Why is it called Livingstone?

Named after the famous Victorian missionary explorer, Dr David Livingstone, who explored this area extensively, Livingstone Town was established in 1905.



The city of Livingstone in Zambia is named after David Livingstone, the famous Scottish congregationalist, pioneer medical missionary, and explorer with the London Missionary Society. Livingstone was the first European to see the nearby waterfalls in November 1855, which he subsequently named Victoria Falls in honor of Queen Victoria. The town was established in 1905 because of its proximity to the falls and its location on the newly built railway crossing the Zambezi River. It served as the capital of Northern Rhodesia from 1907 to 1935. Unlike many other African colonial-era cities that were renamed after independence (for example, Salisbury becoming Harare), Livingstone retained its name as a tribute to the explorer's historical legacy and his relatively positive reputation in the region compared to other colonial figures. Today, the name is synonymous with the gateway to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, serving as a hub for adventure tourism and historical research into the exploration of the African continent.

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Livingstone is relatively safe to navigate at night, especially in well-lit and populated areas. However, it is always prudent to have caution and avoid less populated and dimly lit areas. If necessary, take a reliable taxi service to your destination.

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While there are some areas that may be unsafe for women to travel alone, overall the country is generally safe for female travelers. It's important to do your research before traveling and take necessary precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night or in isolated areas.

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Originally known as the Old Drift, Livingstone owes its existence primarily to the Victoria Falls and was established as a staging point across the Zambezi River. The town is named after Dr. David Livingstone, the first European to see, name and publicise the Falls.

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