The 15 best bars and drinks in Livingstone

Really enjoyed our evening even though the weather conspired against us with plenty of rain. Food was good and the service exceptional.

A beautiful sunset rail ride with cocktails and a wonderful dinner. The train is meticulously restored and the history of the railway told by a great guide. This is a truly unique dining experience.

Experience here is amazing. Best staff, best dinner, and best atmosphere I have ever had in Africa. You should try if you like to experience high quality activities.

We had the most amazing time on the Royal Livingstone Express. We went in with high hopes given my teenage daughter has always wanted to experience an “old school” steam engine train and “classic dining car”. The Livingstone Express did not disappoint! The train is very well maintained, so doesn’t feel old or stuffy. The staff was super professional, the host was an incredible speaker and storyteller, educating and entertaining us with the history of the train and railroad connecting much of southern and eastern Africa. The train also stops on the famous bridge overlooking the waterfall so you can disembark and take pictures of the sunset over the falls. And lastly, the quality of the food was exceptional. Often times these more “touristy” experiences don’t have the best food. We were super impressed by how polished and delicious the food was, starting with the appetizers to the 3-course sit down dinner. Not at all gimmicky or mass-produced, but instead elevated and authentic. Note, we have high standards for fine dining as we’re from San Francisco and NYC. Would highly recommend the Royal Livingstone Express to anyone visiting Victoria Falls!

Nice Experience touring the Livingstone express. Lovely antique wooden furniture and elegant seating. I really loved it

Great little train gorgeous dinner.

Verry nice....you must see this!

The pizza was not a real pizza for me. The dough was not home made and not crispy. Fluffy is okay but not if is not baked well. Ingredients were good and fresh. My waitress was super friendly. Unfortunately the food took very long. But it was also quite busy fairly said.

Went for lunch today after finding it from Google and saw many customers. Unfortunately the food and service is disappointing. The steak is over cooked and very hard. After payment I realized it is not exactly what I ordered. The crew took a long time to bring the bill. She requested for tips and I told her the amount but she put K50 instead of the amount given. Make sure you check you bill if paying by card.

Went to Zest Bar and Restaurant on a Wednesday night. Most tables inside were occupied. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Food arrived in 20 minutes. I ordered the Croc Pizza. It was very delicious and about an average sized pizza, not too big, not too small. Good size to share between two people. Service was very good and kind. The menu is expansive and has many different categories of food. An issue I have with this location is its prices. The menu is very pricey and all addons for traditional food cost extra. Burger prices are outrageous and cost more than some of the pizzas. Other locations in the area offer cheaper and better value for food.

This is EASILY my favorite restaurant in Zambia. I came here 3 out of the 4 days I was in Livingston. The full fried fish with pap and all the veg fixings is deliciously unreal! Insanely large portion that I will be dreaming about for years to come. Amazing local food that I would and will suggest to anyone that comes to town. (only thing of note, is the fish takes a little extra time to prepare). Lovely outdoor space with lovely staff. 10/10

Good food for an okay price. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food takes about 20 minutes to be prepared, that doesnt bither me but might bother some. Has better seating areas with group seating, toilets, and a bar around the back, be sure to go there. There is also security at night. However, there are quite a number of annoying flies around, if you ask the staff will bring a bug-repellant candle to your table.

Had a nice time, with very good service. The staff are welcoming and friendly. The meal was great and we enjoyed the environment/atmosphere. Its well located and easy to access.

Went as a group. Took 2 hours to receive even the starters. The food was not great is an understatement 😔 It was very dark in the eating area so could not see what extra protein (flies) were landing on the food as you were eating. I was grateful that the food wasn't very nice in the end as it reduced my worries over what I could possibly be eating by not eating much, if any of it. Definitely would never return, even if free meal was offered.

Beautiful location, friendly staff, but facilities in process of a very necessary refresh. Liked · The dinners at the main restaurant upstairs were poor. The breakfast was EXCELLENT, and the Bar Restaurant for snacks, lunch and dinner down by the river was very good. Disliked · The property is under a much needed refresh and upgrade. I am sure it will be stunning again when the upgrades are completed, but it did result in some construction noise during the day from morning to afternoon, so not much serenity on the mighty Zambezi.

