Bus2Train

South Africa to Livingstone

Updated: March 13, 2024 02:54 PM
Livingstone

Traveling from South Africa to Livingstone

Language

The official language of Zambia is English, so you won't have any trouble communicating with locals in Livingstone.

Currency

The currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). You can exchange your South African Rand (ZAR) for ZMW at banks or currency exchange bureaus in Livingstone.

Distance

The distance from Johannesburg, South Africa to Livingstone, Zambia is approximately 1,100 kilometers (683 miles). The journey can take anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, depending on the mode of transport and border crossings.

How to Reach

By Air

There are no direct flights from South Africa to Livingstone. However, you can fly to Lusaka, Zambia (the capital city) and then take a connecting flight to Livingstone. The flight from Lusaka to Livingstone takes about 45 minutes.

By Bus

There are several bus companies that operate between South Africa and Zambia. The journey takes about 18 hours and costs around ZMW 300 (ZAR 150).

By Train

There is no direct train service between South Africa and Zambia. However, you can take a train from Johannesburg to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and then transfer to a bus or train to Livingstone.

Expenses

The cost of traveling from South Africa to Livingstone can vary depending on the mode of transport, accommodation, and activities. Here is a rough estimate of the costs:

  • Flight: ZMW 600 (ZAR 300) one-way
  • Bus: ZMW 300 (ZAR 150) one-way
  • Train: ZMW 400 (ZAR 200) one-way
  • Accommodation: ZMW 100-300 (ZAR 50-150) per night
  • Food: ZMW 50-100 (ZAR 25-50) per day
  • Activities: ZMW 100-500 (ZAR 50-250) per activity

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Livingstone is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

What to Eat

Livingstone has a variety of restaurants and cafes that offer a wide range of cuisines. Here are some of the local dishes that you should try:

  • Nshima: A cornmeal porridge that is the staple food of Zambia
  • Kapenta: Small dried fish that are often fried and served with nshima
  • Mopani worms: Caterpillars that are eaten as a delicacy
  • Chikanda: A traditional beer made from sorghum

Where to Go

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Livingstone:

  • Victoria Falls: One of the largest waterfalls in the world
  • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: A national park that is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and hippos
  • Livingstone Museum: A museum that tells the story of Livingstone and his exploration of Africa
  • Zambezi River: A river that offers a variety of activities, such as white-water rafting and canoeing

FAQ

  • Do I need a visa to travel to Zambia? Citizens of South Africa do not need a visa to travel to Zambia for up to 90 days.
  • What are the border crossings between South Africa and Zambia? There are two main border crossings between South Africa and Zambia: Kazungula and Victoria Falls. You can use any of these crossings to enter or exit Zambia.
  • Is it safe to travel to Livingstone? Livingstone is a safe city to visit. However, you should always take the usual precautions when traveling in a foreign country.
  • What is the currency exchange rate between ZMW and ZAR? 1 ZMW = 0.5 ZAR

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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