ACTIVITIES

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Transfer Time from the Royal Livingstone Hotel is 10 minutes.  

  • Half day tour: This activity can take up to 2 hours.

Guided walking tour of Victoria Falls 

A guided walking tour of Victoria Falls is an incredible way to experience one of the world’s natural wonders up close.  

Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are one of the largest and most spectacular in the world, measuring over 1,700 meters wide and plunging 108 meters into the Zambezi River gorge. Knowledgeable guides will share fascinating information about the geology, ecology, and history of the falls, enhancing your experience with insights you might not get on your own. The tour typically includes several key viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of the falls. Do not forget your camera! The surrounding rainforest is rich in biodiversity. Guides often point out unique flora and fauna, including various bird species and indigenous plants. Learn about the local cultures and communities, including the stories and legends that surround Victoria Falls. 

Helpful Notes:

  • There is shuttle transportation from the hotel to the base of Victoria Falls. The tour will include an experienced guide.

  • The water levels will be at their peak so you will get wet! Please leave valuables such as passports in your safe at the hotel so that they do not get damaged

  • It is imperative that any keen photographers bring along waterproof camera bags for their cameras as the spray, depending on the wind, blows in from all directions.

Sample Tour Itinerary

9:00am​ | Depart hotel (10 min transfer to Victoria Falls)  

9:10am​ | Arrive at Victoria Falls  

11:00am​ | Return to drop off location for return transfer to the hotel  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Transfer time via Speedboat along the Zambezi River from Royal Livingstone to the Elephant Café is 45-minutes. 

  • Half day tour: Depart Royal Livingstone at 10:15am and return at 14:45pm 

Visit the Elephant Café and enjoy lunch 

The Elephant Café, located near the iconic Victoria Falls in the heart of the Mukuni Big Five Safaris area, offers a unique dining experience where you can enjoy a meal in the company of majestic elephants. While savoring gourmet dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the landscape, with elephants roaming nearby. 

In addition to exceptional cuisine, the café provides opportunities to interact with these incredible animals. You will have the chance to feed them, learn about their behaviors, and gain insight into the conservation challenges. 

Committed to supporting wildlife conservation and ethical tourism, the Elephant Café helps fund vital programs aimed at protecting elephants and preserving their habitats. Knowledgeable guides are on hand before or after your meal to share fascinating information on elephant ecology, behavior, and the region’s conservation efforts.

The menu features a blend of Zambian and international dishes, catering to various dietary preferences with fresh, seasonal ingredients and rich, flavorful options, complemented by local beverages.  

Helpful Notes:

Please note these are exceptionally large elephants who are extremely excited to meet you. When departing the boat and arriving at the Café, please ensure you are not overly excited and please be mindful to be quiet to ensure you do not startle the elephants

Sample Tour Itinerary

10:15am​ | Depart Hotel (45 min transfer to the Café)  

11:30am​ | Arrive at the Elephant Café 

12:00am​ | Enjoy Lunch at the Elephant Café  

13:15pm​ | Enjoy some time listening to the sounds of the African Bush, from monkeys to hippos and antelope.  

13:45pm​ | Depart the Elephant Café to return to the hotel  

14:45pm​ | Guests Arrive back at hotel  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Transfer time to the aerodrome is approximately 20 minutes.

  • Half day tour: The flight will be 30 minutes. 

Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls  

The helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye view of Victoria Falls, allowing you to appreciate its vastness and beauty from above. The tour will last approximately 30 mins, which includes additional sights along the Zambezi River and surrounding national parks. Tours include knowledgeable pilots or guides who provide insights into the geology, wildlife, and history of the area, enhancing your understanding of what you are seeing. 

Helpful Notes:

Be aware that there may be weight restrictions for passengers to ensure safety and balance during the flight. Should you wish to participate in the helicopter tour, your weight will need to be provided to the helicopter tour company. 

Sample Tour Itinerary

9:00am​ | Depart hotel (20 min transfer to Aerodrome)  

9:20am​ | Arrive at Aerodrome 

9:30am​ | Depart on Helicopter Tour of Victoria Fall 

10:00am​ | Return back to Aerodrome  

10:30am ​ | Return back to Royal Livingstone 

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Transfer time from the hotel: 15 minutes

  • Half day tour: This activity will last approximately 3 hours.  

An activity for those who wish to get active and enjoy the outdoors – this adrenaline pumping morning will be sure to thrill! Experience the Gorge Swing and the Flying Fox, or both!

