Livingstone is in a Malaria area. The best precaution is not to be bitten – wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in the early morning and evening and wear insect repellent. Please consult your health care professional regarding prophylactics for malaria in advance of travel.

It is advisable to ensure that your Tetanus vaccination is up to date. Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are no longer required in Zambia other than if you are arriving from an endemic area.

Zambia’s unit of currency is the Zambian Kwacha although US dollars and other currencies are widely accepted though it will likely be convenient to have some local currency during your stay. If you plan on paying with a credit card, be advised that high commissions are sometimes charged around Victoria Falls, and the more remote lodges may have difficulty in processing credit card payments.

There are numerous banks, ATM machines, and change bureaus located in the city center and at the airport. Most ATMs accept Visa.

Tipping: In Zambia, tipping is entirely at your discretion. When it comes to restaurants, some establishments will add a service charge to your bill, if not, 10% is standard.

Livingstone is an economically active town with an impressive array of shops, banks and professional services for the convenience of visitors. It is the tourism heart of southern Zambia, with arts and crafts in abundance.

There are a couple of small shopping malls in Livingstone, the main one being Mosi-oa-Tunya Square. It is located along the main road – the one that runs from Victoria Falls into Livingstone town, on which you will find a music store, a popular seafood restaurant, fast food restaurants, curio shops, and some supermarkets. There are other shops lined up along the main road including clothing shops, boutiques, grocery stores, and pharmacies.

There are a few market places within the town center where you will find almost anything from blankets and clothes to trinkets and make-up. Maramba Market is a fresh food market that also has clothes and shoes as well as household goods. It is a fairly safe place to explore, and some lodges offer a guided tour of the market.

During summer: The months from August – April are warm (high 70F’s) with temperatures reaching their upper limit for the area during October (mid to high 90F’s).

The rainy season: Victoria Falls is prone to short, spectacular thunderstorms (usually late in the afternoon) and the rainy season generally starts towards the end of November or early December and continues until around mid-March, but this does vary from year to year. Temperatures are still warm.

An African winter: May – July and into August. Winter is typically cool at night and in the mornings although you can expect it to be beautiful and warm during the day. In winter months it is advised that you do bring warm clothes, especially for the mornings and evenings.

The best time to visit to see the Victoria Falls is during High Water (March through July) and during Low Water (August through February). During the peak water flow, you will be immersed in a cloud of spray and the thunderous power of water is deafening. During the lowest water levels, the area turns into an adventure playground with the Zambezi River providing the best white water rafting on Earth, swimming in the Devil’s Pool and the Under the Spray tour are all unforgettable memories. June through October is the high season for tourism and you may find it difficult to find accommodation in July or August, plan to book in advance.

Zambia’s official language is English, but there are more than 70 different languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. Almost everyone will speak or understand some English, and most Zambians living in urban centers speak it fluently.

Livingstone has a variety of eateries – from traditional Nshima (maize meal porridge) and cabbage, chicken or stew, to international cuisine and fast food – in restaurants, taverns, hotels, coffee shops or pavement cafés under the shady trees in the center of town.

Very few restaurants offer vegan and vegetarian options. A few of the restaurants will offer game meat such as crocodile, kudu and impala.

An excellent alternative to dining at a restaurant is a ride on the Royal Livingstone Express. This is a formal and exquisite touring and dining experience aboard a classic steam train, which takes you to the Victoria Falls Bridge and then through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This is a 5-star dining experience that will not disappoint.

Being a relatively small town, Livingstone is generally a safe place to be. Visitors should, however, look out for petty crimes like pick-pocketing. It certainly is not safe to walk around the town’s peripheral after dark, as there could be wild animals about. Also, avoid walking along the city streets at night, get a taxi instead. Be aware for fraudsters and people trying to sell you goods or services at exorbitant prices.

Women traveling alone are at higher risk of receiving verbal hassle, especially if wearing skimpy clothing. It is also advisable to avoid dingy areas, and not to walk alone.

There are 24-hour clinics available in the center of Livingstone. Feel free to ask your accommodation provider for assistance. Please ensure your medical insurance is up to date – should serious medical attention be required Speciality Emergency Services (tel +260 977740306) is able to arrange medical evacuation.