Town in Southern Province, Zambia
Is Livingstone safe?
Safe in the main tourist strip, with persistent touts and petty theft.
Is Livingstone safe?
Safe in the main tourist strip, with persistent touts and petty theft. Avoid walking in quiet areas after dark and take care with wildlife near the river.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2023-07-30.
- Homicide rate in Zambia: 5.2 per 100,000 people (2015, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Zambia: 20.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 991 · Ambulance 992 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Livingstone at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Pickpocketing, bag snatching near markets and the Falls, and bag theft from vehicles; muggings in quiet areas at night. |
| At night | The central restaurants are fine in the evening. Use a taxi late and avoid walking in unlit streets. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable in the tourist areas with the usual caution. Expect vendor attention; avoid dark roads and use taxis at night. |
| Other risks | Slippery rock and strong current at Devil's Pool; Rapids on rafting trips; Hippos, crocodiles and elephants near the river |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Street touts selling 'official' Falls tickets or Devil's Pool packages
- Currency changers offering poor rates or fake notes
- Curio sellers pressing you to buy after a 'free gift'
Take care
- Back streets and the bus station after dark
- Taxis from unofficial drivers
- Walking near the Zambezi at dusk: hippos
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing government buildings, airports or the military is prohibited
- Drug offences, including cannabis, carry long sentences
- Wildlife products are illegal to buy or export
How Livingstone compares in Zambia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Livingstone | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Lusaka | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Livingstone safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable in the tourist areas with the usual caution. Expect vendor attention; avoid dark roads and use taxis at night.
Is Livingstone safe at night?
The central restaurants are fine in the evening. Use a taxi late and avoid walking in unlit streets.
What is the crime rate in Livingstone?
Pickpocketing, bag snatching near markets and the Falls, and bag theft from vehicles; muggings in quiet areas at night. Nationally, Zambia records 5.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2015).
What number do I call in an emergency in Livingstone?
Police 991 · Ambulance 992 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 112.
More about Livingstone
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Zambia Tourism Agency
- Zambia Immigration Department
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.