72 Hours in Livingstone: The Ultimate Victoria Falls City Guide

There's a reason Victoria Falls anchors most itineraries in Livingstone—it's simply unmissable. But timing your visit can make all the difference between a magical experience and a soggy trudge.

I recommend starting early, around 8am, when the morning light creates rainbows in the mist and before the day's heat intensifies. The Zambian side offers a more intimate experience with the falls compared to the panoramic views from Zimbabwe, with winding paths that bring you tantalizingly close to the cascading water.

The Knife-Edge Bridge provides the most dramatic viewpoint, where you'll likely get drenched in the process (embrace it!). During my last visit with my daughter, we laughed uncontrollably as we were completely soaked within minutes—those are the moments that create lasting memories.

After exploring the falls, head to The Royal Livingstone Hotel for lunch. Even if you're not staying at this luxury property, their deck overlooking the Zambezi River offers one of the best dining views in Africa. Keep your eyes peeled for zebras and giraffes that casually roam the grounds—my daughter nearly dropped her fork when a zebra sauntered past our table.

As the afternoon heat subsides, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi. The standard tourist boats are fine, but I recommend splurging on a smaller vessel for a more personalized experience. The dry bag I brought saved my camera when spray from a passing hippo drenched our boat—a worthwhile investment for protecting electronics in this water-rich environment.

After the awe-inspiring first day at the falls, day two is perfect for exploring the incredible wildlife and adventure activities that make Livingstone special.

Start your morning with a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Though smaller than other African parks, it packs a punch with white rhinos (under armed guard protection), giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The compact size means you'll be back in town by lunchtime, making it perfect for a 72-hour itinerary.

During my visit, the guide noticed my daughter's intense interest in conservation and arranged for us to meet the rhino protection team. These unexpected connections are why I always recommend mentioning your specific interests to local guides.

After lunch at Café Zambezi—a local favorite with authentic Zambian dishes—it's time for an adrenaline boost. Livingstone is Africa's adventure capital, and the options are endless. The bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge isn't for everyone (I'll admit, I chickened out while my daughter called me a scaredy-cat from the sidelines), but the gorge swing or zip line offer slightly less terrifying alternatives.

For a uniquely African experience that doesn't involve hurling yourself into space, book an elephant encounter with one of the reputable sanctuaries. These aren't riding experiences but conservation-focused interactions where you'll learn about these magnificent creatures while observing them up close.

End your day with dinner at The Elephant Café, an extraordinary restaurant reached by boat where you dine on a platform overlooking the Zambezi. The binoculars I brought allowed us to spot hippos and crocodiles in the river during dinner—a worthwhile addition to your packing list if you enjoy wildlife viewing.

Your final day in Livingstone should be dedicated to understanding the cultural fabric that makes this place special beyond its natural wonders.

Start with a visit to the Livingstone Museum, Zambia's oldest and largest museum. While not as flashy as natural attractions, it provides crucial context about David Livingstone's expeditions, local history, and Zambian cultural heritage. The archaeological exhibits fascinated my daughter, especially the ancient tools that connected her to human history in a tangible way.

For lunch, venture into Livingstone's local markets for authentic Zambian cuisine. Maramba Market offers a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and smells. While there, I recommend trying nshima (a maize staple) with local relishes at one of the small food stalls. My tech industry background has taught me that innovation happens everywhere—watching local vendors create efficient systems with minimal resources always reminds me that ingenuity isn't confined to Silicon Valley.

In the afternoon, arrange a village visit through a reputable community tourism organization. The Mukuni Village near Livingstone offers cultural demonstrations, traditional ceremonies, and craft workshops that benefit the local community directly. During our visit, my daughter participated in a beading workshop with local women, creating a bracelet she still wears years later—a souvenir with meaning beyond the typical gift shop trinkets.

As the day cools, take a relaxed bike tour through Livingstone town to observe daily life beyond tourist areas. The quick-dry shirt I packed proved perfect for transitioning from the hot afternoon to cooler evening temperatures.

End your Livingstone adventure with dinner at Olga's Italian Corner, a surprising find serving excellent wood-fired pizzas and pasta. The cultural fusion of Italian cuisine in the heart of Zambia reflects the international influence that has shaped Livingstone since its colonial days.

Livingstone offers accommodations for various budgets, but location significantly impacts your experience. Having stayed in different areas over multiple visits, I've developed clear preferences.

For mid-range travelers (my sweet spot when traveling with family), Waterberry Lodge delivers exceptional value. Located on the Zambezi River about 15km upstream from Victoria Falls, it offers tranquility away from tourist crowds while maintaining easy access to attractions. The family chalets provide ample space, and their community involvement programs align with my values around responsible tourism.

If you're splurging, The Royal Livingstone presents unbeatable proximity to Victoria Falls—you can walk directly to the entrance from the hotel grounds. Waking up to zebras grazing outside your window creates those pinch-me moments that justify the premium price. During my last stay, I used the packing cubes to organize our safari gear efficiently, which proved invaluable when moving between accommodations.

For budget-conscious travelers, Jollyboys Backpackers offers clean rooms and a social atmosphere where you'll meet other travelers. Their knowledgeable staff provides excellent local advice, and the pool area becomes a hub of travel stories each evening.

Whichever accommodation you choose, prioritize properties within 20 minutes of Victoria Falls to maximize your limited time. My tech-industry habit of optimizing efficiency extends to travel—minimizing transit time means more experience time.

After multiple visits to Livingstone with family and friends, I've accumulated some practical wisdom that might save you time and enhance your experience.

Currency & Payments: While the Zambian Kwacha is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted at tourist establishments. I recommend carrying both—dollars for activities and accommodations, kwacha for local markets and smaller purchases. ATMs are available in Livingstone town, but technical issues aren't uncommon. The money belt I use provides security without the obvious tourist fanny pack look.

Transportation: Livingstone is relatively compact, but attractions are spread out. Most accommodations offer shuttle services to Victoria Falls, but for flexibility, arrange a driver for your stay. This costs about $50-80 per day but allows you to create your own schedule. When my daughter and I visited, our driver doubled as an informal guide, sharing local perspectives we would have missed otherwise.

Health & Safety: Livingstone is generally safe, but take standard precautions. The town sits in a malaria zone, so consult your doctor about prophylaxis before traveling. The sun is intense year-round—I learned this lesson painfully during my first visit when I underestimated the African UV index and ended up with a severe sunburn that limited activities for days.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations but can be unreliable. If staying connected is important (as it often was for me when balancing travel with remote work), purchase a local SIM card at the Livingstone airport. Airtel and MTN offer affordable data packages that work throughout the region.

Packing Essentials: Beyond standard safari gear, bring a good headlamp for navigating during frequent power outages, a reusable water bottle with filter, and quick-dry clothing for water activities. The temperature varies significantly between day and night, so layering is essential even in summer months.