Once in a Lifetime: 3 Things to Splurge On When You’re Travelling to Livingstone

After months of saving for your dream vacay to see Victoria Falls, you get down to the nitty gritty booking stage and you’re suddenly feeling overwhelmed. Your head tells you to slow down partner – be picky, you don’t have do everything. Your heart shouts back there are some things you simply MUST do. I mean, if you’re coming all this way…  

The fact of the matter is, travel is all about balance. It’s not necessary to pay top dollar for every detail of your Livingstone holiday BUT, there are some things that are definitely worth the splurge. Nail down the areas where you can save before your trip, then bookmark a few of these things that are worth splashing some cash.

1.       A stay ‘on the River’

Generally speaking, a stay ‘on the River’ is reserved for the high-end, luxury lodges. There are some exceptions to this – and there are a few factors we like to qualify before we make suggestions for the best places to stay for your Livingstone getaway. For example; are you looking for accommodation within walking distance of Victoria Falls; or, are you looking to stay somewhere without the buzz of a helicopter in earshot? Do you require a child-friendly stay? Perhaps you are an observant traveller who would like the option of kosher facilities. For travellers ready to splurge on a luxury stay, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Livingstone.

We highly recommend a splurge at Sindabezi, a part of the Green Safaris collection – think Robinson Crusoe deluxe, an island where visitors tread quietly behind resident sleeping hippos enroute to their private chalet. Opt for private dining here and you’ll be sitting under the stars with a candelit dinner for two, the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Another favourite, steeped in olde-world charm, is The River Club - where guests can enjoy a spot of croquet with their Afternoon Tea, followed by a dip in the Zambezi eternity pool. Sigh!

Experience barefoot luxury at Sindabezi Island. Image c/o Green Safaris

2.      Choose an Activity with a Fine-Dining Experience

Livingstone’s swankiest hotels have no shortage of high-end restaurants. But some of our most popular activities include a fine-dining experience you’ll never forget. Here are three once-in-a-lifetime experiences fit for any foodie.

Livingstone Island – Home to the insta-famous Devils Pool, which guests have the option to take a dip in (when it’s open – this is a seasonal activity!) Our top tip here is to splurge out on the Lunch or High Tea offering, although pricier – is far less rushed than the brekkie trips, meaning you get to spend more time enjoying life on the edge.

Devils Pool fun. Image Getty

The Elephant Café Zambia – Whizz up to this venue in a jetboat and meet a few (friendly!) members of an elephant herd in a beautiful Riverside setting just next to the National Park. Each herd member has a fascinating history and visitors will be blown away by the gentle nature of these magnificent, kind mammals. All rescued and hand-reared from various circumstances, the elephants have come together to form their own herd, under the care and guardianship of SAFPAR Zambia. Guests are then welcomed at the on-site restaurant for a unique dining experience, with surprise ingredients such as wild edibles!

An educational and photographic opportunity for visitors at The Elephant Café. Image c/o SAFPAR Zambia

The Royal Livingstone Express – Another iconic experience for Livingstone visitors. Pop on your glad rags (there is a dress code) and step back into the grand era of train travel. Twice a week, this old beauty chugs her way to Victoria Falls Bridge, where guests may hop off for some gorgeous views of the Batoka Gorge and Victoria Falls, bubbles in hand. Later, the train stops at a bush sidling where a five-course Menu is served. Silver service, mais oui.

Step back in time on The Royal Livingstone Express. Image c/o Bushtracks Africa

3.       Buy a Handcrafted Handbag at WAYAWAYA

WAYAWAYA means the art of wasting time. A brand with a strong social mission, spearheaded by a talented Norwegian leather-maker. The handbags are exquisite in design and looks, all carefully handcrafted by the ladies in the Livingstone studio. Choosing one will be a difficult task, choosing three would be a better bet. At its core WAYAWAYA embraces the art of ‘slow fashion’, creating meaningful fashion pieces that stand the test of time whilst connecting to a greater social awareness. ‘By women, for women’ is the core of WAYAWAYA and is a concept inspired by the fellowship of women throughout Zambia. Never has a purchase felt so good.

Treat yourself to a feel-good purchase. Image c/o WAYAWAYA

Written by guest blogger Vanessa Nielsen for Zamology Travel.

About Zamology Travel

Let Sarah Benbow create an extraordinary adventure for you in Zambia, land of sunshine and smiles! Zamology Travel was born out of a love for travel in Zambia, coupled with extensive industry experience and a personal connection with Zambia’s top safari lodges, hotels, and luxury tour operators - this insider knowledge allowing for the upper edge in creating a magical journey through our beloved country. 

Let’s plan your adventure!

https://www.zamology.com/
sarah@zamology.com

+260 97 743 4143

Livingstone on a Budget: 5 Ways to Save (and still have fun!)

You’re sitting at one of Livingstone’s riverside hotels, with the puff of smoke from Victoria Falls in the distance, sipping away at an exquisite looking rainbow-coloured cocktail and snapping away merrily on Instagram. This is one of THOSE moments. Life has never been better.

And if you’re thinking that sounds all very expenny, you’d be wrong. You can have it all within your budget.

For some visitors, it can look to be an expensive destination to visit with its USD price tags. But rest assured. You can fill your days with a whole lot of fun, enjoy the best of what these towns have to offer AND still make some savings along the way.

