How to Get Around Livingstone - Best Ways to Explore Livingstone using Public and Private Transport Links

As one of Zambia's most popular holiday and business hotspots after the nation's capital, Lusaka, Livingstone, welcomes travellers from around the world. As the location of the iconic Victoria Falls and some of Zambia's finest national parks, travelling the length and breadth of Livingstone ought to be a seamless experience for holidaymakers as well as corporate travellers. Here's a rundown of the best public and private transport options that visitors can use to navigate Livingstone. 

Hop on a Minibus 

Ranked among the best ways to travel around in Livingstone, public minibuses are also one of the most affordable means of transport accessible to tourists. Minibuses in Livinstone typically travel on a set  daily route and passengers need only pay for their seat if their intended destination happens to be part of the route. Most of the city's biggest highlights are not easy to reach via minibus, however, as the routes cover other areas of the city. Those who are visiting Livingstone with a large group of family and friends can, however, buy all the seats in the minibus and determine the route of the journey. It's also important for tourists to mind their belongings when using minibuses in the city as incidents of petty theft are not uncommon. 

Taxi Services  

Although taxi cabs are widely accessible all across Livingstone, using taxi services is a whole other ballgame in Zambia. Official and metered taxis in the country are blue coloured vehicles with number plates in red and those who flag a cab from the side of the street will first be asked if they wish to book the vehicle or not. Those who choose to make a booking will need to pay the fare for the journey upfront and the driver will take on no other passengers along the way. Those who do not book the vehicle will find that drivers are free to take on more passengers en route to their final destination. Taxi fares in Livingstone are not unreasonable but it is one of the costlier ways to get around the city.  

Collins Musonda, Toyota Corolla Taxi, CC BY-SA 4.0 

Vehicle Rentals 

Travellers who possess an international driving license can also rent a car or any other type of vehicle during their stay in Livingstone. This is a feasible option for those who intend to spend more than a week in the city as car rental fees are not exactly inexpensive. Tourists who intend to go on off-road trips or safari excursions during their Livingstone holiday may want to choose a jeep or a 4x4 rental vehicle as these types of vehicles are better suited for the road conditions in Livingstone. It's crucial to carry the car's rental documents, insurance papers and road tax slips when travelling around the city as authorities can demand to see these documents at roadblocks. Drivers should also remember that vehicles travel on the left in Zambia, unlike in the west. 

Walking  

Tourists based at Avani Victoria Falls Resort or any other centrally located hotel in Zambia may also find that the city centre is easy to navigate on foot. In addition to offering travellers the chance to interact with locals and shop vendors, walking around the city centre can be a great way to experience the vibrant culture of this popular travel hub. Although sandals are ideal for walking around African towns, it's best to don sneakers when engaging in longer excursions than a grocery or beer run. 

Day Trip Transfers  

Travellers looking to explore towns and villages close to Livingstone on day trips will find that there are trains departing Livingstone Railway Station daily for destinations such as Lusaka. Long-distance buses by Intercape also serve Livingstone and set out from the Big Tree Bus Station in Chimwemwe Road.