Is Livingstone Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Scammers approach tourists at ATMs in Livingstone, offering to help avoid bank fees or resolve card issues, while using a hidden card skimmer and observing the PIN being entered. A second variant involves following the victim after they withdraw cash and robbing them on a nearby quieter street. This pattern is flagged specifically by the US State Department, Australian Smartraveller, and Canadian Government advisories for Zambia.

How to avoid: Use only ATMs inside bank branches or secure hotel lobbies, never during night hours. Shield the keypad when entering your PIN and firmly decline all unsolicited help at the machine. Be aware of your surroundings after withdrawing cash and take a direct, busy route back.

Where: ATMs along Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Barclays and Zanaco bank ATMs in central Livingstone

Touts outside Livingstone's hotels and near the Victoria Falls entry gate approach tourists selling activity bundles — rafting, bungee, helicopter flights — at prices that may seem discounted but are sold by unlicensed middlemen who take a commission and leave tourists with lower-quality operators. In some cases, the activity booking is non-existent, and tourists arrive at the operator to find no reservation.

How to avoid: Book all adventure activities through your hotel, the Zambia Tourism Agency, or directly with Batoka Sky, Livingstone's Extreme, or other established operators with clear online presence. Never pay cash to a tout for a booking without a printed receipt from the activity company itself.

Where: Livingstone town centre near the Sun International hotel, the Mosi-oa-Tunya Road leading to the Falls gate, and the main backpacker lodge strip

The Zambezi rapids below Victoria Falls (Grade IV–V) attract numerous rafting operators, some of whom are unlicensed and use worn or improperly maintained equipment including deteriorated life vests and helmets that do not meet safety standards. These operators typically sell trips through touts at a significantly lower price than licensed companies. Incidents including capsizing and injury have been associated with non-compliant operators.

How to avoid: Book rafting only with operators that are members of the Livingstone Operators Association (LOA) and can show a Zambia Wildlife Authority activity permit. Inspect life vests and helmets before departure — they should be in clean, intact condition with no visible cracks or worn straps. Avoid any operator who cannot produce licensing documentation on request.

Where: The Zambezi River rapids (Boiling Point launch site) accessed from the Zambia side, and booking touts near Livingstone's main hotel strip on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road

Taxis from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport to Livingstone town (approximately 5 km) should cost around USD 10–15 by negotiation. Unlicensed operators quote USD 40–60 to newly arrived tourists, framing the inflated price as a "fixed airport rate." The short distance means tourists who do not know the local fare are particularly vulnerable, and there is no metered system to reference.

How to avoid: Agree on a fare before getting in any vehicle at the airport. Ask your hotel in advance for the expected taxi fare and use that as your baseline. Ride-hailing apps have limited availability in Livingstone — confirm with your hotel before relying on them. Shared shuttle transfers pre-arranged through accommodation are the most reliable option.

Where: Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport arrivals area and the access road to Livingstone town