Livingstone, Zambia
DMC in Livingstone
Nestled on the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls you will find Livingstone town.
Originally known as the Old Drift, Livingstone, located in Zambia, owes its existence primarily to the Victoria Falls and was established as a staging point across the Zambezi River. Now, named after Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone, Livingstone’s culture and history is intriguing – as is evidenced by the arts and craft producers, museums, colonial architecture, traditional village life, local food and the general African lifestyle.
It was established in 1907 and it was actually Zambia’s capital in pre-colonial times. Livingstone town seems like a place almost stuck in time, lined with colonial British architecture in the main road, but also with modern as well as African designs.
Because of its location, Livingstone has had to mold its existence with nature. Elephants stroll through town, baboons saunter across roads, this is true Africa, this is Livingstone!
Small enough to walk around, but not small on options, Livingstone is a fantastic option for clients from around the world as it caters to each individual preference with a range of hotels, lodges and camps.
The predominant language spoken in the town is Chewa, a Bantu language spoken in much of Southern, Southeast and East Africa. It is incredible to meet those who are part of the original tribes along the Zambezi river.
Just 10km from the Victoria Falls, you won’t forget this ‘Bucket List’ destination.
The Royal Livingstone
On the forested banks of the great Zambezi River, upstream of the mighty cataract where it thunders into the Batoka Gorge, is the 5-Star Royal Livingstone Hotel, pride of Zambian hospitality and recently named by the Conde Nast Traveller magazine as one of the 50 best new hotels in the world. In its cool lounges and shaded verandah’s, you will encounter the elegance and luxury of an earlier, more courteous age. The Royal Livingstone is a serene and gracious refuge from the heat of the African Sun.
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The 173 luxurious rooms with their comfortable furnishings are tastefully decorated in the soft earth tones of the Bushveld, with spreading views of the river and the Acacia Forest. Guests may pass lazy days on the magnificent sun deck overlooking the Zambezi as it flows relentlessly to the Falls. Enjoy fine dining in the restaurant or on the long verandah overlooking the gardens. In the warm smile of your personal butler, or in the simple luxury of a cane chair, you will find an Africa that has all but vanished.
The bedrooms are in two-story clusters, which capture the essence of an opulent bygone era. Each cluster comprises 10 en-suite Air Conditioned rooms, offering private balconies or terraces, and enjoying superb views overlooking the Zambezi River and its magnificent panorama of “the smoke that thunders”. Inspired by the grand estate houses still found in Zambia, the architecture portrays the unique spirit of the region with large shaded verandas and deep, relaxing internal spaces cooled by swirling fans and floor-to-ceiling shutters to exclude the midday sun. All rooms have satellite television, radio and video, mini-bar, mini-safe and telephone with message/wake-up/voice-mail facilities.
A dramatic view of the river can be enjoyed from the central reception, and the same panorama unfolds from the other public areas. An ideally positioned Bar and Lounge under an open-thatch roof is cooled by the silent swish of punkahs, and decorated in harmonious greens, creams and ebony. With its comfortable armchairs and low ottomans, the Lounge is the place to enjoy an impeccably served high tea or to linger over port and cigars.
The hotel restaurant which seats 180 diners is a combination of old-world savoir-faire and contemporary sophistication. Expansive glass sliding doors and shutters are softened by translucent drapes. The softly lit tables are draped to the floor with fine linen and the chairs are specially crafted. Food is served from silver, patterned dinnerware, copper, crocodile-textured dress plates and crystal glasses. The restaurant opens onto spacious verandas furnished with deep planters’ chairs, wrought iron seats and tables, next to the luxurious rolling lawns that end at the river’s edge.
Avani Victoria Falls Resort
Avani Victoria Falls Resort features adobe-style architecture. Simple finishes highlight bright mosaics and fabrics and the intoxicating environment is characterised by ethnic wall stencils, timber and plaster ceilings, Zambian artworks and accessories. It is constructed in a series of 8 buildings, consisting of the guest rooms, a central pavilion of restaurants and a fabulous convention centre. On the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, this 3-star hotel reflects the richness and diversity of the land’s heritage.
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The architecture was inspired by the timeless African tradition, and its unique styling will offer visitors the experience of truly being at the heart of Africa. The hotel has the feel of a century’s old city, with open, organic buildings. The 212 guest rooms are low-slung, open and airy. Each one spills out onto a cool landscaped pool area, while the restaurant and bar are focused around the central pool. colours with rambling clusters of rooms, punctuated by chimneys and towers. The two-storey en-suite rooms have air-conditioning, satellite television, telephone, mini bar and mini safe, tea and coffee making facilities and fold out couches. Each room also features a private balcony. The hotel is located 10 kilometres from Livingstone International Airport in Zambia and 30 kilometres from Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe.
David Livingstone Safari Lodge
The thunder of the falling water and towering column of spray, the Victoria Falls offers an inescapable closeness to the natural elements and it is this true grandeur that lends a backdrop to the regal David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa. These great and famous falls, named by David Livingstone for his Queen, Victoria, in November 1855, were well known to the indigenous people of Southern Africa by many names, perhaps the most meaningful being Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders).
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David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa consist of 77 rooms, all en-suite, of which 5 are suites and 2 rooms accommodate the disabled comfortably. Most rooms look out over the Mighty Zambezi and a leisurely sundowner can be enjoyed from your private balcony.
