anyone visiting Southern Africa.



Important Landmarks

  1. Victoria Falls
  2. Livingstone Museum
  3. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
  4. Devil’s Pool
  5. Zambezi River
  6. Railway Museum
  7. Livingstone Island
  8. Mukuni Big 5 Safaris
  9. Batoka Gorge
  10. Maramba Cultural Museum

Primary Industries

  1. Tourism: Livingstone is a popular tourist destination with attractions such as Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and Zambezi River.
  2. Agriculture: The city is known for its agricultural products like maize, cotton, tobacco, and sugar cane.
  3. Mining: Copper mining is a significant industry in the region.
  4. Manufacturing: There are several small-scale manufacturing industries that produce goods like textiles, footwear, food products and building materials.
  5. Retail and Wholesale Trade: The city has many markets where traders sell various goods ranging from fresh produce to clothing items.
  6. Hospitality Industry: There are several hotels and lodges that cater to tourists visiting the city.
  7. Transportation Industry: The city has an airport that connects it to other parts of Zambia and neighboring countries like Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Noteable History

  1. David Livingstone: The town of Livingstone is named after the famous Scottish explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone, who explored the area in the 1850s.
  2. Victoria Falls: One of the most popular tourist attractions in Zambia, Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River and was named by Livingstone in honor of Queen Victoria.
  3. Railway construction: In 1904, construction began on a railway line linking Livingstone to Cape Town, which helped to open up trade routes and stimulate economic growth in the region.
  4. Independence movement: Zambia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1964 under President Kenneth Kaunda, who played a key role in Africa’s struggle for independence.
  5. Tourism industry: Today, tourism is one of the main industries in Livingstone due to its proximity to Victoria Falls and other natural attractions such as Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
  6. Wildlife conservation: The area surrounding Livingstone is home to a diverse range of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos and crocodiles which are protected by national parks such as Kafue National Park.
  7. Cultural heritage sites: There are several cultural heritage sites around Livingstone including Mukuni Village where visitors can learn about traditional Zambian culture through dance performances and craft demonstrations.
  8. War history- During World War I (1914–1918), German forces stationed at Dar es Salaam (now Tanzania) invaded Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). They were defeated at Kasama on December 9th 1918 by British troops led by General Edwards after an arduous journey from Cape Town via Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Museums and Things To See

  1. Victoria Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder and a must-visit attraction in Livingstone.
  2. The Livingstone Museum showcases the history and culture of Zambia, with exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and natural history.
  3. The Railway Museum in Livingstone offers visitors a glimpse into Zambia’s colonial past through its collection of vintage locomotives and railway memorabilia.
  4. The Maramba Cultural Village is a living museum that provides an insight into the customs and traditions of the local people in Zambia.
  5. The Mukuni Park Curio Market is a bustling market filled with locally made crafts, jewelry, clothing, and other souvenirs for tourists to take home.
  6. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located just outside Livingstone that is home to elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras and more.
  7. The Art Africa Gallery features contemporary African art from across the continent including paintings sculptures carvings textiles jewelry pottery masks baskets furniture among others.
  8. The David Livingstone Statue & Memorial Garden pays tribute to Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone who was one of the first Europeans to explore central Africa.
  9. Devil’s Pool offers an exhilarating experience where visitors can swim at the edge of Victoria Falls.
  10. The Namwala Heritage Center is an interactive cultural center showcasing Tonga culture through dance performances storytelling traditional cuisine among other activities.


Sports Teams

  1. Livingstone Pirates Football Club: It is one of the oldest football clubs in Livingstone, founded in 1962. The team has won several local tournaments and has produced many talented players who have gone on to play for national teams.
  2. Livingstone Rugby Club: The club was established in the early 2000s and has since become a prominent rugby team in Zambia. They regularly compete against other Zambian rugby clubs and participate in regional tournaments.
  3. Mosi-Oa-Tunya Football Club: This team was formed by a group of young football enthusiasts from the Mosi-Oa-Tunya area of Livingstone. They have participated in various local tournaments and are known for their strong attacking style of play.
  4. Zambezi Wanderers Football Club: Founded in the early 1990s, this team has a rich history of success both locally and nationally. They have won numerous league titles and cups over the years.
  5. Southern Queens Netball Club: Established in 2010, this netball club is one of the most successful women’s teams in Livingstone. They have won several local championships and also participate at national level competitions.


Cultural Events

  1. Livingstone International Cultural and Arts Festival is a celebration of the diverse cultures and traditions in Zambia. It features music, dance, art, and food.
  2. Mosi-Oa-Tunya Arts Festival is a three-day event that showcases local artists, musicians, and dancers.
  3. Victoria Falls Carnival is an annual New Year’s Eve festival that features live music performances from local and international artists.
  4. Kazangula Traditional Ceremony is held by the Lozi people to celebrate their cultural heritage.
  5. Livingstone Agricultural Show is an agricultural fair that showcases livestock exhibitions, agricultural equipment displays, and other related activities.
  6. Zamfest Music Festival is a two-day music festival featuring both local and international artists performing various genres of music.
  7. Easter Regatta is a water sports event that features boat racing on the Zambezi river.
  8. Independence Day Celebrations are held on October 24th to celebrate Zambia’s independence from British rule with parades and cultural events.
  9. Makishi Dance Ceremony is an annual traditional ceremony performed by the Luvale people to honor their ancestral spirits.
  10. Women’s Day Celebrations are set aside to celebrate women’s achievements in society with various events such as workshops conferences etc.

Cuisine

  • Nalishebo Restaurant is well-known for its traditional Zambian dishes, such as nshima, grilled meats, and fish.
  • Cafe Zambezi is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, featuring both local and international cuisine on its menu.
  • Olga’s Italian Corner serves authentic Italian cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and gelato.
  • The Golden Leaf Restaurant & Bar offers a variety of African dishes as well as international cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara features fine dining options with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and traditional Zambian flavors.
  • Kubu Cafe & Restaurant specializes in seafood dishes using locally sourced ingredients from the Zambezi River.
  • The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, offering stunning views while serving classic African dishes like biltong (dried meat) and boerewors (sausage).
  • Cafe Chiswick at Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge serves continental breakfasts, light lunches or snacks throughout the day with an extensive cocktail menu to choose from.
  • The Deck at David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa offers al fresco dining alongside the banks of the Zambezi River.
  • Aviators Lounge at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport is known for its coffee shop which provides freshly brewed coffee all day long along with light meals.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that houses several animals, such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, and more.
    2. Victoria Falls is a renowned waterfall located in Livingstone that provides breathtaking views and exhilarating activities like bungee jumping, zip-lining, and white-water rafting.
    3. Livingstone Golf Course is a well-maintained golf course offering beautiful scenery.
    4. Mukuni Big Five Safaris provide an opportunity to witness the big five animals in their natural habitat.
    5. Zambezi River Cruise offers a relaxing boat ride on the Zambezi River while admiring picturesque views.
    6. Livingstone Museum showcases Zambia’s history through exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and natural history.
    7. Maramba Cultural Village provides an authentic experience of Zambian culture through traditional dances, music performances and food tasting.
    8. Adventure sports enthusiasts can indulge in activities like Bungee Jumping or Helicopter Rides over Victoria Falls for an adrenaline rush!

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