🇿🇲 Livingstone, Zambia

Brief

• Victoria Falls is a major attraction from Livingstone. In the dry season, water levels can be lower on the Zambian side, with reduced spray and some viewpoints or activities operating differently.
• Try local dishes such as nshima with bream or other freshwater fish, kapenta, grilled meat, and seasonal produce. Mopane worms are also available in some traditional restaurants.
• Wildlife activities around Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the Zambezi require following guide instructions closely, especially around elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
• The Livingstone-Sesheke road is entering a major reconstruction programme. Roadworks may eventually improve access, but construction could cause delays on journeys west of Livingstone, particularly as the rainy season approaches. (lusakatimes.com)

Safety and health

• Malaria is a significant risk in Zambia, including around Livingstone. Use repellent, cover exposed skin after dark, sleep in screened or mosquito-protected rooms, and discuss malaria prevention medication with a travel-health professional. (wikivoyage.org)
• Avoid swimming, wading or bathing in untreated freshwater, including rivers, ponds and lakes, because of schistosomiasis. Do not assume attractive natural pools are safe. (cdc.gov)
• Protect yourself from mosquito, tsetse-fly and tick bites. Dengue, African sleeping sickness and African tick-bite fever are listed risks; avoid brush and long grass where practical and inspect your clothing and skin after outdoor activities. (cdc.gov)
• Avoid contact with blood, body fluids or tissues from livestock and use mosquito precautions because Rift Valley fever is a listed risk. (cdc.gov)
• Tap water can be unreliable for visitors. Use sealed bottled water, boiled water or properly treated water, and avoid ice of uncertain origin. (wikivoyage.org)
• A yellow-fever certificate is required for travellers aged one year or older arriving from countries with yellow-fever transmission risk, including qualifying airport transits of more than 12 hours. (cdc.gov)
• Zambia’s disputed 2026 election and arrests of opposition figures have created a more sensitive political climate. Avoid demonstrations, rallies and large political gatherings, and expect possible localised disruptions. (bbc.com | apnews.com)

Recent News

• 1 September 2026: President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term after a disputed election, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile remained detained on treason charges. Travellers should avoid political gatherings and monitor developments that could cause demonstrations or road disruptions. (bbc.com | usnews.com)
• August 2026: Post-election celebrations in Livingstone were reportedly accompanied by vandalism and looting of some city-centre businesses. Although this was not reported as a continuing tourist emergency, visitors should use extra caution around political celebrations and crowded areas. (zambianobserver.com)
• 31 August 2026: Zambia released more than K1.7 billion for reconstruction of the Livingstone-Sesheke road. Design and planning are under way, with construction intended to begin before the rainy season; journeys along the corridor may face future diversions or delays. (lusakatimes.com)
• 25 August 2026: Authorities agreed to install advanced cargo-scanning equipment at the Livingstone border post. The project is intended to improve inspections and reduce delays, but border procedures may change during installation and commissioning. (zambianobserver.com)