This is a really nice hotel located just a short drive/shuttle bus ride away from the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia. We had a great welcome with hot towels, drinks and music. Our room was excellent with partial views over the Zambezi river, and has all the facilities you would expect from a 5 star hotel. Lunch on the deck overlooking the river was excellent, followed by a sunset river cruise including food and drinks. Breakfast is buffet style and offers an excellent choice. We then visited the falls and returned to the hotel for dinner, again in the restaurant overlooking the river. There is an infinity pool which also overlooks the river. An excellent hotel that I can highly recommend 👍

Awesome place. Hotel just on the banks of the Zambezi river. Great Boat cruise offered. Great food. Beautiful scenery.

Went here for lunch after the falls as a walk in the service was good however 3 of our 7 orders came completely wrong with over half the meal missing and dietary requirements ignored. After asking for compensation for the missing food we were told that compensation or any form was not possible. When the bill came there was confusion over the price due to two payments on card and one in cash and we ended up overpaying for a meal that could only be considered unprofessional. Overall if you are coming here take caution over what you order and look over the bill with a keen eye.

So following recommendations from friends and family I chose to stay the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa during my last trip to Livingstone. For a three night stay, I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Getting there isn't too complicated. It is about 10–15 minutes from Livingstone town. You simply drive along the road toward Victoria Falls, then branch off before the falls into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The lodge is well sign-posted, and the short drive is scenic, giving you a taste of the calm and beauty that the Zambezi River offers. Depending on the time of day you may see some wildlife as you approach the entrance. The setting is stunning. The lodge sits right on the banks of the Zambezi, with wide open views of the river and the national park around it. It feels peaceful and private, yet it’s close enough to both town and Victoria Falls to make exploring very easy. The service here really stood out. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help. My room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with all the amenities I needed. Wi-Fi was available throughout my stay, which was very convenient. I also enjoyed a visit to the spa, which was perfect for relaxing after a day of activities. Meals were another highlight—whether dining indoors or outside by the river, the food was well-prepared and fresh. I understand that the lodge is named after the explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who first saw Victoria Falls in 1855. While he named them after Queen Victoria, the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—is still the most fitting description of the falls’ incredible power and beauty. I had a wonderful stay at there. The great service, beautiful riverside location, comfortable rooms, and relaxing spa made it a perfect choice for my trip. I would highly recommend this lodge to anyone visiting Livingstone (especially first timers) —and I will definitely come again.

The place is nice and located along the great Zambezi River. The rooms are neat and the food is delicious 😋. One can also organise for game viewing and boat cruise.

Their menu is misleading. Got a chilli and herb Bream, the food isn't enough for a new born baby. I asked the waiter for food that was filling and this is what came. Add measurements of food that is being order so we understand. This really is not it

Kubu Cafe is definitely my favorite food and coffee spot in Livingstone. The sitting area is beautiful with coaches as well as chairs, between plants. Everything tastes amazing, especially the coffee is the best I have had in Zambia so far. The staff is super friendly and attentive, always making sure you have everything you need. They even provide you with a fan when it is hot or a mosquito spray when necessary. I will definitely come back here whenever I find myself in Livingstone again.

Kubu Cafe in Livingstone is one of those places that instantly feels like home. It’s cozy, calm, and perfect for a good meal or just a great cup of coffee. The food is fresh and flavorful whether you’re into oxtail stew, hearty burgers, or light vegetarian options. The staff are genuinely warm and attentive, and there’s even a play area for kids. Whether you’re traveling or local, it’s a peaceful spot to relax, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy some quiet time. Kubu Cafe is definitely a favorite worth returning to.

Lovely peaceful, comfortable location. Wide menu serving breakfast, main meals cakes drinks. We had a latte and carrot cake and Cape brandy pudding. We can highly recommend the Cape brandy pudding, absolutely excellent.

What a hidden gem! The coffee was absolutely amazing—bold, smooth, and full of flavor. The Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, making it a perfect spot for work calls or getting things done. I tried the cheesecake, and wow… it’s to die for—creamy, rich, and unforgettable. It’s also a great place to catch up with a friend or just unwind with a good conversation. And if you forgot to grab a gift, don’t worry—they’ve got a charming little gift store right on site. Highly recommend! Check out the Fence it’s made up of recycled bottles so cool 😎

We had lunch at Kubu Cafe and it was a relaxing environment. The coffee was great! The food was a bit overpriced and the chocolate cake was overrated, but would still highly recommend Kubu Cafe for lunch!

