Letter from Africa, Zambia

I arrived in Livingstone, Zambia not knowing what to expect. I was there to see the famed waterfalls, Victoria Falls, but I didn’t know what other adventures were in store for me. 

While Livingstone is a small, unassuming town in Zambia’s Southern Province, it’s full of charm and the perfect place to embark on African adventures one can only dream of.  Since Zambia is surrounded by eight countries (Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi), it’s a great launching point to venture into more African countries.  From Livingstone alone, you can access four countries and take advantage of the many activities offered. 

It wasn’t easy to figure out what to do during my short time there but I decided on a safari day trip.  After a short boat ride, I arrived in Botswana, ready to go on a once-in-a-lifetime safari at Chobe National Park.  Elephants, buffalos, hippos, and kudus galore, a safari through Chobe National Park is an animal lovers’ dream.  We spent the morning in a modified Land Cruiser, driving through the park trying to find as many animals as we could.  After lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge, we embarked on an afternoon river safari, where we found more animals in their natural habitats.  Who knew watching elephants eat grass could be so entertaining?

Livingstone is also home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Victoria Falls is a spectacularly breathtaking waterfall that’s over 300 feet in depth and a mile in width.  It’s shared by both Zambia and Zimbabwe and since it’s very easy to cross the border, I decided to also visit the Zimbabwean side the next day.  And I’m so glad I did.  Each side offers a different view and perspective of this spectacular waterfall. I couldn’t help but to be in awe of Mother Nature and all her glory. It’s no wonder Victoria Falls is nicknamed “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders.”

After viewing both sides of the Falls, I went back to my hotel, The Royal Livingstone, and relaxed with a glass of South African rose.  Zambia’s only 5-star resort, The Royal Livingstone, is located directly in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, so Victoria Falls is only a short 10-minute walk away.  Each room has its own private veranda, making it easy to take in the majestic property grounds. Animals roam the grounds freely, so I wasn’t surprised to see zebras and giraffes grazing for their meals at dusk . I guess it’s safe to say that in Livingstone, you don’t have to go on a safari to see animals! With a beautiful courtyard, spa, excellent service, and a magnificent view of the Zambezi River, there’s no better place to stay in Livingstone than at The Royal Livingstone. It’s African luxury done right.  

I highly recommend traveling to Livingstone, Zambia if you want to go off the beaten-path and make all of your African dreams come true.

Visit soon,

Ashlee