Outdoor Adrenaline activity morning 

The Gorge Swing takes place in the dramatic Batoka Gorge, just a short distance from Victoria Falls. It combines elements of bungee jumping and swing, allowing participants to leap off a platform and swing across the gorge, providing an adrenaline rush like no other. 

The swing involves jumping off a platform situated about 70 meters (230 feet) above the gorge. You will free-fall briefly before the swing mechanism kicks in, sending you soaring across the gorge. As you swing, you will enjoy stunning views of the Zambezi River and the lush landscape surrounding the falls. The scenery is as breathtaking as the adrenaline! The activity is operated by trained professionals, and safety is a top priority. Participants are provided with safety harnesses and equipment to ensure a secure experience. You can choose from various jumping styles, including a classic forward dive or a backwards jump, allowing you to customize your experience based on your comfort level. 

Helpful Notes:

  • There may be weight limits for participants.

  • Wear clothes suitable for outdoor activities.

  • Avoid loose items that could get caught. 

  • Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended. 

Sample Tour Itinerary

9:00am​ | Depart Hotel (15 min transfer to the gorge)  

9:15am​ | Arrive at Batoka Gorge 

9:30am​ | Weigh in/put on safety harness and begin the zip line 

10:00am​ | Return to the main boma - option to include the Flying Fox 

10:30am​ | Approximate time back at Royal Livingstone if not doing any other activities 

Gorge Swing

Experience the thrill of flying with the Flying Fox adventure. The Flying Fox zipline takes you on a high-speed journey across the gorge, offering stunning views of the landscape below. The guides will ensure that you are safely harnessed in before you take off on this adrenaline-filled adventure.  

Helpful Notes:

  • There may be weight limits for participants.

  • Wear clothes suitable for outdoor activities.

  • Avoid loose items that could get caught.

  • You must go in a harness so skirts/dresses should be avoided, and you may rather wear shorts. 

  • Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended. No flip flops. 

Sample Tour Itinerary

9:00am​ | Depart Hotel (15 min transfer to the gorge)  

9:15am​ | Arrive at Batoka Gorge 

9:30am​ | Weigh in/put on safety harness and begin the zip line 

10:00am​ | Return to the main boma - option to participate in the Gorge Swing 

10:30am​ | Approximate time back at Royal Livingstone if not doing any other activities 

Flying Fox

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Transfer time from the hotel: 15 minute transfer to harbor  

  • Half day tour: the cruise can take up to 2 hours.

Zambezi River Cruise  

Enjoy a midday cruise aboard the impressive African Princess, offering a charming combination of panoramic views of the mighty Zambezi River and gracious hospitality – guests will enjoy a lunch buffet at leisure whilst relaxing onboard or listening to the local knowledge of the tour guides onboard.   

Helpful Notes:

Lunch and drinks are served on the cruise. 

Sample Tour Itinerary

11:30am​ | Depart Hotel (15 min transfer to the harbor)   

11:45am​ | Arrive at the harbor and board the African Princess  

12:00am​ | Boat departs and cruise begins  

14:00pm​ | Return to the harbor  

14:30pm​ | Approximate time back at Royal Livingstone  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Full day tour: depart early at 6am and return in time for dinner in the evening 

  • From the hotel, you will be transferred  across the Kazungula Border into Chobe where your Botswana guide will meet you. Then you will begin your first activity, either the morning cruise along the Chobe River or the game drive around Chobe National Park.  Return to Visitor Centre for lunch, then continue your adventure exploring as you set out for your second activity. 

Chobe River Cruise and Game Drive

The Chobe River Cruise offers a serene and captivating journey along one of Africa’s most iconic waterways, the Chobe River.  

Meandering through the picturesque landscapes of Chobe National Park in Botswana, this leisurely cruise provides a unique vantage point to witness the region’s rich wildlife and stunning natural beauty. The Chobe River Cruise is not only a wildlife safari but also a tranquil escape into the heart of Africa’s wilderness, where the rhythms of nature unfold against a backdrop of pristine landscapes and abundant biodiversity. 

Embarking on a Chobe Game Drive offers an exhilarating exploration of one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, Chobe National Park in Botswana. Led by experienced guides, visitors venture into the park’s diverse ecosystems, traversing open savannahs, lush floodplains, and dense woodlands in search of the region’s iconic wildlife. The game drive unfolds as an immersive journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness, punctuated by thrilling wildlife sightings, informative insights from knowledgeable guides, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Chobe’s natural landscapes. 

Helpful Notes:

  • You need a passport to cross the border.  

