Plan a autumn trip to Livingstone. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Livingstone — TL;DR
Zambia's gateway to Victoria Falls, where Jollyboys' movie nights meet Victoria Falls Backpackers' 10-minute walk to the World Heritage Site.
Livingstone overview
May to August (dry season) offers the clearest views of Victoria Falls with lower water levels revealing the full gorge, while February to May shows the Falls at maximum, most powerful flow.
Livingstone town centre, close to the main street and Spar supermarket, houses most hostels, with Victoria Falls itself a short 10-20 minute trip away.
Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
English (official); Lozi and Nyanja are widely spoken.
CAT (UTC+2)
Livingstone's hostel scene continues to centre entirely on its 10-minute proximity to Victoria Falls, with Jollyboys' movie nights and Victoria Falls Backpackers' family-run bar-restaurant combo anchoring a compact town where BBQ areas, pool tables and massage spas are now standard hostel amenities.
Where to eat, drink & do in Livingstone
Livingstone neighborhoods
Livingstone town centre Home to Jollyboys Backpackers, close to the main street, with a big Spar supermarket a 5-minute walk away.
Victoria Falls approach road Home to Victoria Falls Backpackers Zambia, located within 10 km of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, very close to supermarkets and other bars and restaurants.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge area Home to the Buffalo Bar, combining excellent food with views near the Falls itself.
Practical info for Livingstone
Getting around in Livingstone? Livingstone town centre, close to the main street and Spar supermarket, houses most hostels, with Victoria Falls itself a short 10-20 minute trip away.
When to go in Livingstone? May to August (dry season) offers the clearest views of Victoria Falls with lower water levels revealing the full gorge, while February to May shows the Falls at maximum, most powerful flow.
What's changing now in Livingstone? Livingstone's hostel scene continues to centre entirely on its 10-minute proximity to Victoria Falls, with Jollyboys' movie nights and Victoria Falls Backpackers' family-run bar-restaurant combo anchoring a compact town where BBQ areas, poo
Seek out Jollyboys movie nights in Livingstone? Regular movie nights at the hostel's TV corner, a relaxed alternative to Livingstone's adventure-tourism focus.
Base yourself in Livingstone town centre in Livingstone? Home to Jollyboys Backpackers, close to the main street, with a big Spar supermarket a 5-minute walk away. Known for main hostel and shopping hub.