Here are some top saving tips for your holiday in Livingstone, by Livingstone travel specialists Zamology Travel.

1.       Stay at Jollyboys Zambia

If the mention of a backpacker or hostel has you scratching your head, then you haven’t met the ‘new’ Livingstone hostel. Jollyboys Backpackers & Camp has been voted the Best Hotel in Zambia for close to a decade and has recently gone through some beautiful renovations (hence the ‘new’). They offer many accommodation options including private, ensuite rooms complete with in-room safes and aircon, making Jollyboys an affordable, fun, and safe option for solo travellers, couples and young families. Rates range from a mixed dorm at USD 20.00 per person per night to a private ensuite room for two at USD 40.00 per person sharing. As well as being an affordable accommodation option in Livingstone, the unique vibe and social aspect is what makes Jolly’s truly special. Head down to the pool or relax in the insta-famous ‘pillow pit’ where you will inevitably share travel stories and tips with like-minded travellers from all over the world. There’s an on-site activity centre, bar, restaurant - and a fully equipped kitchen for those that want to self-cater. They offer travellers on a budget some brilliant saving opportunities, including a free daily shuttle to Victoria Falls and a free Livingstone Tour with a local guide every Wednesday. It’s ‘Bring & Braai’ night every Tuesday and guests can look forward to a free vegetarian meal every Thursday.

Pocket-friendly, clean and safe! Image c/o Jollyboys Backpackers & Camp

2.     Find out which activities offer a discounted combo rate!

With a host of bucket-list experiences on your doorstop, Livingstone has fast become Africa’s top destination for adventure travel. Travellers are guaranteed a good time with a host of activities on offer in our triangle - Victoria Falls, Livingstone, and Chobe - from epic wildlife and safari experiences to boating, birding, thrills, spills, cultural, local and nature experiences. Some of the most popular Livingstone experiences offer a discounted rate when combined with another.  For example, visitors can combine a Full-Day Whitewater Rafting trip with rafting fundi’s SAFPAR and a Sunset Cruise (aka Booze Cruise) on the same day for a very handy saving of USD 60.00 per person! Another – the Big Air Combo – at Victoria Falls Bridge offers adrenaline junkies the opportunity to do all three bridge activities (bungee jump, bridge swing and bridge slide) for a whopping saving of USD 154.00 per person. And there’s more. Much more!

Take advantages of SAFPAR’s White Water Rafting & Sunset Cruise mega-saver! Image c/o SAFPAR Zambia

3.       Eat out at local restaurants

Hands down, the Golden Leaf Restaurant in Livingstone is one of the best Indian restaurants in Zambia. Café Zambezi offers a delightful range of African and Zambian dishes - diners might agree that peri-peri crocodile bites are actually pretty tasty - if you’re brave enough to order it! Olgas is a firm favourite for pizza and pasta lovers, Kubu Café serves a delicious coffee and Da Canton? Probably the best ice-cream in the Southern Hemisphere. If you’re hungry - really, really hungry - the Monster Burger at Vix Falls Sports Bar & Restaurant is 100% guaranteed to fill the spot. Eating out at Livingstone restaurants is a far cheaper option than ordering at hotels, you’ll also be supporting the local community (kudos!) and you are guaranteed to make a handful of new friends in each spot.

A mega burger for the mega hungry. Image c/o Vix Falls Sports Bar & Restaurant

4.       Take advantage of Happy Hour Specials

There’s a local ‘watering hole’ in Livingstone and this one is not for the wildlife! The Victoria Falls Waterfront is one of Livingstone’s oldest riverside establishments and home of adventure kings, SAFPAR. Head on down to the River for Happy Hour every Friday at sunset from 18h00-19h00 where discounted offers are available at the bar and pizza restaurant. Remember those rainbow-coloured cocktails we were sipping earlier? Now you can easily afford two! You’re welcome.

Double trouble at Happy Hour. Image c/o The Victoria Falls Waterfront 

5.       Gift shop in our local markets and galleries

Referred to as Zambia’s ‘tourist capital,’ Livingstone is a bustling tourist town that is full of friendly people, wonderful sights, colourful markets, pop-up artisanal enterprises and the fascinating Livingstone Museum that’s well worth a visit. Our markets are a place where visitors can source some beautiful original artworks, handicrafts, souvenirs, local “chitenge” fabrics, second-hand clothing and wares. Everybody is keen to make a sale and barter/bargaining are commonplace in these markets! The key is to have fun, remain courteous and negotiate a fair deal. Rest assured, you’ll find a gift for everyone at these markets at a fraction of the retail price.

Gift shop at Mukuni Park Curio Market. Image c/o SAFPAR Zambia

Written by guest blogger Vanessa Nielsen for Zamology Travel.

About Zamology Travel

Let Sarah Benbow create an extraordinary adventure for you in Zambia, land of sunshine and smiles! Zamology Travel was born out of a love for travel in Zambia, coupled with extensive industry experience and a personal connection with Zambia’s top safari lodges, hotels, and luxury tour operators - this insider knowledge allowing for the upper edge in creating a magical journey through our beloved country. 

Let’s plan your adventure!

https://www.zamology.com/
sarah@zamology.com

+260 97 743 4143