Livingstone City Guide (Zambia, 2026)

Backpacking in Livingstone
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Livingstone sits on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, and the town itself is a short ride from the water, so you can walk to a swimming spot above the lip of the falls in the dry months. It lies in the south of Zambia, on the Zambezi, right at the Zimbabwe border. Come here and you get adrenaline in bulk: bungee, gorge swings, white-water rafting and a bridge walk that makes your knees hum. The falls and the river deserve your time. The town center does not; it is a small, dusty grid of shops, a few colonial-era buildings and a museum, and an afternoon covers it. This place suits backpackers who want action, sociable hostels and easy day trips, and it suits couples and families with a bigger budget. It frustrates anyone hunting for deep culture or bargains, because activities are priced for tourists. Carry some cash in US dollars for park fees and activities.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Zambia Travel Guide.

Best time to go: April - October
Daily cost: US$54 to 85 [zambiatourism.com]

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in ZambiaWhat makes this city worth visiting

Livingstone works because everything a backpacker wants from this stretch of the Zambezi sits in one compact place. You can book a morning of rafting, a sunset cruise and a day across the border without ever changing beds. The hostel scene is the second draw: dorms with pools, riverside campsites and a bar crowd that swaps tips on which operators are worth the money. Most people end up planning their next leg around the group they meet here. Onward travel is easy too. The Victoria Falls Bridge leads straight into Zimbabwe, and buses and shared transport head north to Lusaka and west toward Botswana and Namibia via the Kazungula crossing, so Livingstone slots into a wider southern Africa loop. Food is decent for a small town, with cafes serving real coffee and riverside spots that grill fresh … read more 👉

Livingstone works because everything a backpacker wants from this stretch of the Zambezi sits in one compact place. You can book a morning of rafting, a sunset cruise and a day across the border without ever changing beds. The hostel scene is the second draw: dorms with pools, riverside campsites and a bar crowd that swaps tips on which operators are worth the money. Most people end up planning their next leg around the group they meet here. Onward travel is easy too. The Victoria Falls Bridge leads straight into Zimbabwe, and buses and shared transport head north to Lusaka and west toward Botswana and Namibia via the Kazungula crossing, so Livingstone slots into a wider southern Africa loop. Food is decent for a small town, with cafes serving real coffee and riverside spots that grill fresh bream. Be realistic about the length of stay. Two to four days covers the big experiences, and beyond that you are mostly paying for more activities. If you want quiet villages and cultural depth, treat Livingstone as a lively stop on a longer route.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park): The reason anyone comes here. Walk the Zambian side footpaths to the Knife Edge Bridge, where spray soaks you completely, so bring a poncho or dry bag. Water is thundering from February to May; September to December shows more rock and the rim. Entry is about US$20 to 30 for foreigners. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Devil’s Pool: A natural rock pool right at the edge of the falls, reachable on guided trips from Livingstone Island, only when the river is low, roughly September to December. A tour with breakfast or lunch runs about US$100 to 150. Book ahead and allow 3 hours.
Victoria Falls Bridge: Built in 1905 and spanning the Batoka Gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Walk onto the span for free, or do the bridge swing, gorge swing or bungee for roughly US$100

… read more 👉

Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park): The reason anyone comes here. Walk the Zambian side footpaths to the Knife Edge Bridge, where spray soaks you completely, so bring a poncho or dry bag. Water is thundering from February to May; September to December shows more rock and the rim. Entry is about US$20 to 30 for foreigners. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Devil’s Pool: A natural rock pool right at the edge of the falls, reachable on guided trips from Livingstone Island, only when the river is low, roughly September to December. A tour with breakfast or lunch runs about US$100 to 150. Book ahead and allow 3 hours.
Victoria Falls Bridge: Built in 1905 and spanning the Batoka Gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Walk onto the span for free, or do the bridge swing, gorge swing or bungee for roughly US$100 to 160. Visit in the morning for fewer crowds. Allow 1 hour to look, a half day for jumps.
Livingstone Museum: Zambia’s oldest and largest museum, with David Livingstone’s letters and personal items, plus archaeology and ethnography exhibits. Entry is around US$10. Go in the cool morning. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Zambezi sunset cruise: Boats leave from upstream of the falls and drift past hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles, with drinks included. Prices run about US$50 to 80. Late afternoon is the point. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Rhino Walk: Guided walks on foot get you close to white rhino in the national park. Cost is about US$100 to 150. Morning slots are best for animal activity. Allow 3 hours.
Maramba Cultural Village and Market: A short ride from the center, where community performances and craft stalls give you a look at local life without the tourist polish. Entry is about US$5 to 10, plus tips for performers. Visit in the daytime. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Livingstone is also the launch point for day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana, Victoria Falls town and its Zimbabwe viewpoints, and the Zambezi upstream islands. Start with the falls themselves early in the morning, since the light is soft, crowds are thin and you can then plan the rest of your days around the water level.