The cape brandy pudding was simply amazing, that gets 10 stars. Latte was ok and carrot cake was ok. Lovely relaxed atmosphere with jazz music playing.

After getting confused at intercity, I got on the wrong bus and ended up in Livingstone. There is a big waterfall here :o. After the bus I was quite peckish and found this lovely cafe in town. The atmosphere is quaint, relaxing, and pleasant. The service is very friendly and helpful. While dining I enjoyed a cheesecake. Though the cheesecake was a little bit over done. The soft boiled egg I ordered was clearly left in the boiling water a bit too long. Overall this cafe was a great experience. I would recommend! <3

Went there on Thursday evening the day they host karaoke night! Had a great time and it was all good vibes. We had ordered a platter and the food didn’t disappoint. I advise you to arrive early for better parking slot as it gets really packed!

This place is awesome. Great atmosphere, good food, welcoming.

The Live Band section is awesome, the staff is hospitable, and the cuisine is delightful.

Good place to chill out if you happen to be in Livingstone. The music was mainly hiphop. If you come from abroad the prices are really cheap. Staff brings the order to your table and they're a lively bunch

Beautiful fun, nice and clean...with great customer service

This was fun night in livingstone. The place is redone and looks good plus a fresh grill. Good food in Stone.

Wonderful place though more secure parking is required.

It is very ok to stop by and shop for food or things… maybe like a Cafe would be a good thing to hav..

it's kind of far from town and the place is deserted for that fact, it's a big mall but the shops are abandoned,i think there are like 3 or 4 shop's open out of 10,it has a big parking space though with a lot of parking available,not much people there so no need to worry about it being a crowded place like Mosi O Tunya Square..but it's understandable because every shop at Mosi O Tunya is open!

This place has the RTSA office, there is a good restaurant here and a shopping center which sells household items. Also there is a car accessory shop. Apart from that there is not much, it's still developing.

Organized parking slots and helpful security and staff

Falls park shopping centre houses RTSA offices as well as Golden Orklet amongst the businesses there. Great place

Still coming up in terms of the available shops being occupied

About 2 kilometers from the city center but accessible with a 15 minutes walk or a short drive. A new departmental store Golden Oakley is one of the big stores and others.

We had an amazing time. We got lucky and got paired up with Enoch and his team, and they were all very attentive, caring, energetic, and fun. As Puerto Ricans, we have a lot of energy and are very loud and they matched our energy. They explained everything with details and they provided information before we did a run. They made sure that we were always safe with our equipment or if anybody went over. We also went down with another team, which made it even more fun because we got to see them do the runs and get a different perspective. The whole team is amazing and beyond helpful. I was struggling with the steps at the end and they took my vest and my helmet to make it better for me. Once I made it to the top, they were very energetic and very encouraging throughout. 100% recommend this is definitely a must. We also got to spend time with the other boat and they had Alex as their captain who also did an amazing job and had amazing energy. If you are an adrenaline junkie like us, this will not disappoint!!

We had a fabulous rafting trip with Maano. There are lots of good companies in Victoria Falls but Maano has a completely local crew of guys who grew up in the villages overlooking the Batoka Gorge. Our captain, Andrew, was very skilled and kept us safe and our boat upright for the whole trip but they encouraged us to hop in the water to swim through some of the smaller rapids which was great fun. They are completely dedicated to safety and checked our equipment multiple times throughout the trip. The whole crew was a pleasure to hang out with - Abraham, Serious, Alon and so many others that I didn't get the names of. Besides the rafting they pointed out trees, animals, birds and many other things of interest in the Gorge. They also helped spot some elephants on the drive back to Livingstone. It was a first rate experience all around and I would recommend it to anyone. They also do multi day trips that sound great and you will definitely be in good hands if you book one of them. I also found the owner of Maano, Enoch, easy to communicate with by Whatsapp and he arranged everything seamlessly.

We had such a great day with Enock and his crew! We booked a day trip from Kasane and everything worked perfectly. We were able to look at the falls afterwards with enough time. The rafting was absolutely well organized and we had a lot of fun with Andrew and Alex in the boat. It was even possible to swim through a few rapids. Such a great fun the day, 100% recommendation!

