How to Spend 3 Days in Livingstone

Lively Livingstone is more than just a stepping stone to Victoria Falls—an emergent art scene, a rich cultural heritage, and links to wider southern Africa make the border town a great choice for a 3-day stay. From city museums to legendary outdoor attractions, here are some ideas for your itinerary.

Day 1: Get the Lay of Livingstone

Get oriented on a tour of the southern Zambian hub. Soak up the atmosphere as you stroll among central sights such as the Livingstone Museum, Railway & Gateway Jewish Museum, and Mukuni Market. Or, cover more distance on a bike, zipping through rural suburbs for a bigger perspective of city life. After a laid-back lunch on Livingstone Way, check out the city’s art scene by visiting the National Art Gallery or touring the sustainable workshops springing up around town.

Day 2: Check Off Top Attractions

From the UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls to the protected white rhino of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Livingstone’s natural attractions are musts for any visitor. Start early to optimize your chances of spotting birds, rhinos, and other native species in their natural habitat, then dedicate the afternoon to the iconic waterfall and surrounding rain forest trails. Alternatively, take a tour of outlying villages, or book a cooking class in a local’s home for insight into traditional life in rural Zambia.

Day 3: Immerse Yourself in Nature

If your time in southern Africa is limited, opt for a full-day tour to neighboring Botswana’s Chobe National Park to see lions, elephants, and giraffes up close. Otherwise, make it a last day to remember on an adventure excursion—the region’s natural landscape is an ideal playground for thrill seekers and active sightseers. Zoom along rural trails on an all-terrain vehicle, or rappel down Batoka Gorge; go white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, or zipline between canyons. After an adrenaline-filled day, unwind on a sunset cruise.