Nearest City to Victoria Falls: Livingstone, Zambia (10 km)

Livingstone, Zambia is the closest city to Victoria Falls—approximately 10 km (6 mi) upstream on the north bank of the Zambezi River.

Livingstone Quick Profile

• Population: ~175,000 (2022)
• Elevation: 986 m
• Climate: Hot semi-arid (BSh); wet Nov–Mar, dry Apr–Oct
• Airport: Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International (LVI) — 6 km from center
• Timezone: CAT (UTC+2)

Why Livingstone Is the "Nearest City"

• Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) is closer to the viewpoints (0.5 km), but Livingstone is a larger city with full urban services.
• Road distance: Livingstone → Falls entrance (Zam side) = 10 km via Mosi-oa-Tunya Rd.
• Victoria Falls town (Zim) → Falls entrance = 1.5 km.

Other Nearby Settlements

• Victoria Falls (town), Zimbabwe: 1.5 km from falls, ~35K pop.
• Kazungula (Botswana/Zambia border): 70 km west — new bridge, ferry history.
• Kasane (Botswana): 80 km — Chobe NP gateway.
• Hwange (Zimbabwe): 100 km — Hwange NP, railway.
• Bulawayo (Zimbabwe): 440 km — 2nd city.
• Lusaka (Zambia): 470 km — capital.

Practical Tip

Fly into LVI (Livingstone) or VFA (Victoria Falls)—both 20–30 min from the falls. LVI often has better fares from Johannesburg/Nairobi.