Written by: Kim Barnett
We aren’t ones for perpetuating stereotypes, but this one is the truth: a ladies weekend away involves much more planning than when the men head out with the boys.
We are talking about lists and lists of your lists. What will the kids be doing, where, and when? What meals are there to prepare and what shopping needs to be done? With all of the planning, it can be all too easy to throw up your hands and ask if it’s really ‘worth it’. We are here to tell you a resounding YES.
A ladies weekend in Livingstone is precisely what you need to unwind, catch up and enjoy yourself. We are here to make the planning even more straightforward. Check out what to do on a ladies’ weekend in Livingstone on every budget.
Budget Level: As cheap as possible
Accommodation
Remember that this weekend is about spending quality time with your girlfriends. Ask everyone to answer honestly about what their budget is and plan accordingly. We recommend booking self-catering apartments, as it is important to be all together at the same place in Livingstone. Alternatively, the backpacker’s lodges in Livingstone offer a wide selection of accommodation, from dormitory-style accommodation that can be booked for a group to air-conditioned, en-suite rooms.
Transport
Livingstone is easily accessible by bus from Lusaka. Alternatively, you can split the costs by carpooling with your friends. Don’t forget to download our Zambian road trip playlist, and be sure to sing along!
Activities
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a fantastic time with your friends in Livingstone. Victoria Falls National Park offers a fantastic Zambian and resident rate for game drives, as does the Livingstone Museum. You can then walk over to the free Forest of Faces sculpture garden at the Civic Centre. The Zambian National Art Galley also offers free entrance.
You can then spend your evenings in Livingstone back at your accommodation watching your favourite girlie movies or playing party games. We are never too old for a hilarious game of truth or dare!
Budget Level: Middle of the road
Accommodation
If you and your girlfriends have a bit more kwacha to throw into the communal pot, then it opens up a wide selection of accommodation options. You might want to consider getting out of town and staying along the Zambezi River in a private house. Alternatively, check about a group rate at one of the hotels.
Transport
We all know that the journey can be as much fun as the destination. Road tripping from Lusaka to Livingstone can be even more fun if you rent a private bus and driver. You can stop at every town and make the journey into an adventure in itself or if you are that way inclined, a pub crawl.
Activities
In addition to checking out some of the budget-friendly activities in Livingstone, we highly recommend taking your ladies on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Cocktails, delicious snacks, beautiful scenery and wildlife, and a stunning sunset are just what the doctor ordered!
A ladies’ weekend in Livingstone wouldn’t be complete without some retail therapy. Book yourselves onto an Artisan Tour and check out what the ingenious makers in Livingstone are creating.
Budget Level: Show me what you’ve got
Accommodation
Livingstone boasts luxury accommodation options that are fit for the rich and famous, or a luxurious ladies weekend away with your besties. Chundukwa River Lodge and Tongabezi both offer secluded accommodation for groups so that you can be assured of complete privacy.
Transport
Harry Mwaanga Nkambula International Airport offers direct flights into Livingstone from Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Lusaka. You can also arrive on a private chartered flight.
Activities
If we were to plan the perfect day out in Livingstone with our girlfriends where money was no object, then this is what we would do. The day would start with a scenic helicopter flight over Victoria Falls. We would then boat out to Livingstone Island for a private lunch with our girlfriends. You can’t get a better group photo than swimming on the edge of the Victoria Falls in the Devil’s Pool! The afternoon would then involve a wonderful spa treatment followed by making our way through the complete list of cocktails at our lodge. We might even invent a new signature cocktail for the weekend!
Picture: Supplied
