ZAMBIA: Livingstone Heats Up!

We are halfway through spring and summer is fast approaching, if not already upon us, considering the temperatures that have been experienced in Livingstone recently! The town of Livingstone, has a subtropical climate with hot and rainy wet seasons and very hot pre-wet seasons. At this time of the year, the water in the Mighty Zambezi drops to its lowest levels, before the impact of rain will be seen in the New Year. In keeping with the natural balance that prevails in nature, this means that while there is less water going over the Falls, other opportunities present themselves.

“Less water in the hinterland means that more wildlife will come to the river to quench their thirst, improving wildlife viewing opportunities on the Sundowner cruises”, says Graham Nel, Managing Director of Safari Par Excellence, “The Lady Livingstone, based at The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, as well as the Mambushi, based at the Victoria Falls Waterfront have both been fortunate to witness brilliant wildlife sightings as well as spectacular sunsets, that are particular to this time of the year. At this time of the year it is very common to see elephants crossing the Zambezi River at the upper and lower end of Siloka Island which is situated opposite the Victoria Falls Waterfront and The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa.”

On the Zambian side at this time of the year, it becomes possible to walk along the edge of the Falls to Livingstone Island and to take part in the adrenaline swim at the Devil’s Pool. The scenic Devils Pool is the ultimate infinity pool. When levels drop, the natural rock walls of the Devil’s Pool come close enough to the surface to form a barrier. The view from the edge is totally exhilarating as you feel the force of the Zambezi flowing past you and crashing down over the precipice; a 120m drop.

As the water level in the Zambezi drops, so the adrenalin rush from white water rafting rises. This is a great time of year to participate in this adventure. When rafting from the Zambian side, getting out of Batoka Gorge has been made that much easier by the introduction of a cable lift. At the current water levels a multi day rafting trip should also be on one’s bucket list – a 2 day 1 night trip in the magnificent gorge or for those with more time a 3 night trip is a must for the adrenaline enthusiast. Other activities that are unique to Zambia include microlight flights and a bsu walk to see wild white rhinos in their natural habitat.

“We are fortunate that despite the change in season, there is always something to keep visitors occupied,” says Vanessa Dee, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Safari Par Excellence, “it could be a visit to the Livingstone Museum, a ferry trip across the Zambezi to Botswana or fine dining on the Steam Train.”

All the excursions mentioned in this article can be booked through Safpar.