The number one thing to do at Victoria Falls - and the absolute BEST company to do it with!! My husband and I did a half day tour today and had the time of lives. It was one of the most fun things we’ve ever done. I was nervous at first because neither of us have much experience rafting (me once and my husband never), but they took amazing care of us and we had a blast! The entire crew was kind and professional, with about 14 people total in our crew between porters, guides, photos and video and safety kayakers. They are a great crew and know what they’re doing. 10000% recommend!

Hands down one of the funnest things I’ve ever done in my life! Where to start, the staff was absolutely five stars. The facilities were epic and amazing. I strongly urge everybody to do this once in your life, especially with such an amazing company with just the best people on staff. I can’t wait to come back and do it again this time with the whole family. This is the only company I trust to take me down this river and provide me with a safe amazing time. Can’t wait to be back again. you guys are the best and you have a customer for life.🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

Cannot recommend this crew highly enough, this experience was just awesome and the highlight of my Zimbabwe/Zambia holiday. From the very beginning when we had a comprehensive safety briefing to every single second on the water. All of the guys deserve a mention, Enock who captained brilliantly, talking us through every rapid so we knew what to expect, his wingmen Sedious and Abraham who hauled me out of the water after every swim, which wasn’t easy (can’t believe I have been swimming in the Zambezi, it is the best swimming pool in the world), they also paddled like crazy to make up for our lack of skill. Special mention to Soldier our fantastic safety guy who kayaked beside us the whole way down and showed some spectacular white water skills on the way. Nearly as impressive with his white water skills was T-Boy but he made up for it by being our excellent cameraman (although I haven’t seen all his pictures properly yet 🤣). Also have to thank volunteer Alex, he was along for the ride but incredibly experienced and helped us in our inexperience. Thank you you were all amazing and incredibly patient with Keith too 😂. Beware the 790 steps to the top when you have finished, bloody hard work for old people like us, however you did get rewarded with lunch when you got there.

Rafting on the river Zambezi was a great experience with Maano Adventures. The road to the water, the adventure on the water and the way back through the villages made us speechless. We had a great day and our guid took great care over us. They know this river very well and know all the good spots. This organisation we can recommend to everyone. We were with 4 grown ups and 1 ten-year old.

It's a nice place for passing time and chilling

Awesome place to visit, a lot of old school history can be found there

Its a great place just to relax and have beer

It's a nice place to chill there

Nice spot where one can have relaxing beverages from.

Such a nice place to just feel royal and cool

Nice and cool, it's a place to be... 😍

Felt at home. Friendly staff, affordable prices, and a clean green environment

Tranquility is ideal at this place.

It's a very nice environment for people who enjoys themselves in a vibrant way!

An excellent place for Night life

Low budget places

It's a busy bar just from viewing it from afar.

Fan was not working and no 🚿 shawers

The place is nice and clean there services are great if you want a cold beer or soda it's a place to be while watching football

It's a nice place with a lovely bar and restaurant.

Nice place. Beers are affordable. Has POS. Has Car wash.

Great place to hangout with friends and chat

Great outdoor pool place

Very clean

It was good

Unforgettable Canoe Trip on the Zambezi River During our recent trip to Vic Falls, we wanted to experience being out on the river in canoes. We found VICTORIA FALLS CANOEING COMPANY from their website. Safety was top on our list along with the adventure of being out on the river and Prince came out of his way to meet us at our hotel and go over the trip details. Prince and his crew - Zenzele (guide) and Malvine (driver/chef) delivered a great experience. From start to finish, everything was well-organized, and we felt completely safe in the hands of our professional and friendly guides. They were knowledgeable, pleasant, and ensured we had a fantastic time on the water. Even before we hit the water, the adventure had already begun. The drive to the river took us through the game reserve, where we had the unforgettable experience of seeing elephants up close, along with a variety of other animals and birdlife. We started the day with a hearty breakfast and enjoyed a well-prepared lunch at the end, both of which added to the overall experience. The scenery along the river was breathtaking, with stunning landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. Paddling past hippos in their natural habitat was both thrilling and awe-inspiring, and the variety of bird life was truly impressive. Prince and Zenzele were always watchful and ensured we stayed a respectful distance from the Hippos. We felt completely safe in their hands. A support truck followed us along the river, giving us extra peace of mind. The equipment, including the truck and inflatable canoes, was in excellent condition, making for a smooth and comfortable journey. This trip was an absolute highlight, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for an incredible way to experience the beauty and wildlife of the Zambezi River.