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🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

Livingstone is compact, and each area has a different job, so here is where I would spend your hours.

Town Center (Mosi-oa-Tunya Road): Start here and walk it end to end in an hour. Banks with ATMs, supermarkets, minibus stands and the Livingstone Museum (the best in Zambia for Victorian explorer relics and Zambian ethnography) sit along one main drag. Dip into the Shoprite and the crafts stalls, then move on. It is flat and easy on foot by day.
Dambwa and Libuyu: Livingstone’s everyday residential side. Cut through for roadside grills, hardware-store bustle and the chance to see a working Zambian town with no tour buses. Few sights, so go with a purpose, such as a market lunch, rather than wandering aimlessly.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road toward the Falls: The 10 km strip to the Falls is where lodges,

… read more 👉

Livingstone is compact, and each area has a different job, so here is where I would spend your hours.

Town Center (Mosi-oa-Tunya Road): Start here and walk it end to end in an hour. Banks with ATMs, supermarkets, minibus stands and the Livingstone Museum (the best in Zambia for Victorian explorer relics and Zambian ethnography) sit along one main drag. Dip into the Shoprite and the crafts stalls, then move on. It is flat and easy on foot by day.
Dambwa and Libuyu: Livingstone’s everyday residential side. Cut through for roadside grills, hardware-store bustle and the chance to see a working Zambian town with no tour buses. Few sights, so go with a purpose, such as a market lunch, rather than wandering aimlessly.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road toward the Falls: The 10 km strip to the Falls is where lodges, adventure operators and bars cluster. Skip walking it; the road is long and hot, and wildlife can wander near the park end. Hop a taxi or shared ride instead.
Victoria Falls Park area: The main event, and it earns the trip. Rainforest trails, the Knife-Edge Bridge and the viewpoints soak you in spray. Bring a rain jacket and a dry bag for your phone.
Zambezi riverfront (Old Drift and upstream): Quieter, greener and richer in birdlife, with sundowner decks over the water and a calm pace after the Falls crowds. Go in late afternoon for hippo grunts and open sky. Evenings here beat the town’s nightlife, which stays modest.

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

A river-and-falls day, with a cultural detour in the middle.

7:30 AM: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park entrance Start early before tour buses arrive. Walk the main footpath, finish at the Knife Edge Bridge and the Boiling Pot lookout. The light is soft and the spray is thinner than at midday. Allow about two hours.

10:00 AM: Victoria Falls Bridge Take a short taxi to the border bridge. Walk onto the span and watch the bungee jumpers drop. If you want a jump or swing, this is the moment to book. Otherwise just soak in the gorge view.

12:00 PM: Lunch in town Head into the center for a simple local meal, such as nshima with grilled fish or chicken, at a no-frills spot near the market. It is filling, quick and far cheaper than the cafes near the lodges.

1:30 PM: Livingstone Museum Spend an hour among … read more 👉

A river-and-falls day, with a cultural detour in the middle.

7:30 AM: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park entrance Start early before tour buses arrive. Walk the main footpath, finish at the Knife Edge Bridge and the Boiling Pot lookout. The light is soft and the spray is thinner than at midday. Allow about two hours.

10:00 AM: Victoria Falls Bridge Take a short taxi to the border bridge. Walk onto the span and watch the bungee jumpers drop. If you want a jump or swing, this is the moment to book. Otherwise just soak in the gorge view.

12:00 PM: Lunch in town Head into the center for a simple local meal, such as nshima with grilled fish or chicken, at a no-frills spot near the market. It is filling, quick and far cheaper than the cafes near the lodges.

1:30 PM: Livingstone Museum Spend an hour among Livingstone’s letters and archaeological displays. It is a cool, quiet break from the heat, and the best way to understand the town’s story.

3:30 PM: Maramba Market and Cultural Village This is the stop most backpackers skip. Take a taxi a few minutes out of the center, wander the stalls for produce, fabrics and carvings, and watch a performance if one is running. Bargain politely and keep small notes handy.

5:30 PM: Zambezi sunset cruise Finish on the water with a drink in hand, hippos grunting along the banks and the sky turning orange. Back at your hostel, an early night is easy.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Livingstone

Cool Dry Season (May to August): Days reach 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) and nights drop to 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F), sometimes colder before dawn. Daylight runs about 11 hours. The Falls are full and the spray walkways are drenching, with fewer mosquitoes. Prices and crowds climb in July and August.
Hot Dry Season (September to November): Temperatures hit 32 to 38°C (90 to 100°F) in October. Water levels at the Falls drop sharply, which suits Devil’s Pool swims and rafting the full gorge. Wildlife clusters at the river. Rates ease slightly outside peak.
Rainy Season (December to April): Expect 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F), humid afternoon storms and around 13 hours of daylight. The Falls peak in March and April, with so much spray that views can vanish. Rafting often closes at highest flow, but lodges

… read more 👉

Cool Dry Season (May to August): Days reach 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) and nights drop to 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F), sometimes colder before dawn. Daylight runs about 11 hours. The Falls are full and the spray walkways are drenching, with fewer mosquitoes. Prices and crowds climb in July and August.
Hot Dry Season (September to November): Temperatures hit 32 to 38°C (90 to 100°F) in October. Water levels at the Falls drop sharply, which suits Devil’s Pool swims and rafting the full gorge. Wildlife clusters at the river. Rates ease slightly outside peak.
Rainy Season (December to April): Expect 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F), humid afternoon storms and around 13 hours of daylight. The Falls peak in March and April, with so much spray that views can vanish. Rafting often closes at highest flow, but lodges drop their rates.

Aim for late May or June for full Falls, comfortable heat and calmer prices.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Zambia

The best budget area is the town center along and just off Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, where dorm beds typically cost US$10 to 18 and the choice of hostels and guesthouses is widest. You can walk to supermarkets, ATMs, restaurants, the bus terminal and tour offices, which saves taxi fares. Streets are lit and busy in the evening, though a short ride home after dark is wise. Noise is mostly from bars and the occasional train, and most hostels offer earplug-friendly rooms or quiet garden sections.

The second choice is the Zambezi riverside stretch upstream and along the Falls road. Camping spots and lodge … read more 👉

The best budget area is the town center along and just off Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, where dorm beds typically cost US$10 to 18 and the choice of hostels and guesthouses is widest. You can walk to supermarkets, ATMs, restaurants, the bus terminal and tour offices, which saves taxi fares. Streets are lit and busy in the evening, though a short ride home after dark is wise. Noise is mostly from bars and the occasional train, and most hostels offer earplug-friendly rooms or quiet garden sections.

The second choice is the Zambezi riverside stretch upstream and along the Falls road. Camping spots and lodge dorms cost US$8 to 20, and the setting is greener and quieter, with hippo calls at night. The trade-off is distance: you will depend on taxis (US$5 to 8) for supplies and the Falls, and rely on your hostel’s restaurant for dinner. Book ahead in July and August, when the best-value beds fill. For short stays of two nights, central is simpler. For longer stays and a slower pace, the riverside suits better, particularly if you have your own tent.

Best hostels in Livingstone

Best quality hotels in Zambia

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

From the Livingstone bus terminal off Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, the center is a 5 to 10 minute walk or a US$1 to 2 taxi ride, and from the train station it is just as close. Livingstone is small and flat, so you will cover the center on foot. Reaching the Falls and riverside is where wheels matter, since 10 km in midday heat is no fun.

Walking: Do it in the center, where banks, markets, the museum and cafés sit within about 1.5 km. Skip it on the Falls road after dark or in full sun. Wear a hat and carry water.
Taxis: Cheap, easy and the smartest way to reach the Falls, around US$5 to 8 one way, or US$10 to 15 with a wait. Agree the fare before getting in, as meters are rare. Most run from early morning until late evening, and your accommodation can call a trusted driver.
Minibuses: Blue-and-white

… read more 👉

From the Livingstone bus terminal off Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, the center is a 5 to 10 minute walk or a US$1 to 2 taxi ride, and from the train station it is just as close. Livingstone is small and flat, so you will cover the center on foot. Reaching the Falls and riverside is where wheels matter, since 10 km in midday heat is no fun.

