Livingstone is a town of 140,000 people situated on the boarder of Zambia and Zimbabwe and only 8km from the Victoria Falls. The community is made up of approximately 138,500 indigenous Zambians about 1300 persons of Indian origin and 200 Europeans.

It was founded at the turn of the last centre and served as the capital for a number of years. It is now the regional centre. Its status was changed from a town to a city a few years ago but it remains a small trading town. Even though the town has a large population it is very small and has only one major road running through it from the falls to Lusaka (see map). Most locals get around on foot or by bike and as you travel around the town you will find people extremely friendly and helpful. We provide bikes to our volunteers so they can explore the area.

There are many old colonial buildings in need of repair in the town which has a slightly run down air about it. However in the last few years a number of major developments within the tourism industry are starting to renovate the city. The town centre  has a post office, park with excellent curio market, many shops including DHL and FEDEX and all your usual groceries stores. It also has an informal market (known as Zimbabwe market since all the goods are smuggled in from Zimbabwe) where you can pick up many cheap bargains. Another brilliant market is Maramba market where all manner of goods are for sale including cloths from Europe at unbelievable prices (all donated but much is new and designer) (see gallery for all photos).

The main trade in the area  is Tourism based on the Victoria Falls, local game parks and adventure and scenic activities. 75 world class activities are on offer which makes it a great place to be based as a volunteer. There is always something to do and weekends can be filled with any number of fun activities.

About 120,000 tourists a year visit the Zambian side of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe has the other side). There are 2 world class hotels at the falls as well as numerous 3 star hotels and guest houses within the area. Its a great place for a family holiday and many of our volunteers are joined by their families during their stay.

The town is on a major trade route to the countries capital Lusaka and the Copperbelt to the north.  

Farming is a peripheral activity with subsistence farmers providing produce to lodges and guest houses.

For grocery shopping there is a Spar supermarket and a Shopright as well as a few dozen small grocery shops.  

We have a small shopping centre with an opticians, decent chemist, cell phone and book shop. There are 15 decent restaurants in town including a Spur, Subway and Ocean Basket.

There are 3 doctors surgeries and two emergency medics (MARS and SES) that deal with medical evacuation to South Africa.

There is petty crime in the Livingstone but violent crime is very rare and we have never had any problems. The usual precautions apply and if you leave your camera or bag lying about someone will remove it.  

The weather is good all year round. If there is a best time to come it is between May and September when the climate is warm, evenings mild to cool and there is no rain. See weather for more info.