Steeped in history, brimming with life, Livingston is a gateway to adventure, culture and nature. From its sophisticated colonial heritage to its wild and untamed fauna and flora, it offers a perfect base from which you can explore the African bush.
The first attraction on your to-do list is Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya, as the locals call it. Named after the thundering noise of falling water, it lives up to its spectacular reputation. A river safari – at sunset is the BEST – on the Mighty Zambezi can take you to sections of the river that are inaccessible by land. From these remote waterways, you can view game in tranquil solitude and enjoy the many moods of the river.Flowing fast and furious in certain parts, and slow and still in others, the Zambezi River is connected to all life and sustains countless animals and birds.
Livingstone Island stands at the precipice of a section of Vic Falls, with Devils Pool alongside. Despite their precarious position, they are safe and definitely a must-see. While lunch on Livingstone Island is normally an elegant, sumptuous affair, a dip in Devils Pool will give you major street cred as a traveller and adventurer.
Upstream of the falls, the Zambezi is perfect for a canoe safari. Led by an experienced river guide, canoe safaris are suited to visitors of all levels of fitness. Unlike the lower Zambezi River rapids which are wild and powerful, the upper river offers a peaceful way to view game and birds. And when all that paddling has worked up an appetite, breakfast on one of the many islands in the middle of the Zambezi is just the thing to get you set for the day.
Situated along the upper Zambezi, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is also accessible from Livingstone. Running along the banks of the Zambezi, this game reserve is only 66 km2 and can be explored in a couple of hours. Offering incredible opportunities for wildlife photography, this park has no predators so the resident animals – elephant, giraffe, zebra, warthog, rhino and various species of antelope – are relaxed and prolific. For those who like to get up-close with nature, tracking rhino on a walking tour is an exciting way to immerse yourself in the African bush and also affords excellent bird watching.
Africa is all about warm hospitality, and at lodges, like Royal Chunda you can be assured of 5-Star service and secluded accommodation. Tribal-chic meets elegant luxury as private suites spill out onto wooden decks that overlook the Zambezi River.Here, memories are made over dinners in the boma and the only sounds that will disturb your reverie are that of African wildlife.
The Royal Livingstone Hotel is reminiscent of a bygone era but has all the modern trimmings one might need. Sitting on the banks of the Zambezi River, it is a blend of Victorian, colonial grace and African luxury. From fine dining to high tea on the deck that overlooks the river, visitors are assured of a fine time.
