The original settlement of the town was known as the ‘Old Drift’ and was located on the banks of the Zambezi, a mile or so above the Falls. It was moved to its present location, high up on a sand ridge, within a teak tree forest, in 1905. The move was prompted for reasons of health – it was malaria that made Livingstone town be where it is today.
With only a basic knowledge of quinine and its powers, the pioneers had a very low life expectancy. The site of the Old Drift is now only marked by some gravestones and exotic trees within the Game Park, but can be visited during a game drive.
The new town was planned with the needs of the community in mind – health, transport and utilities.
The era of colonialism came to an end with Independence in 1964. Since then Livingstone has seen many changes, good and bad. For a while, as the Government struggled with its new Zambian identity and was surrounded by conflicts in neighboring countries, the country became inward looking. It did not encourage Tourism; it just wanted to be left alone.
By 1991, much in the world had changed and the Zambian economy was in disarray. The people decided on change and voted into power a government that promised to open up the country.  Since then, Livingstone has seen the growth of tourism from very small beginnings to the array of hotels, lodges and entertainment that Livingstone now boasts.
Zambia is still a long way from being a major player in African Tourism, but with a little more understanding and help from the Government, great steps can be made.
The “City†of Livingstone is the Tourism Capital of Zambia, as well as the Capital of the Southern Province, but the feel of Livingstone is that of a village – a friendly cosmopolitan town of around 100,000 people. The sun is always shining, the people are forever jovial and the pace is slow.
However, Livingstone boasts an International Airport with daily flights from Johannesburg and Lusaka. Direct flights to the UK will soon be with us.
Buses ply the roads to and from Lusaka, Johannesburg and Windhoek. If driving we are 10Km from the border with Zimbabwe; an hour away from Botswana and two hours away from Namibia.
Livingstone offers something to suit all visitors and residents. There is a vibrant nightlife, with Bars and Cafes for both locals and Tourists, and many Restaurants to choose from. Livingstone is also an “Adrenaline Hot Spot†with White Water Rafting/Kayaking, Bungi Jumping and Abseiling. We have our own National Park, the Mosi – O – Tunya, the local name for the mighty Victoria Falls, just 10 Kms from Livingstone. In the Park we have the only White Rhino in Zambia and you can take a Walking Safari to see them, or you can take a Helicopter/Microlight flight to see them and the Falls from the air.
There is so much more to experience…….

