Livingstone Island Victoria Falls, Day Tour Experience Guide

Livingstone Island provides one of the finest vantage points from which to see Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world and one of the most breathtaking vistas in all of Africa.

From the Zambian side, you can walk onto Livingstone Island when the water level is low enough; it is a deeply revered spot in local custom. From the Zambian bank of the Zambezi, tourists can cross the low waters to this historical site with a guide during the dry season, which is about from August to December. When swimming at the Falls, this is a great spot to do it.

The island was called after the spot where, in 1855, while canoeing downstream, David Livingstone caught his first glimpse of the Falls.

The water level is the only determinant of whether Livingstone Island can be accessed. Typically, from March to June, it is completely inaccessible. Although the levels are starting to decline, the current can still be too strong until later in the year. There is a severe age limit for youngsters and it is against the law to visit Livingstone Island (even by boat) without a guide. A small group is also required for this task.

Livingstone Island Day Tour Experience

At full flow, the Zambezi River sends 10 million gallons of water plunging 108 metres into the thundering abyss below Victoria Falls every second. In the middle of this spray, on the edge of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, lies Livingstone Island, which provides an unforgettable experience.

While touring the island, you can learn about its history, dine in opulence, and take in the views, much like Dr. David Livingstone did. At the base of the waterfall, in Angel Pool or Devil’s Pool, you can swim during specific seasons.

The first stop on your tour is the Livingstone Island Launch Site, where you will board a boat to the island. As you follow in Dr. David Livingstone’s footsteps to the base of the waterfall, our knowledgeable guides will fill you in on the island’s fascinating history. Depending on the river level, you can either get soaked by the Falls’ spray or see a rainbow across the vast chasm. Everyone may round off the experience with a five-star gourmet supper served right on the island, and those who want can even swim in Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool.

  • Begin at The Livingstone island Launch Site
  • A short boat trip to Livingstone Island
  • Your guide will lead you around the island
  • In low water, take a swim in Devil’s Pool
  • Enjoy a 5-star meal upon the island


Livingstone Island, The Best Way to Experience Victoria Falls

History of Livingstone Island

Stone artifacts with a provenance of roughly three million years have been unearthed in archaeological digs around the Falls. The local people of the area called the place Mosi oa Tunya, or The Smoke that Thunders, but it wasn’t until Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone went down the Zambezi River in November 1855 that he finally got to witness it for himself. It was from an island in the middle of the world’s largest waterfall that Livingstone first laid eyes on the natural wonder, thanks to the canoes brought to him by members of the indigenous Makolo people.

To put his feelings into words, Livingstone wrote, “It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so lovely must have gazed upon by angels in their flight.” His reaction to the sight was profound. The original name, Mosi oa Tunya, is still recognized by the World Heritage List today, even though he renamed the Falls after his British queen, Victoria. You may actually visit the island where Dr. Livingstone first saw the Falls. With the exception of the David Livingstone Memorial Plaque, the island is a local heritage site where nothing is permanent.