Livingstone - Tourist Capital Of Zambia
Named after the famous Victorian missionary explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, the Town was established in 1905. As a major European settlement, the town was made the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. As the capital, it enjoyed excellent facilities far superior to anything in the country, as can be seen from the surviving Edwardian colonial buildings that line the city's main road, and even had the distinction of having the country's first newspaper.
The
capital was moved to Lusaka in 1935 and the bustling city has become a quiet
town, a little neglected but still retaining a special charm. The proximity
to the Zambezi River and the spectacular Victoria Falls has led it to become
a base for travelers from all over the world wanting to explore this Seventh
wonder of the World.
Stop in at the Adventure Centre for a wide range of adventure activities, services and shops. There are several Adventure Companies offering Riverboarding, White water rafting, Canoeing, Horse riding trails, Abseiling, local tours to the Victoria Falls and around Livingstone. There are Safari operators, a Restaurant, an Internet Cafe, a Backpackers Lodge and an excellent Arts and Crafts Gallery. You'll find them in Mosi-o-Tunya road heading towards the Falls (corner of Nakatindi rd out to Kazungula).
Many of the
area’s hotels and lodges offer
day trips into Livingstone town, otherwise chauffeured cars are available
for hire if you are not in you own vehicle.
The Livingstone Museum is the country’s biggest and oldest museum, dating back to the 1930’s. It has five sections. The Archaeology Gallery, describes human evolution and cultural development in Zambia from Stone Age to Iron Age. The Ethnography and Art Gallery shows objects relating to the different cultures of the country including handicrafts, musical instruments. The History Gallery includes the origins of the Bantu people, the development of British colonial rule and the attainment of independence. It also houses a large collection of David Livingstone memorabilia, donated by the Livingstone family. The natural history section shows various indigenous animals in their natural habitat. There is also an extensive library with books ranging from archaeology, wildlife and also some of Livingstone’s journals. The museum is open every day from 09h00 - 16h30 and is on the main road through the center of town.
For steam engine enthusiasts, the Railway Museum in Chishimba Falls road holds some fine examples of Zambia’s railway heritage including old steam locomotives and vintage coaches to the tiniest railway memorabilia and old photographs illustrating life in the pioneer days of the town.
Cruise
on the wide upper Zambezi, go to the boat club where you’ll find a two deck
cruiser called the African Queen.
Interesting examples of old colonial architecture are the North Western Hotel, the St Andrews Anglican Church and Coillard Memorial Church all built in the first decade of the century.
Livingstone also has an 18 hole golf course. The markets are very colorful and lively and can be found in Dambwa north or near the police station.