Livingstone, Zambia is a city located in the southern part of the country, on the Zambezi River. It is the gateway to the world-famous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Livingstone is also a popular destination for safaris, cultural tours, and other outdoor activities.
If you are planning a trip to Livingstone, Zambia, here are some of the best tours to consider:
1. Victoria Falls Tours
No visit to Livingstone is complete without a tour of Victoria Falls. There are many different tour operators that offer Victoria Falls tours, ranging from basic walking tours to more adventurous activities such as white water rafting and helicopter flights.
One of the most popular Victoria Falls tours is the Devil’s Pool Tour. This tour takes you to a natural pool at the edge of the falls where you can swim and take photos. The Devil’s Pool Tour is only available during the dry season (April to October).
Another popular Victoria Falls tour is the Livingstone Island Tour. This tour takes you to Livingstone Island, a small island located in the middle of the Zambezi River, just above Victoria Falls. On Livingstone Island, you can visit the Livingstone Museum, which tells the story of David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer who discovered Victoria Falls in 1855.
2. Safari Tours
Livingstone is also a great base for safari tours. There are a number of different national parks and game reserves located within a short drive of the city, including Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Chobe National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. It is a relatively small park, but it is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras.
Chobe National Park is located in Botswana, just a short drive from Livingstone. It is one of the best places in Africa to see elephants, as well as other wildlife such as lions, leopards, and rhinos.
Lower Zambezi National Park is located in Zambia, downstream from Victoria Falls. It is a known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and hippos.
3. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Tours
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park tours are a great way to see the animals up close and learn about the local ecosystem.
4. Livingstone Island Tours
Livingstone Island is a small island located in the Zambezi River, just upstream from Victoria Falls. The island is named after David Livingstone, who camped on the island in 1855 while he was exploring the area. Livingstone Island tours offer visitors the chance to walk in Livingstone’s footsteps and learn about his legacy.
5. Devil’s Pool Tours
Devil’s Pool is a natural pool located on the edge of Victoria Falls. The pool is only accessible during the dry season (August to December) and is a popular spot for swimming and taking photos. Devil’s Pool tours are led by experienced guides who ensure the safety of visitors.
6. Chobe Day Trips
Chobe National Park is located in neighboring Botswana and is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. Chobe Day Trips from Livingstone offer visitors the chance to see elephants, lions, rhinos, and other wildlife up close.
7. Microlight Flights
Microlight flights offer a unique perspective of Victoria Falls and the surrounding area. Microlight flights are typically available during the dry season (April to October).
8. Rafting and Bungee Jumping
Livingstone is a popular destination for adrenaline junkies, offering a variety of activities such as white water rafting and bungee jumping. White water rafting tours take visitors down the Zambezi River, while bungee jumping tours offer visitors the chance to jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge.
9. Cultural Tours
In addition to Victoria Falls and safari tours, Livingstone also offers a number of cultural tours. These tours can take you to local villages, markets, and museums to learn about the culture and history of Zambia.
One of the most popular cultural tours in Livingstone is the Mukuni Village Tour. This tour takes you to a traditional Zambian village where you can learn about the village’s culture and traditions. You will also have the opportunity to visit the village school and meet the local children.
Another popular cultural tour is the Livingstone Museum Tour. This tour takes you through the Livingstone Museum, which tells the story of Zambia’s history and culture. The museum also has a natural history exhibit, which includes a collection of fossils and artifacts from Zambia’s rich natural heritage.
10. Other Tours
Livingstone also offers a variety of other tours, such as white water rafting, microlight flights, and sunset cruises.
White water rafting on the Zambezi River is a popular activity for adrenaline seekers. There are a number of different tour operators that offer white water rafting trips, ranging from half-day trips to multi-day trips.
Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River are a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Sunset cruises typically include drinks and snacks.
Choosing a Tour Operator
When choosing a tour operator in Livingstone, it is important to do your research and read reviews from other travelers. There are a number of reputable tour operators in Livingstone, but there are also some that are not so reputable.
It is also important to make sure that the tour operator is licensed and insured. You should also make sure that the tour operator uses qualified guides and drivers.
Tips for Booking a Tour
Here are some tips for booking a tour in Livingstone:
- Book your tour in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- Ask about the tour operator’s experience and qualifications.
- Make sure that the tour operator is licensed and insured.
- Ask about the tour operator’s cancellation policy.
- Read reviews from other travelers before booking your tour.
Conclusion
Livingstone, Zambia is a great destination for a variety of tours, including Victoria Falls tours, safari tours, cultural tours, and other outdoor activities. When choosing a tour operator, it is important to do your research and read reviews from other travelers.