We had a brilliant time canoeing on the beautiful Zambezi! We were given delicious food before and after the canoeing, and had a great time observing nature on and around the Zambezi to give a different perspective. Prince and his team always had our safety in mind and are very experienced in navigating the river. This was such a memorable experience that we tell all our friends about!

Really good. We did the am trip. Picked and driven though the national park to breakfast followed by a couple of hours canoeing and a fantastic lunch. The guys were great, knowledgeable and witty and the Zambezi is beautiful. Thanks.

Unprofessional and disappointing experience! We booked a canoeing activity for August via Viator. Shortly after confirming, I was contacted on WhatsApp by a representative named Prince, who asked us to cancel our Viator booking and rebook directly with them due to "payment issues" with Viator, claiming this would support their business operations. While we were open to helping, rebooking directly would have meant less favorable conditions for us — including immediate payment and no free cancellation — so we politely declined and chose to keep our original booking. Prince then informed us that, in this case, they could not guarantee our participation in the tour. He explained that if the tour reached full capacity, they would prioritize direct bookings due to “more favorable payment terms.” This is unacceptable. If using third-party platforms causes logistical or financial issues, the business should not advertise there. Suggesting that confirmed bookings may not be honored unless rebooked directly is not only unprofessional, but also undermines customer trust. Fortunately, we discovered this practice in advance and were able to cancel our booking. We can now make alternative plans without the risk of being turned away at the last minute. Very disappointing experience.

Brilliant experience, lots of fun. Our guides Prince and George were very knowledgable. Highly recommended. I would do this again.

A million words could not describe the amazing, extremely professional and warm friendly serve and experienced provide from booking to drop-off at hotel afterwards. If you are thinking of an upper Zambezi canoeing adventure, there is no other choice. Thanks Prince, Marvin, Jerry. From George & Susan

It was such an amazing experience... the staff was friendly and warm .... the food to die for and the water😂😂😂 I overcame my fear of drowning and I would do it again 🚣‍♀️🚣🏾‍♀️

Had jolly fun with the boys swing and fly forks are the activities you want to do when you are around Livingstone. The guys are very jovial people they will ease your tension if it's your first time doing it.

(Translated by Google) Tasty (Original) Lekker

I’ve done a few escape rooms around the world and this is now one of my favourites. Our host was amazing! Such a great concept and well executed. Highly recommended!

Amazing! Would never have dreamed of seeing something of this level in Zimbabwe, huge kudos to the management for such a novel idea.

Great game concept , would recommend it to anyone who comes to Victoria falls , great fun , unique & a great African spin to it.Highly recommended

Love the concept !!! Had a superb time.... would recommend it to anyone that comes to Zimbabwe

Great fun! Not easy

I think that this is the best bar in Livingstone, the food was banging and very fairly priced. The beer was also very well priced. The pool table cost K2 which is a good price. There are many televisions so there’s lots of football to watch. Felt very safe in here every time as the only Mzungu, will have to come back here again one day. Only bad thing was no Draught beer but not everything can be perfect I guess.

Its a great place. I love the creativity of the drums which were turned into seats, the bus counter and all. The customer service is also top notch.Its a great place to chill

I have always liked this place but then i think some of the waitresses behave like prostitute,one waitress pulled my husband outside to ask him about a bill,on the table she wasn’t in charge of so definitely that’s a zero for me,they should work on their waitresses.But all in all it’s a good place.

It's a great location. It is only recommended. The two stars are deduction, there is nothing to dry in the toilet and no toilet paper.

Very nice.. their food is nice the bar 🍻 and you don't have worry about anything wen you go there ..

Overall lovely vibes 👏🏽

Pros: Very friendly waiters, delicious food, good alcohol assortment, civilized patrons, flexible payment options (Mobile money, card, cash e.t.c) Con: Thursday karaoke night is generally fun, but DjMickie will rarely play requested songs. He has his own playlist and favourite singers. As such, you can keep requesting songs from 18hrs, songs which are on the menu, constantly reminding him every 10 minutes, and you'll be lucky if at all your songs ever get played. Overall, it's a nice and clean place.