How to Make a Livingstone Itinerary - Tips for Creating the Perfect Travel Itinerary for a Getaway in Livingstone

As one of Zambia's most vibrant travel destinations, Livingstone is not only home to sprawling national parks but also the iconic Victoria Falls. Apart from being the home base of one of the world's top cascades, the area is an exciting tourist hotspot during the dry months of the year. Whether one is heading to Livingstone for a short stay or a long stay, here's how to craft the perfect itinerary for first time visitors. 

Consider the Duration 

Whether travellers are planning to spend a week at the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara or a brief 3-day stay at any of the other luxury hotels in Zambia, every travel itinerary must take the time available into consideration. Although there's much to see and do around Livingstone, travellers must ensure that their travel plans allow time for not only exploring the main points of interest in town but also various cultural and dining experiences in the area. The number of activities that can be squeezed into a daily itinerary is low owing to the travel time, humidity and other complications that tourists may face when engaging in sightseeing activities. It's also crucial to include downtime or breaks away from excursions as a hectic schedule makes for a tiring, unpleasant and hurried holiday experience. 

Set Aside a Day to Explore Victoria Falls 

As the main attraction in Livingstone and the world's largest cascade, it's necessary to set aside at least a full day to witness the beauty of Victoria Falls. Visible both from the Zambian side as well as from Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is rightly ranked as one of the Seven Natural Wonders in the world. Apart from gazing upon its majesty, visitors can spend the day enjoying a wide range of adventure activities that are not just limited to taking a plunge in the Devil's Pools and white-water rafting beneath the waterfall. 

Image via Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara

Dine at New Restaurants Every Day 

Every Livingstone travel itinerary must also include the town's best dining hotspots and breakfast nooks as wining and dining in the area's finest restaurants should be a top priority for all visitors. Don't forget to include the following restaurants in the daily itinerary's meal plans as enjoying local cuisine at Livingstone's best eateries isn't a privilege that's just reserved for foodies. Socrates Livingstone, The Mango Tree Cafe and the Nyumi Nyumi Restaurant are great venues to hit during dinner time while The Old Farm House, Cafe Zambezi and Limpoz Pub Grill are breakfast spots where tourists can enjoy a hearty morning meal. When it comes to lunch haunts, don't forget to drop by Peppinos Pizza on the River, Makai Bar and Restaurant, Kubu Cafe and the Food Palace. 

Sign up for a Safari Tour of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

While Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park may be the country's smallest national park, a travel itinerary for Livingstone would not be complete without a safari adventure at this popular wildlife sanctuary. The wildlife inhabitants that call the park home include giraffes, warthogs, antelopes, buffaloes and zebras whereas the birdlife in the sanctuary includes black-chested buzzard eagles, peregrine falcons, and Taita falcons among others.  

Don't forget to include Museums and Other Cultural Highlights  

Tourists with a passion for history should also include a stopover at the Livingstone Museum, which not only documents the cultural heritage of the region but also the colourful historical events that shaped Livingstone. Shopaholics must also include a shopping spree at the town's Craft Market in order to find the finest keepsakes and souvenirs available in the area.  

Pencil in a River Cruise  

Signing up for a Livingstone Zambezi River Sunset Cruise is another great addition to any Livingstone travel itinerary as it's the perfect way to wind down after a trip to Victoria Falls or the region's game parks.