The lodge offers visitors a restaurant, bar and conference facilities, suitable to cater for large groups, with a variety of safari excursions and activities in and around the falls.
The Lady Livingstone, a 144-seater river cruiser comprising 3 decks, enables guests to experience Africa in a unique style on the Zambezi River.
The Zambezi Waterfront
Whether you’re a single backpacker, a family planning a self-drive camping trip or busy organising an overland group through Africa, you’ll find the Zambezi Waterfront convenient, cost-effective and easy to arrange. Located just 4 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, the Waterfront has a large serviced campsite, a tented village and en-suite chalets. The complex includes a restaurant, a shop, and the “Adventure Centre” – the ideal spot to arrange all of your one-day activities in Victoria Falls from rafting to bungee jumping to town tours.
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The Zambezi Waterfront is situated just opposite Siloka Island and with a clear view of the spray from the Falls. The resort is designed to cater for all travellers who wish to experience the mighty Zambezi River, the wonder of the Victoria Falls and the many activities on offer in the area without great expense – it’s ideal for the adventurous and young at heart.
Accommodation ranges from camping to good quality, fully serviced tents and en-suite chalets. It is family friendly and caters for all ages.
The complex boasts a well serviced campsite set in cool shady surroundings and caters for the overland, backpacking and self-drive market, accommodating up to 90 guests. On the riverbank overlooking Siloka Island is the “Adventure Village” – a cluster of 3 x 3m bow tents built on raised platforms, each with a spacious verandah. The village accommodates 60 guests in 30 tents. Both sites have spotlessly clean ablution facilities with hot and cold showers, basins and toilets.
The Zambezi Waterfront complex has 16 standard twin chalets, six units of which overlook the river. There are also 3 Executive rooms and 4 Family rooms. There is a central dining complex with stunning views both up and down the river. A raised wooden deck stretches out over the river with a unique plunge pool, an open bar and restaurant area, a reception and a merchandising shop.
The key attraction of the area is no doubt the mighty Zambezi. Getting onto the river is a must and with this in mind the Waterfront offers the famous MV Makumbi, a 100-passenger double-decker cruise boat for river cruises. The MV Makumbi can also cater for private functions on request. (A second cruiser, Jambesi, is available for smaller parties of up to 20 people.)
The Zambezi Waterfront is an ideal destination for groups, incentive and team-building holidays.
The River Club
The River Club is Livingstone’s premier destination on the Zambezi River, situated 18 kilometres upstream from the renowned Victoria Falls – a World Heritage Site and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. This boutique owner-run lodge, located on a magnificent vantage point, provides stunning views over a sweeping bend on the river.
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Set on 20 hectares of privately owned land, The River Club offers ample space for couples seeking privacy, or families looking to explore the area and participate in the host of activities on offer.
The main building, known as the Zambezi House, is an impressive Edwardian-style entertainment area with high plantation ceilings. Converted from the original farmhouse built in 1948, it provides a wonderful setting for hosting guests at the lodge.
11 spacious, private suites are individually nestled within the tree line along the edge of the magnificent Zambezi River. From their elevated positions, each separate, perfectly situated suite looks across the river to the Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank, home to an array of wildlife and birds in an area of abundant natural beauty.
The large dining room can seat all 26 guests at one sitting at the impressively long teak dining table, although most meals tend to be served outside on the elegant terrace or by the poolside.
There is a comfortable sitting room with a fireplace and a well-stocked library with an interesting collection of books, journals and board games. Wi-Fi provides connectivity throughout the main building and to most areas of the property. The gift shop sells clothing, jewellery, postcards, books, curios and crafts.
Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma
“The Zambezi River sweeps past your tree house in unrestrained splendour as it surges on to its destiny with the waterfall downstream. A Hippo breaks the surface, its guttural belly laugh rising above the water’s own turbulent voice. This is your personal piece of Africa.” Sussi Lodge and Chuma House are named after David Livingstone’s faithful friends and consist of an exclusive, upmarket lodge and a spacious two-bedroom villa.
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Sussi Lodge is an enchanting riverbank hideaway just 10 minutes upstream of the Victoria Falls – a perfect beginning or finale to your Zambian wildlife safari. Hidden in the riverine forest are 10 private luxury tree houses, built among the branches of a huge ebony tree where the trumpeter hornbills call. Located on a quiet bend of the Zambezi River within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
12 kilometres upstream from the Falls.
All tree-houses have en-suite toilets, shower and bath, mosquito nets over the beds, overhead fans, mini bar and private viewing deck. Meals are served outdoors where possible and often around a boma fire in the evening. With the lodge being located in the National Park, it is not uncommon to see Elephant, Buffalo or Rhinoceros passing below the walkways. The main lodge features a raised bar/lounge deck, open air dining area, swimming pool and lawns which sweep down to the water’s edge.
Chuma House is an exclusive, luxury self-contained villa accommodating up to 4 guests, located downstream from Sussi Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. With its own private swimming pool and spacious outdoor verandah, kitchenette, lounge and dining area, Chuma House is the perfect place for those wanting total privacy away from the stresses of the city. A private guide, chef and housekeeper are all on site to look after your every need.
The lodge is approximately 15km drive from Livingstone Town. Rates include 3 meals a day, soft drinks, local beers, house wines, as well as laundry, and an early morning or sunset river cruise on their 12-seater boat. Rates exclude additional activities, imported wines and spirits.