  • You will have an evening at leisure when you get back to the hotel at approximately 6:30pm 

Sample Tour Itinerary

6:00am​ | Guest departs the Royal Livingstone Hotel

7:00am – 8:00am​ | Guests will cross the Botswana border. This involves some paperwork and passports will be required.  

9:00am​ | Guests are split into smaller groups for the river cruise and game drive vehicles and depart on tours  

12:00pm​ | All guests meet at the visitor center for lunch  

Guests will change activities, depart for afternoon river cruises, and game drives.   

14:00pm​ | Guest departs the National Park  

16:30pm​ | Planned time for border crossing from Botswana to Zambia  

18:30pm​ | Guests return to the Royal Livingstone and enjoy an evening at leisure 

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • The boma area is outdoor – please dress accordingly with footwear and a sweater or coat as it may get cooler in the evening.

Zambian Boma Evening

Try Zambian cuisine at its best at Mukuni Boma. ​ 

Stemming from the Swahili word for enclosure, a Boma is an event where the tribe members protect and provide for their community. Relax as a tantalising Zambian feast is prepared with barbecued meats and spiced dishes. Enticing scents fill the air as the specialities of the area smoke slowly on the grills. A live band and traditional dancing immerse you in the colourful customs of the land. 

Guests will take their seats in a serene setting evoking a Zambian village. Enjoy a welcome drink of a local brew that prepares the palate for what is to follow: a delectable four-course menu of Pan African staples and game meat grilled over coals. ​ 

Enjoy mouth-watering delicacies such as chikanda, a fiery snack prepared with a tuber of chikanda orchids, peanuts and dry chilli peppers, and ifiashi – a popular Zambian dish made with peanuts, tomatoes, onions and seasonal greens. 

Illuminated by lanterns, candles, and a fire pit, the enchanting scene provides a backdrop for a night of traditional storytelling, bush songs, and dance performed to the beat of a drum by traditional singers, djembe drummers, and expert Ngoni dancers who add even more colour to the night with their vibrant and energetic numbers. ​ 
 
Enjoy a relaxed evening of entertainment while savouring a traditional home-cooked African meal which give will you an insight into an African tradition.  

Evening Itinerary

6:00pm​ | Guests will meet at the hotel lobby area where they can choose to take a short walk or transfer by buggy to the Boma evening.  

6:15pm​ | Guests enter the boma area and enjoy some time to explore the different areas of the boma. Drinks will be served upon arrival into the Boma area.  

7:00pm​ | Guest will then sit for dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment over dinner 

8:00pm​ | There will be an opportunity to shop during the evening also. Browse local vendors and purchase some beautifully crafted souvenirs

10:00pm | Guests return to the hotel for the evening.  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Dress code is smart casual 

  • A set menu is served on this train. Please make your server aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have 

All Aboard the Livingstone Express

Board the Royal Livingstone Express for an unforgettable evening of fine dining and scenic views. After settling into the luxurious, early 20th-century restored steam train, guests are welcomed with an assortment of snacks and refreshing drinks as the journey begins.

Relax in the stately carriages as the train heads towards the Victoria Falls Bridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As you approach the bridge, the train stops for 20 to 30 minutes, giving passengers the perfect opportunity to watch the mesmerizing African sunset and marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls.

After enjoying the breathtaking sunset, the dinner bell rings, signaling the beginning of a truly indulgent experience. Guests are then guided to the elegant dining carriage where a delectable five-course meal awaits, expertly prepared using the finest ingredients.

During the journey, keep an eye out for wildlife such as elephants and impalas along the way. After dinner, the train makes its return journey to Zambia, passing through the township and onto Palm Grove Siding, completing an evening of luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable views.

Evening Itinerary

4:00pm​ | Guests depart for the Royal Livingstone Express dining experience​ 

4:30pm​ | The train departs from the Zambia side and journeys towards the Victoria Falls Bridge. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks onboard the train.  

5:30pm​ | The train will make a 20 to 30-minute stop at the Victoria Falls bridge where guests can enjoy drinks, take photographs, and disembark the train to enjoy the views from the train. ​ 

6:00pm​ | Guests board the train as the dinner bell rings and dinner service gets underway. Guests enjoy dinner and drinks in the carriages as the train journeys back to Zambia. ​ 

8:00pm​ | The journey is completed, and guests are transferred back to the Royal Livingstone​ 

9:00pm​ | Guests retire for the evening or enjoy a nightcap in the hotel bar. ​