Travel advisory · ZambiaSome governments advise against travel to parts of Zambia.The warnings cover only these areas: DRC border areas.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- DRC border areas · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, Spain, Italy
Also named by one government: Angola border areas (Italy), Chambishi mine surroundings (Copperbelt) (Italy), Northern borders (France), Southern borders (France)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No specific advice; general precautions only | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Exercise normal precautions | Jul 31, 2023 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Take normal security precautions | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | Oct 22, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Zambia | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Increased caution across the country; some border zones to avoid unless essential (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Livingstone
Livingstone is Zambia’s main base for visiting Victoria Falls, with museums, colonial-era buildings and road and rail links to Zimbabwe.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Livingstone is a city in Zambia’s Southern Province, about 10 km north of the Zambezi River. It is the main base for visiting Victoria Falls. The resort town of Victoria Falls is on the Zimbabwean side and is linked to Livingstone by road and rail. Mosi-oa-Tunya is the local name for the falls area, and the Batoka Gorge lies along the middle Zambezi near the city. Livingstone has a hot, rainy wet season, a very hot pre-wet season and a mild dry season. Day and night temperatures can differ widely, so pack for both hot and cooler conditions.
Colonial-era buildings and museums give visitors a way to explore the city’s past. The Livingstone Museum has archaeology, ethnography and history displays, including memorabilia relating to David Livingstone, after whom the city is named. The Maramba Cultural Museum presents traditional dancing, singing and costumes. The city also has a Railway Museum and the Victoria Falls Field Museum, which displays geology and archaeology from around the falls. Livingstone was the first capital of Northern Rhodesia from 1911 to 1935, and served as Southern Province’s capital from 1907 until 2011. Today, its airport, road and rail links connect it with other parts of Zambia and with neighboring countries.
Livingstone in five
- Use Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International AirportThe airport serves Livingstone, with domestic flights from Lusaka and international connections including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Mbombela and Nairobi.
- Cross into Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls BridgeThe bridge links Livingstone with Zimbabwe and has weight restrictions for vehicles. Check the limit before taking a heavy vehicle across.
- Choose your border routeThe M10 runs west to Kazungula Bridge, which crosses into Botswana, and to the Katima Mulilo Bridge, which crosses the Zambezi toward Namibia. The T1 crosses Victoria Falls Bridge into Zimbabwe.
- Pack for cooler nightsLivingstone has a hot, semi-arid climate, and day and night temperatures can differ widely. Bring layers for evenings as well as clothes for hot days.
- Visit a Livingstone museumThe Livingstone Museum covers archaeology, ethnography and history, including David Livingstone memorabilia. The Railway Museum and Victoria Falls Field Museum are other options.
Need to know
- Currency
- Zambian kwacha (ZMW)
- Entry
- Check Zambia’s entry rules for your passport before travel Read more
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not established as a required custom
- Time
- UTC+2, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryWet season
- FebruaryWet season
- MarchWet season
- AprilDry season
- MayMild, dry
- JuneMild, dry
- JulyMild, dry
- AugustDry season
- SeptemberHot, dry
- OctoberHot, dry
- NovemberPre-wet heat
- DecemberWet season
Right now in Livingstone
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
27
- Feels like
- 23°
- Humidity
- 19%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Livingstone
10:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today38°22°0%Monday: Clear. High 38°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue38°24°4%Tuesday: Clear. High 38°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Wed39°25°2%Wednesday: Clear. High 39°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Thu39°26°0%Thursday: Clear. High 39°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri40°25°10%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 40°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sat37°23°37%Saturday: Drizzle. High 37°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 37%.
- Sun38°23°69%Sunday: Rain. High 38°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 69%.
Updated 09:58 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 20.22 ZMW
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Victoria Falls townRoad or rail across Victoria Falls BridgeVisit the Zimbabwean resort town on the other side of the falls.
- KazungulaRoad west on the M10Reach the Zambezi crossing where Kazungula Bridge connects with Botswana.
- SeshekeRoad west on the M10Travel west to the Katima Mulilo Bridge and the Namibia border.
Before you go to Livingstone
Rules for Livingstone, checked
- Check Zambia’s entry requirements for your passport with the Department of Immigration before you travel.Source
- If you plan to cross Victoria Falls Bridge in a heavy vehicle, check the bridge’s vehicle weight restrictions first.
- The T1 road crosses Victoria Falls Bridge into Zimbabwe and continues as the A8.
Livingstone FAQ
Is Livingstone worth visiting?
Livingstone is Zambia’s main base for visiting Victoria Falls. The city also has museums covering archaeology, history and railway heritage.
How far is Livingstone from Victoria Falls?
Livingstone is about 10 km north of the Zambezi River, and the falls are nearby. The resort town of Victoria Falls is on the Zimbabwean side and is linked to Livingstone by road and rail.
How do you get to Livingstone?
Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport serves the city, with domestic flights from Lusaka and international connections including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Mbombela and Nairobi. The T1 road and Zambia Railways main line also connect Livingstone with Lusaka.
Can you cross from Livingstone to Zimbabwe?
Yes. The T1 road crosses Victoria Falls Bridge into Zimbabwe, where it becomes the A8. The bridge has weight restrictions for vehicles.
What is the best time to visit Livingstone?
Livingstone has a hot, rainy wet season, a very hot pre-wet season and a mild dry season. Day and night temperatures can differ widely, so pack for both hot and cooler conditions.
What can you see in Livingstone besides Victoria Falls?
The Livingstone Museum has archaeology, ethnography and history displays, including David Livingstone memorabilia. Other options include the Maramba Cultural Museum, Railway Museum and Victoria Falls Field Museum.