Livingstone & The Victoria Falls

About Livingstone & The Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls are one of the most popular attractions in any Africa itinerary and the great Victorian explorer David Livingstone’s assertion that “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight” still rings true to this day. Whether you are coming over from Botswana or landing into Livingstone Airport, the first sense you get of The Falls are the huge plumes of spray that rise above it and, during peak water flow, can be seen from miles around. 

Livingstone lends itself really well to visitors looking for adventure, some history and culture and that all important relaxation time as either the start or end point of your African adventure (or even in the middle of your itinerary dictates). Guided tours of The Falls are a highlight of any visit, but there is plenty more to keep you occupied and most visitors will choose a 2 or 3-night stay to ensure they see and do plenty. For the adventurous, canoeing trips, fishing adventures and flights over The Falls (appropriately known as Flight of The Angels) are all available from Livingstone, as are more tranquil lunch or sunset cruises on the mighty Zambezi. If water levels allow (usually August to October) real daredevils can even bathe in “The Devil’s Pool” which is right on the edge of The Falls and provides stunning views out over the drop to the gorge below. 

Safaris into the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offer the chance for some game viewing and present a good opportunity to see rhino. For those interested in the history, The David Livingstone Museum is a fascinating way to spend some time and there is always the chance to see local villages and visit the excellent craft markets. 

However you choose to spend your time, you will be assured of some quality accommodation, either right by The Falls (The Royal Livingstone and Zambezi Sun offer direct access to The Falls) or further up the river with tranquil riverbank locations (Tongabezi). There are also some unique options such as Sindabezi (on a tiny island in the middle of the river) or more traditional, colonial properties such as The River Club.

The real beauty of the area is how well connected with the rest of the region it is. Daily flights from Johannesburg mean it can be combined with South Africa, easy road and boat transfers link it to Botswana and its abundance of game viewing areas and the parks of Zambia are an easy connecting flight away.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• July to March - Lower water flows over The Falls but still a wonderful time of year to visit. Activities such as Livingstone Island and The Devil’s Pool are open when water flow is at it’s lowest (July – September but this does vary annually)
• April to June - Higher water flow and the plumes of spray are stunning. It can get very warm around this time of year. Some activities close to the edge of The Falls are not offered

Wildlife

At birth, baby rhinos weigh between 88-140 pounds

African elephants can currently be found in 37 African countries

The fastest land animal in the world, a cheetah can reach 70 miles per hour in 3 seconds

Lions spend 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting

Africa's crocodiles can grow to 20 feet wide & weigh up to 1,650 pounds

Hippos spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes

In The Know

• If you want to swim in The Devil’s Pool – right at the edge of The Falls – plan your trip for August or September when it is most likely to be open
• A picnic on Livingstone Island is a wonderfully romantic way to start off a Honeymoon – depending on the season we can organise this as a surprise for your partner
• If you are coming from or going to Botswana a safari in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a great chance to see Rhino which is not often spotted in Botswana
• Helicopter flights are fun but micro lighting is really exhilarating, with the wind in your face and open-air views down to The Falls – a truly stunning way to spend a morning
• Take a guided tour of Livingstone Town, visit the David Livingstone Museum and learn more about his discovery of The Falls and expeditions through Africa.