BA Comair & South African Airways offer direct flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia. To make sure you purchase the cheapest airfare compare their prices on the various dates you can travel (the more flexibility you have the greater the chance of booking cheap flights), also check the cost to fly from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Airport, which is just across the border in Zimbabwe.
Airlines flying from Johannesburg to Livingstone
We recommend staying at the Royal Livingstone Hotel which sits right on the Zambezi River's banks, and is a 10 minute walk from the Falls. From the sundeck you are so close you can almost feel the spray shooting into the air from Victoria Falls. Expect to see impala, zebra, monkeys & giraffe strolling about in the gardens. As the name would suggest, The Royal Livingstone has a colonial style to it. High tea on Livingstone Island is a must. Ask for a room with an unobstructed river view on the top floor (for better views).
Johannesburg (JNB) to Livingstone Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI, Zambia)
non-stop (1h50m)
It is 954km from Johannesburg to Livingstone.
Overland from Johannesburg to Livingstone
An overland trip from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport to Livingstone Airport is some 1259km, and would take about 17 hours of driving. You would drive north on the N1 to Mokopane, and then change onto the N11 to Botswana, passing by Lerala, the Kgagodi Crater, Serule, