LIVINGSTONE
TOWN
Named after the famous Victorian missionary explorer,
Dr. David Livingstone, the Town was established in 1905. As a major European
settlement, the town was made the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. As
the capital, it enjoyed excellent facilities far superior to anything in the
country, as can be seen from the surviving Edwardian colonial
buildings that line the city's main road, and even had
the distinction of having the country's first newspaper.
The capital was moved to Lusaka in 1935 and the bustling
city has become a quiet town, a little neglected but still retaining a special charm. The
proximity to the Zambezi River and the spectacular
Victoria Falls has led it to become a
base for travelers from all over the world wanting to explore this Seventh wonder of the
World.
There are several Adventure Companies offering
Riverboarding,
White water rafting,
Canoeing,
Horse riding trails,
Abseiling, local tours to the
Victoria Falls and around Livingstone.
Sightseeing
Many of the area’s hotels and lodges offer day trips into Livingstone town,
otherwise chauffeured cars are available for hire if you are not in you own vehicle.
The
Livingstone Museum is the country’s biggest and oldest museum, dating back to the
1930’s. It has five sections. The Archaeology Gallery, describes human evolution and
cultural development in Zambia from Stone Age to Iron Age. The Ethnography and Art Gallery
shows objects relating to the different cultures of the country including handicrafts,
musical instruments. The History Gallery includes the origins of the Bantu people, the
development of British colonial rule and the attainment of independence. It also houses a
large collection of David Livingstone memorabilia, donated by the Livingstone family. The
natural history section shows various indigenous animals in their natural habitat. There
is also an extensive library with books ranging from archaeology, wildlife and also some
of Livingstone’s journals. The museum is open every day from 09h00 - 16h30 and is on
the main road
through the center of town.
 For steam engine enthusiasts, the Railway
Museum in Chishimba Falls road holds some fine examples of Zambia’s railway
heritage including old steam locomotives and vintage coaches to the tiniest railway
memorabilia and old photographs illustrating life in the pioneer days of the town.
Cruise on the wide upper
Zambezi, go to the boat club where you’ll find a two deck cruiser called the
African Queen.
Interesting examples of old colonial
architecture are the North Western Hotel, the St Andrews Anglican Church and Coillard
Memorial Church all built in the first decade of the century.
Livingstone also has an 18
hole golf course.
The markets are very colourful and lively and can be
found in Dambwa north or near the police station.
What
to do
Livingstone is rapidly becoming known as the
‘Adventure Centre’ of Southern Africa, with various adrenaline sports, unmatched
scenery of breathtaking proportions, and many other leisure options for outdoor lovers.
-
Whitewater Rafting
through Batoka Gorge
-
Canoeing
on the upper Zambezi
-
Horseback Trails
in the
Mosi-o-Tunya National Park
-
River Boarding
mega thrills on the Zambezi rapids
-
Bungi Jumping off the 111m high Victoria
Falls Bridge
-
Abseiling
and Gorge Swinging off the sheer cliffs of
Victoria Falls Gorge
-
Tandem Kayaking
An experienced
kayaker will take you through the raging rapids of the Zambezi
-
Game Safaris Take a drive
or a walk through the Mosi-o-Tunya National Park
-
Microlighting or
Helicopter flips
over the falls
-
River Safaris,
Quiet jet-propelled boats take you into remote parts of the upper Zambezi
-
Elephant back Safaris Tame elephants give the best view for
game viewing in the Reserve.
-
Jet
Boating - hi speed jet propelled boats take you down the
rapids.
-
Fishing Spend a day on the magnificent Upper Zambezi River -
pitting your skills against the vivacious Tiger Fish and delicious bream
as well as various other fish that the Zambezi has to offer.
-
Golf Set in a veritable botanical garden
with over 118 tree species, there's a 9 hole course providing a unique
African golfing experience. The second 9 holes are being renovated and
will be ready at the beginning of 2007.
Getting
there
By Road, Livingstone can be approached from three
directions. If you’re coming from Zimbabwe, cross the border at the
town of Victoria Falls over the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, carry straight on this road
for about 11 kilometres. From Botswana, cross the border at Kazungula by
ferry, and continue east for about 60kms. From Lusaka, Livingstone is 470
kms. Take the southbound Kafue Road out of Lusaka and just after the Kafue River Bridge,
turn right towards Mazabuka. This road leads straight to Livingstone.
Restaurants
Utsav Indian Restaurant - found
in the main Mosi-o-tunya Rd. They also have a take-away section called
Exciting Biting !
The Laughing Dragon - Chinese - just off the main road near the
Hungry Lion - a fast food outlet.
Hippo's pub
behind Fawlty Towers serves great meals and has a pool table and darts.
ZigZag also doubles as a booking office for various adventures as
well as a small shop which serves lunches and cakes on the pavement.
The Pigs Head, Kabompo Road is one of the local pubs, also
serving food.
Eatrite Fast Foods, in the main road
For excellent lunches and steaks try Mr Pete's just
on the outskirts of Town on the way to the Falls.
Chanters is a good restaurant in Lukulu Rd with
accommodation as well.
Flying Pizza on the main road near the Adventure Centre serves great
pizzas, shwarmas, burrittos, soft drinks.
The Waterfront always has meals available on their terrace on
the river's edge
Both Sun International Hotels have several good restaurants although
they're quite pricey.
Curio Shops
African
Visions has
a wide selection of
Zambian and other African works of art and craftwork, and it's also an
excellent Vegetarian Restaurant / coffee shop / second hand bookshop. Find them in Mosi-o-Tunya Rd.
Kubu Crafts sells fine
wood crafted furniture among other curios and souvenirs - also found along
Mosi-o-Tunya Rd as well as a shop at the airport.
Getting around
Hemingways - offers tours, transfers and vehicle hire, as well as
wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Imperial
Car Hire offers a full range of vehicles to tour around Livngstone,
and the Falls.
AJ Car Hire and Tours offers chauffeur driven cars or
self drive hire and takes tours around the area as well as airport transfers.
Makoro
Quest,
Bundu
Adventures and Bushtracks Africa also do day trips and transfers
Where to
Stay / Accommodation
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