You could say that Livingstone is almost frozen in time. Constructed in the early 1900s, this cosy town was originally built as a stopover for visitors to Victoria Falls and is a testament to old Edwardian architecture, receiving tourists from all over the world.
History
Named for the legendary missionary and explorer Dr David Livingstone, this town was once the capital of Zambia (or Rhodesia as it was then called) due to its relative modernity of the time. The establishment of the British South African Company headquarters only solidified its growth, and soon the town bustled with activity from tourists and traders.
Town and Travel
A town with a population of a little over 130,000, the town is a mix of old Edwardian architecture as well as the modern African style, an interesting juxtaposition to a town with such a rich history. The town has a fairly strong infrastructure with adequate medical care, transportation in the form of blue-hued taxis, and many interesting activities to pursue.
Activities
The actual Victoria Falls site is a must-mention, as no visitor should ever escape being so close to the world wonder without visiting it. Many accommodations and hotels within the city, such as the Avani Victoria Falls Resort, provide private tours and dining experiences centred around this. However, that’s not to say that’s the only thing to do – there are authentic Zambian village experiences, luxurious 5-star steam train rides, and more.
Cuisine
An integral part of any Zambia vacation is the food. Although the town of Livingstone itself is host to many different culinary disciplines – such as Indian, Chinese, and Italian – the real talk of the town is the traditional Zambian cuisine. From staples such as Nshima, a corn-based carbohydrate, to succulent veggie dishes as well as the many fish dishes from the various bodies of water around the country, it’s an unforgettable taste to the Westernised palate.