Livingstone at a glance
Livingstone is the Zambian base for Victoria Falls. It is not the same place as Victoria Falls Town, which is on the Zimbabwe side. The two towns are in different countries, with different airports, currencies and entry rules, and the Victoria Falls Bridge links them.
The international airport is Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula (LVI), run by the state-owned Zambia Airports Corporation. The Zambian falls hotel zone is about 25 minutes by car from the airport, according to one hotel there. That is the figure for the hotel zone, not for the whole town. This guide is independent, and it has no link to the museum, the airport or any park authority.
Livingstone or Victoria Falls Town?
The same falls, two sets of rules. Prices are those listed for 2026.
| Livingstone, Zambia | Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula (LVI) | Victoria Falls (VFA), 21 km south-east of the town |
| Falls entry, international adult | $20 (listed in 2026) | $58 (2026) |
| Money | Kwacha (ZMW), cards at larger businesses | US dollars widely used, plus the national currency ZiG |
| Visa for German, Austrian and Swiss citizens | Visa-free, per the embassy list (2025) | Visa needed, listed at $30 for 30 days for Germans |
| KAZA Univisa | $50, up to 30 days, valid here | $50, up to 30 days, valid here |
Rules change, so check the entry requirements with the embassy before you travel. The travel tips explain the KAZA Univisa and the border.
Tours from Livingstone
Falls visits, flights, cruises, Devil's Pool and safaris you can book from the Zambian side, with live prices and availability.
The Livingstone Museum
The museum is the main sight in town. Its collections cover archaeology, ethnography, natural history and history, and it has a gallery about David Livingstone. It was founded in 1934.
- Entry: $5 for foreign adults and $2 for foreign children. Local adults pay 10 ZMW and local children 5 ZMW.
- Payment: cash, Visa and Mastercard, according to the museum.
- Closing days: the museum names Christmas, and its FAQ adds New Year. Plan for both and check the hours before you go.
What you can do from Livingstone
Most of the activities on the Zambian side start from here.
The falls and the Knife-Edge Bridge
The Zambian entrance is listed at $20 for international visitors, with half price for children aged 6 to 16 and free entry under 6. A footbridge leads to viewpoints, and the Boiling Pot path has a steep descent.
Zambia side →Devil's Pool
Livingstone Island tours go by boat. The operator says the pool is usually open from late August to late December, depending on the water.
Devil's Pool →Rafting
One rafting company runs day trips from the Victoria Falls Waterfront in Zambia, from $140 plus a $10 park fee.
Rafting →Flights
Helicopter flights from Zambia are listed from $205 plus a $6 aviation fee. Microlights start at $190 for 15 minutes.
Flight of Angels →Into the spray
The Knife-Edge Bridge is a footbridge to viewpoints of the falls on the Zambian side. Do not confuse it with the international road and rail bridge. In the high-water months the spray is heavy, so bring a rain jacket, shoes with grip and a waterproof bag for your camera.
Opening hours and the safety of each path depend on the water, so check the current conditions before you go.
Money, health and safety in Livingstone
The currency is the Zambian kwacha. Cards work at larger businesses, but the German Foreign Office notes that technical failures happen, so carry some cash. Tour operators list prices in US dollars, which does not mean that dollars are the only way to pay.
The German Foreign Office lists a high malaria risk across Zambia all year, including the towns. Mosquito protection matters, and a doctor can advise you on prophylaxis. It also advises against swimming in fresh water in Zambia because of bilharzia. Yellow fever proof is needed if you arrive from a yellow fever area, or if you transit through one for more than 12 hours.
Petty crime happens in tourist centres, and power cuts can switch off street lighting and security systems. Wild animals can enter camps and lodges, so follow the instructions of your guide or lodge. Zambia asks German citizens for a passport valid for at least six months. The entry stamp is usually for 30 days, and a tourist may stay up to 90 days within 12 months with an extension.
More to read
Pages that help you choose between the towns.
Livingstone: frequently asked questions
Is Livingstone the same as Victoria Falls?
No. Victoria Falls is the waterfall. Livingstone is the Zambian town, and Victoria Falls Town is its Zimbabwean counterpart. They are in different countries.
How far is the airport from the falls?
One hotel in the Zambian falls zone lists 25 minutes by car from Livingstone airport. The distance to other parts of town differs, so arrange your transfer in advance.
What does the Livingstone Museum cost?
The museum lists $5 for foreign adults and $2 for foreign children. Local adults pay 10 ZMW and local children 5 ZMW.
Do I need a visa for Zambia?
Germans, Austrians and Swiss citizens are on the embassy's visa-free list (2025), as are citizens of the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Check the current rules with the embassy before you travel.
Can I cross to Zimbabwe from Livingstone?
Yes, over the Victoria Falls Bridge. Take your passport. Published border opening times differ, so do not plan around a fixed time.