Overview
Most people know the Victoria Falls for the Zimbabwean side - and forget that they can also be viewed from Zambia. Livingstone and the Zambian side is a more peaceful place to stay than the tourist hustle and bustle of Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe. There are superb lodges outlined below that cater for those that appreciate personalized service and attention to detail.

History
In 1900 Cecil John Rhodes commissioned the building of a bridge taking the railway across the Zambezi just below the Victoria Falls. Although Rhodes did not live to see it done the building of the border bridge over the Zambezi Gorge in 1904 resulted in the birth of the town of Livingstone. It was also the capital of Northern Rhodesia between 1911 and 1931, when Lusaka became the capital. Until the 1970s Livingstone was the more visited tourist destination by those wanting to view the falls, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe then took over.

Attractions
Livingstone is a compact town and easy to get around, and along the main road one can still find some classic old colonial buildings with their wide verandas and corrugated iron roofs. The Railway Museum is worth a visit for those with an interest in the history of locomotives, whereas the National Museum has more to offer in general.

Only 11 km south west of Livingstone are the mighty Victoria Falls - at this point the Zambezi River is 2 km wide and drops over 100 metres into the gorge below - a spectacular sight and no wonder they are considered one of the Wonders of the World. The Zambian side offers some unique viewpoints allowing one to walk right up to the falling water by following a steep track to the base of the falls. Knife Edge Point, reached by a footbridge across which only the brave dare to go, allows superb views of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls, as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. The views from this point are best when the water is low and winds are low. An ancient Baobab tree near the railway line is appropriately called "The Look Out Tree". Mosi Oa Tunya National Park is situated along the upper Zambezi stretching from and including the falls for about 12 kms up river.

Activities on offer at the falls are endless, and include the world's second-highest bungi jump at 111 metres from the Victoria Falls Bridge. Those with a talent for bartering will not be disappointed by the range of curios at the stalls nearby - money and slightly used western clothing have equal value!

When to go
During the wetter months of December to March the river is higher, creating more spray and hence obscuring the view from many of the viewing points. At full moon the Park remains open in the evening allowing visitors the opportunity to view a lunar rainbow.

How to get there
Livingstone is located approximately 300 km south west of Lusaka and can be reached by car, plane or train.

By air
There is an airport in Livingstone and another international airport is located in Zimbabwe near the town of Victoria Falls.