Walking: Do it in the center, where banks, markets, the museum and cafés sit within about 1.5 km. Skip it on the Falls road after dark or in full sun. Wear a hat and carry water.
Taxis: Cheap, easy and the smartest way to reach the Falls, around US$5 to 8 one way, or US$10 to 15 with a wait. Agree the fare before getting in, as meters are rare. Most run from early morning until late evening, and your accommodation can call a trusted driver.
Minibuses: Blue-and-white shared minibuses cover set routes in town for about US$0.30 to 0.60. They are the true local experience and fill up fast, so expect to squeeze in. The Falls route is possible but check the destination with the conductor first.
Tuk-tuks and bike taxis: Handy for short hops in the center at US$1 to 3. Not good for long trips, as they are slower and exposed to the sun and dust.
Bicycle hire: Cycling to the Falls is doable on a flat road in 40 minutes, at around US$8 to 15 a day. Go early, before heat builds, and watch for wildlife near the park gate. I would not cycle at dusk.

To cross into Zimbabwe, you can walk or take a taxi to the Victoria Falls Bridge, about 10 km from town, and pay the border fees plus visa costs, which are usually US$30 to 50 depending on your passport.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Livingstone costs about US$54 to 85 a day for a backpacker who eats locally, shares a dorm and does a couple of activities. Prices climb at the Falls, so the trick is balancing splurges with cheap market meals.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm (high season)	US$12 to 18	June to August beds fill, so book ahead; most include breakfast or a pool.
Dorm (off-season)	US$8 to 12	Rates drop during the rains, with haggling possible for longer stays.
Meals	US$8 to 15	Market nshima and chicken cost US$2 to 4; hostel and café meals run US$6 to 10.
Local Transport	US$3 to 8	Minibuses cost under US$1; taxis to the Falls run US$5 to 8 one way.
City Transport Pass	Not available	No pass exists; pay per ride.
Basic Activities and Entry Fees	US$20 to 30	Falls entry is about US$20 for foreign visitors; bridge walks and Devil’s

… read more 👉

Livingstone costs about US$54 to 85 a day for a backpacker who eats locally, shares a dorm and does a couple of activities. Prices climb at the Falls, so the trick is balancing splurges with cheap market meals.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm (high season)	US$12 to 18	June to August beds fill, so book ahead; most include breakfast or a pool.
Dorm (off-season)	US$8 to 12	Rates drop during the rains, with haggling possible for longer stays.
Meals	US$8 to 15	Market nshima and chicken cost US$2 to 4; hostel and café meals run US$6 to 10.
Local Transport	US$3 to 8	Minibuses cost under US$1; taxis to the Falls run US$5 to 8 one way.
City Transport Pass	Not available	No pass exists; pay per ride.
Basic Activities and Entry Fees	US$20 to 30	Falls entry is about US$20 for foreign visitors; bridge walks and Devil’s Pool cost extra.
Miscellaneous	US$3 to 6	Water, sunscreen, SIM data and a cold Mosi at sundown.
Total Daily Budget	US$54 to 85	Lower end if you skip paid activities.

Cook at your hostel or eat at the market to cut food costs significantly.

source: zambiatourism.com

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

Livingstone is one of the easiest bases in southern Africa for day trips, with tour desks in every hostel and plenty of activities within an hour.

Chobe National Park, Botswana: Chobe’s riverfront gives some of the densest elephant viewing in Africa, especially from boats at golden hour. It is about 1 hour by road to the Kazungula border, then 30 minutes to Kasane. Full-day trips with transfers, border fees and a boat cruise run US$110 to 170. Bring your passport and check visa rules in advance, a step first-timers sometimes skip. Best May to October.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Rhino Walk: Beyond the Falls, the small park south of town offers guided walks on foot near white rhinos. Allow half a day. Entry runs US$20 to 30 plus guide fees of about US$40 to 60. It is 15 minutes by taxi. … read more 👉

Livingstone is one of the easiest bases in southern Africa for day trips, with tour desks in every hostel and plenty of activities within an hour.

Chobe National Park, Botswana: Chobe’s riverfront gives some of the densest elephant viewing in Africa, especially from boats at golden hour. It is about 1 hour by road to the Kazungula border, then 30 minutes to Kasane. Full-day trips with transfers, border fees and a boat cruise run US$110 to 170. Bring your passport and check visa rules in advance, a step first-timers sometimes skip. Best May to October.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Rhino Walk: Beyond the Falls, the small park south of town offers guided walks on foot near white rhinos. Allow half a day. Entry runs US$20 to 30 plus guide fees of about US$40 to 60. It is 15 minutes by taxi. Book early in the morning, when the animals are most active.

👉 Explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Seeing the Falls from the Zimbabwean side gives broader panoramas of the full curtain, particularly in the high-water months. It is a 30 to 45 minute trip through the border, with a day visit costing roughly US$50 to 80 including park entry and visa. Best February to June. The usual mistake is skipping a rain poncho, as you will be soaked.

Mukuni Village: About 15 km from town, this village offers guided walks with local residents, crafts and baobab trees. Costs are about US$10 to 25 including a guide. Go in the morning for the calmest pace. Buy crafts from stalls directly rather than from touts at the roadside.

🍲 FoodLocal Cuisine & Drinks

Livingstone’s food leans on the Zambezi. Look for kapenta, tiny dried or fried fish from Lake Kariba, served crisp with tomato-onion relish and nshima. Bream from the river appears grilled whole, flaky and smoky, usually costing US$5 to 9 at casual restaurants. Some places also serve game meats such as impala or kudu, typically US$10 to 18.

For cheap eating, head to the town market and roadside stalls along Mosi-oa-Tunya Road. Charcoal-grilled chicken, fried street fish, fritters called vitumbuwa and sweet maheu (a fermented maize drink) come to US$1 to 4. Expect smoke, laughter and plastic stools. Backpackers also gather at hostel bars and riverside cafés, where pizza, burgers and craft coffee run US$5 to 10.

Drink a cold Mosi lager, usually US$1.50 to 3 in bars. Sundowners on Zambezi decks … read more 👉

Livingstone’s food leans on the Zambezi. Look for kapenta, tiny dried or fried fish from Lake Kariba, served crisp with tomato-onion relish and nshima. Bream from the river appears grilled whole, flaky and smoky, usually costing US$5 to 9 at casual restaurants. Some places also serve game meats such as impala or kudu, typically US$10 to 18.

For cheap eating, head to the town market and roadside stalls along Mosi-oa-Tunya Road. Charcoal-grilled chicken, fried street fish, fritters called vitumbuwa and sweet maheu (a fermented maize drink) come to US$1 to 4. Expect smoke, laughter and plastic stools. Backpackers also gather at hostel bars and riverside cafés, where pizza, burgers and craft coffee run US$5 to 10.

Drink a cold Mosi lager, usually US$1.50 to 3 in bars. Sundowners on Zambezi decks are a local ritual, with gin and tonics and hippo noises as company. Bottled water is safest, and fresh juice stands are handy in the heat.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Livingstone is relaxed and broadly safe, and the most common trouble is petty. After dark, avoid walking the long dark roads to the Falls or riverside, and take a taxi even for short distances. Solo travelers, including women, generally manage fine in town by day, though expect plenty of attention and persistent offers from curio sellers and touts near the Falls and bridge. A firm, friendly no works. Black-market money changers sometimes shortchange or swap notes, so use ATMs or banks instead. Never leave bags unattended on beaches or at Devil’s Pool, and keep phones secured near the rim. Wildlife is real: monkeys at the park snatch snacks, and hippos and elephants roam near riverside lodges after dark, so stay on lit paths. Check river conditions with licensed operators before swimming or … read more 👉

Livingstone is relaxed and broadly safe, and the most common trouble is petty. After dark, avoid walking the long dark roads to the Falls or riverside, and take a taxi even for short distances. Solo travelers, including women, generally manage fine in town by day, though expect plenty of attention and persistent offers from curio sellers and touts near the Falls and bridge. A firm, friendly no works. Black-market money changers sometimes shortchange or swap notes, so use ATMs or banks instead. Never leave bags unattended on beaches or at Devil’s Pool, and keep phones secured near the rim. Wildlife is real: monkeys at the park snatch snacks, and hippos and elephants roam near riverside lodges after dark, so stay on lit paths. Check river conditions with licensed operators before swimming or doing activities, and carry malaria prevention advice from your doctor.

Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Livingstone

Two to three days is enough for Livingstone. One day covers the Falls and Knife-Edge Bridge from the Zambian side, a second suits a Chobe day trip (US$110 to 170) or a rhino walk, and a third lets you add rafting, a Zimbabwe-side visit or Devil’s Pool in low-water months from September to December.

Yes, Livingstone is among the easier places in Zambia for solo backpackers. The center and tourist strip are well-used by travelers, hostels are social, and taxis cost US$2 to 8 for short rides. Avoid walking the dark Falls road at night, skip black-market money changers, and keep valuables hidden near the Falls and bridge.

Livingstone is known for Victoria Falls, called Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the Smoke That Thunders”), which sits about 10 km from town. It is also famous for adventure activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping off the bridge, Devil’s Pool swims (Sept to Dec) and Zambezi sundowner cruises at US$40 to 70. Wildlife in Chobe National Park and Mosi-oa-Tunya Park adds easy safaris.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Zambian cities near Livingstone

Explore more nearby:

Monze—Highway market, Tonga baskets, hill lookout| 247 km away
Kaoma—Mbunda country, forest honey, M9 junction| 355 km away
Lusaka—Cairo Road, Soweto Market, elephant orphans, independence history| 376 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Livingstone is at its best in the early morning, when the falls are quiet, the spray is cool and the town is still waking up. Plan around the water too: high flow from March to May for power, low flow later in the year for Devil’s Pool. I would bring a dry bag and a lightweight rain jacket, and skip the midday heat for naps by the pool.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Zambia. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.

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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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Zambia🇿🇲 | citiesLivingstoneVictoria Falls, Devil’s Pool, bridge jumps, Zambezi cruises | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Livingstone
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in ZambiaWhat makes this city worth visiting

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

Things to do in Livingstone

Zambezi River Class 5- Whitewater Rafting- Half Day with Lunch

Livingstone Airport Transfers (LVI) – Reliable Pickup or Drop off

Rhino Walking Safari Experience- MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE

Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting

Livingstone: Swim Below Victoria Falls and Zambezi Rafting Combo

Game drive and short rhino walk

Chobe Full day Safari: Game Drive & Boat Safari with Lunch

Rhino Walking Safari

Livingstone Mukuni Village Tour

Devil's Pool Livingstone Island Breakfast

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Livingstone

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutZambia Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Zambia

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

🍲 FoodLocal Cuisine & Drinks

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

FAQFrequently asked questions about Livingstone

Other Zambian cities near Livingstone

We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Zambia🇿🇲 | citiesLivingstoneVictoria Falls, Devil’s Pool, bridge jumps, Zambezi cruises | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Livingstone🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691ee97c')

✨ Why go?Ranked #1 city in ZambiaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691ef8df')What makes this city worth visitingaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691ef8e7')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f0a8d')The experiences that define the visitaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f0a95')

Things to do in Livingstone

Zambezi River Class 5- Whitewater Rafting- Half Day with Lunch

Livingstone Airport Transfers (LVI) – Reliable Pickup or Drop off

Rhino Walking Safari Experience- MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE

Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting

Livingstone: Swim Below Victoria Falls and Zambezi Rafting Combo

Game drive and short rhino walk

Chobe Full day Safari: Game Drive & Boat Safari with Lunch

Rhino Walking Safari

Livingstone Mukuni Village Tour

Devil's Pool Livingstone Island Breakfast

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f1298')Where things are and how it's laid outaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f129d')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f1f6a')How to make the most of one dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f1f70')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f2799')Best time to visit LivingstoneaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f279f')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutZambia Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f3678')Best areas to stay in ZambiaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f367d')

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f3eb3')How to get from A to BaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc0691f3eb8')

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc069200650')What things cost and how to budgetaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc069200658')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc06920d4a3')Short trips worth addingaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc06920d4ac')

🍲 FoodaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc06920dac1')Local Cuisine & DrinksaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc06920dac5')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc06920e0c7')Scams, Hazards, and AnnoyancesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc06920e0cb')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc06920e161')Frequently asked questions about LivingstoneaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc06920e166')

Other Zambian cities near LivingstoneaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc069210dbd')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc069210f4c')Key takeaways before you goaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc069210f50')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc069210f9a')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc069210f9d')

Backpacking in Livingstone
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in ZambiaWhat makes this city worth visiting

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Livingstone

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Zambia

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

🍲 FoodLocal Cuisine & Drinks

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

FAQFrequently asked questions about Livingstone

Other Zambian cities near Livingstone

We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?