TRANSPORTATION IN LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA
TAXIS
Many people rely on taxis to travel from their hotels to different attractions in Livingstone. These taxis usually park in taxi ranks around town and at the Zambia border to Zimbabwe—we used Trust Taxis (phones: +260 978 897 120 and +260 969 997 120). If you are crossing the border to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, you will be dropped off outside the Zambia border, then you will have to walk to the Zimbabwe border or get another taxi on the Zimbabwe side.
SHUTTLES & AIRPORT TRANSFERS
For those looking to book shuttles from Livingstone Airport (Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport) to their hotel, this airport transfers company, this one and this one are some of the best-reviewed. Some companies focus on providing transportation within Livingstone.
HIRE A CAR
The quickest way to get to different places in and around Livingstone is to take a rental car. There are a few widely recognized companies operating in Livingstone—Europcar is one of the reliable ones. If you are arriving via Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe, Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental are popular there.
In addition to relying on the navigation system on your phone or car, it is advisable to print out maps, in case you can’t use electronic ones in remote areas. Take safety precautions, like not leaving valuable items in plain sight or picking up strangers.
If you decide to take the car on a safari, it is best to hire a 4 x 4 vehicle. Have the car documentation with you at all times, including road tax and insurance policy to show at roadblocks. In addition to these, have a letter of authorization to use the car from the rental company and any other temporary permits required to show the immigration and customs officers at the border (check with your rental company before leaving to verify they have given you all necessary documents).
Also, be sure to check in advance if you are required to get an International Drivers Licence. It is also a good practice to check on the Zambia immigration website for vehicle requirements. Remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road when in Zambia.
MINIBUSES/ COMBIS
Taking a public minibus is another reliable mode of transportation in Livingstone, it is also one of the cheapest ways to move around as you only pay for one seat. However, this might not be the best way to see all attractions in Livingstone as the minibuses normally have specific routes they take—if you want to ride privately to wherever you want to go, you have the option of buying all the seats in the minibus. As with all public transports, do take extra precaution in protecting any valuables you may be carrying.
CHOBE SAFARI DAY TRIP
Visiting Chobe National Park in Kasane, Botswana offers a memorable safari experience as it is one of the national parks in Africa with the largest number of animals. The animals here are seen at a close encounter and you are guaranteed to see big animals like elephants and lions.
Even though you can choose to drive to Chobe National Park through the Zambia and Botswana borders, taking a Chobe day trip tour usually works out cheaper and has fewer hustles. Departure time is usually around 7 am, you will be picked up from your hotel before this time. You will have morning, lunchtime, and afternoon game drives, before heading back to Livingstone at around 4 pm. Another Chobe Safari full-day trip is this one.
BUSES/TRAINS TO OTHER CITIES
A few buses run from Livingstone to other places like Lusaka in Zambia, Johannesburg in South Africa, and even Windhoek, Namibia. Mazhandu Family Bus Services provides services to Lusaka and other Zambian cities; Intercape is known for long-distance routes to other countries such as South Africa. Buses normally depart from Big Tree Bus Station, located on Chimwemwe Road (near where the road meets Zambezi Street).
There is also a train that leaves Livingstone Railway Station to Lusaka and takes about 18 hours to get there.
