Plan your visit
Planning your Zambezi day
Success on the Zambezi River depends on timing. Your experience will change completely between February and October.
Zambezi River, Livingstone, Zambia
Zambezi River, Livingstone, Zambia
GPS -17.9156, 25.8552
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to and around the river
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plane: Fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, located just a short drive from the river. | 15 minutes | $15-30 for a taxi | Direct flights are available from Johannesburg, Lusaka, and other regional hubs. |
| Car: Drive or take a taxi from Livingstone town center to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park entrance or various activity launch sites along the river. | 10-15 minutes | Varies | Roads from town to the river are paved and well-maintained. |
| Walk: Walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe to see the river spanning the gorge below. | 30-60 minutes | Free to access the bridge | Requires a passport check at the border posts to obtain a bridge pass. |
| Tour: Most rafting, boat cruise, and Devil's Pool operators include round-trip shuttle transfers from your Livingstone accommodation. | Varies | Included in activity price | Confirm pickup times with your operator 24 hours in advance. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
High water season runs from January to July. Over 500 million liters of water plummet over the falls every minute. Rafting trips skip the first 10 rapids due to dangerous volumes.
Low water season runs from August to December. This is the best time for water activities. You can run all 25 rapids, and Devil's Pool opens for guided swims.
What to bring
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Children under 10 are generally not permitted on Livingstone Island tours.
Check age limits before booking family trips.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries for Livingstone
Tackle the gorge and swim below the falls during low water season.
- Pickup
Get collected from your Livingstone lodge by the rafting operator.
- The Boiling Pot
Hike down the steep gorge to the starting point below the falls.
- Spray Pool Swim
Swim in the natural pools below Victoria Falls.
- White-Water Rafting
Navigate the Grade V rapids in the Batoka Gorge.
- Lunch
Eat lunch provided by your rafting crew near the river.
Wildlife, waterfalls, and a calm cruise on the Upper Zambezi.
- Mosi-oa-Tunya
Enter the park ($30) to walk the trails and view Victoria Falls.
- Victoria Falls Bridge
Walk across the bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Transfer
Get picked up for your river cruise.
- Sunset Cruise
Board a boat on the Upper Zambezi to spot hippos and elephants.
Crossing the border
The river separates Zambia and Zimbabwe. If you want to see both sides of the falls, you must cross the border. The KAZA UniVisa costs $50 and allows easy movement between the two countries.
What to pack
Bring a waterproof dry bag for your phone. If you are rafting, wear quick-dry clothing and sturdy sandals with straps. Flip-flops are not suitable. Use a high-SPF sunscreen and DEET-based insect repellent. Zambezi Packing Guide
Easiest way to do it
Zambezi Whitewater Rafting — Full Day All 25 Rapids : Livingstone
6 h 4.9 (330)
- Transfer to and from your Hotel / place of residence
- Soft drinks and mineral water
- Lunch
- Photo and Video
From$170per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do I fly into Livingstone?
Fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI). Direct flights arrive from Johannesburg and Lusaka. A taxi to the river takes 15 minutes and costs $15-30.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
You may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate depending on your previous travel destinations. Check your home country's specific travel advisories for Zambia.
Can I walk to the river from Livingstone town?
Livingstone town center is a 10 to 15-minute drive from the river. It is better to take a taxi or use the transfers provided by your tour operator.