Livingstone Museum

About this place

Livingstone Museum is the largest and oldest museum in Zambia, in the city of Livingstone near Victoria Falls. It covers the country's history and prehistory, with photographs, musical instruments and tools, and it holds belongings of the explorer and missionary David Livingstone, including letters and journals. It is the best place in the city to understand Zambia before heading out to its parks. It was founded in 1934 as the David Livingstone Memorial Museum and later became the Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, before taking its present name after independence in 1964. Its present Spanish colonial-style building was launched in 1951. In 1960 the museum recreated villages from five ethnic groups to give visitors a sense of traditional life. The galleries move between archaeology, history, culture and nature, showing traditional musical instruments, tools from early times and photographs of life in the region. The Livingstone section has letters in his own hand and journals from his travels. Outside is a broad paved forecourt edged with hedges and big shady trees, which is a good place to rest after a tour. It is about 9 km from the falls entrance in a straight line, so the two fit easily into one day. Ask about a museum guide, as many of the stories do not show on the labels. It suits a hot midday or a rainy day. Ask before taking photos in the galleries, and check opening days before you go.