How to get around Livingstone and travel to Victoria Falls

Key Transport Modes

Getting around Livingstone centers on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, the spine connecting the town center directly to Victoria Falls.

Private Taxis

Best for: Direct trips, night travel, and reaching lodges outside the center. Licensed taxis have red registration plates. They do not have meters, so always negotiate and confirm the fare before departing.

Shared Minibuses

Best for: Inexpensive daytime travel along fixed corridors between town, markets, and the border. Minibuses depart only when completely filled, making trip times variable.

Tickets and Fares

Livingstone has no public transit cards or multi-day passes. All transit operates on cash per ride. Carry small denominations of Zambian Kwacha, as drivers rarely have change for large bills.

Airport to City Connections

Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) lies northwest of the town center.

• Pre-arranged transfers: Lowest effort, highest cost band. A driver meets you at arrivals for a direct ride, ideal for bulky baggage.
• Terminal taxis: Low effort, moderate cost band. Readily available outside arrivals; confirm your destination rate before loading luggage.
• Public minibuses: High effort, lowest cost band. They do not enter the terminal, requiring a walk to the main road junction.

Practical Transit Notes

• Last services: Minibuses stop running around sunset. For evening trips, book a private taxi in advance through your lodging.
• Wildlife precautions: The town center is walkable by day, but avoid walking or cycling toward Victoria Falls near dawn or dusk due to elephants crossing the park corridor.
• Accessibility: Public vehicles lack step-free access, and side streets off the main road feature uneven, unpaved surfaces.