A Bumpy Ride into Livingstone

I thought it would be a quick 5.5-hour ride from Lusaka to Livingstone. Africa, however, had other plans. What was supposed to be the easy start of my Livingstone Zambia travel Victoria Falls safari quickly turned into an adventure of its own.

Due to tech issues, I couldn’t book my ticket online, so I showed up early at the Lusaka bus station… only to be told:
“No more buses to Livingstone today.”

Plan B? Hop on a bus to Choma and transfer from there. That 4-hour journey turned into 6 bone-rattling hours, departing late and crawling along the dusty road. Once in Choma, I was told a van to Livingstone would arrive “any minute now”—classic. That “minute” stretched into two hours.

Eventually, a van showed up. And somehow, 30 people, their luggage, a trailer, and a tarp tied with rope all fit inside. It was peak road trip Tetris.

13 hours later, I arrived in Livingstone—hungry, dehydrated, and exhausted. I ate instant noodles with my last bit of bottled water and crashed for the night. No groceries. No reception open. No Victoria Falls at sunrise. Just… sleep.

Finding Peace After the Chaos

The next day, I let go of my itinerary and gifted myself a slow start. I moved into a countryside Airbnb cottage with Starlink internet, backup power, a pool, and lush gardens—expensive by Zambian standards, but perfect for remote work and decompressing.

With clean water and a kitchen, I finally ate fresh veggies again, sautéing greens and making simple meals that felt luxurious after weeks of travel. I swam, walked around the quiet neighborhood, met friendly locals, and let my body and mind slow down.

A Sunset to Remember: Zambezi Dinner Cruise

By the weekend, I was ready to explore—and kicked it off with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. I joined a group of traveling women, and it turned into one of those joyful, laughter-filled evenings that you never want to end.

We watched hippos bobbing in the water, glimpsed a crocodile on the shore, and clinked cocktails as the sky turned gold. Dinner was served under the stars, with the gentle flow of the river surrounding us. Pure magic.

A Morning at Victoria Falls: Mosi-oa-Tunya 🇿🇲

The next day, I got up early and arrived at Victoria Falls right at opening. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—the falls are the largest curtain of falling water on Earth, over 5,600 feet wide and 350 feet tall.

There’s nothing like it.

• I walked the trails in the misty morning glow
  
• Got drenched crossing the Knife’s Edge Bridge
  
• Hiked down to the Boiling Pot, a swirling whirlpool at the base of the gorge
  
• Watched a rainbow shimmer faintly near the Zimbabwe side
  
• Got surprised by a troop of baboons foraging near the WWI memorial
  

Every trail offered something new. I stayed for three hours and loved every second. My advice? Arrive early—you’ll beat the crowds, get better light for photos, and feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

A Dream Safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Later that week, I went on an early-morning safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the only park in Zambia with white rhinos and just minutes from town.

In just a few hours, I saw:
🐘 Elephants bathing and crossing the road
🦓 A dazzle of zebras (yes, that’s what a group is called!)
🦏 White rhinos on foot during a ranger-guided walk
🦒 Giraffes snacking in the trees
🦛 Hippos cooling off in the Zambezi
🐊 Crocodiles sunning themselves
🦌 Antelopes and impalas
🐒 Cheeky monkeys
🪲 A hardworking dung beetle
💀 Elephant bones, eerie and humbling

Every sight was unforgettable. And the rhino walk? Deeply moving. These creatures are critically endangered and under 24/7 protection. Seeing them safe and at peace was incredible.

Livingstone Life: Local Culture & Slow Days

When I wasn’t exploring, I soaked in Livingstone’s charm:

• Daily breakfasts and dips in the lodge pool
  
• Walks surrounded by frangipani, hibiscus, and bougainvillea
  
• Attended the 90th anniversary of the Livingstone Museum with live music and fascinating exhibitions
  
• Tried village chicken with nshima and greens at Nomad’s Rest
  
• Bought crafts from women’s cooperatives and schools, each item tagged with heartfelt student notes
  
• Treated myself to a massage and nail appointment—wellness travel for the win!
  

How I Finally Nailed the Bus Ride

For my return to Lusaka? I had learned my lesson.

🚌 Bought my bus ticket in advance
🧃 Packed lots of snacks and water
🎒 Arrived early for the best seat and booked the earliest departure
🎧 Downloaded Netflix episodes for the ride and brought my powerbank fully charged

10 smooth hours later, I was back in Lusaka—hydrated, calm, and ready for the next chapter.

Final Thoughts: Why I Fell for Livingstone

Livingstone is so much more than a base for Victoria Falls. It’s peaceful, friendly, and filled with cultural gems, slow moments, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.

If you’re traveling through Zambia, give yourself the gift of a few extra days here. It’s not just a destination—it’s a deep breath in a wild, beautiful corner of the world.

Planning Your Trip to Livingstone?

• Bus from Lusaka: 10 hours direct (don’t believe them if they tell you it is less), or a 13-hour epic tale if you do it wrong
  
• Where to stay: Choose countryside Airbnbs for peace or guesthouses for budget travelers
  
• Top must-dos: Victoria Falls, sunset cruise, safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya, the museum, and local eats
  
• What to know: Tap water isn’t always safe—stick to bottled or filtered water and cook your own veggies when possible
  

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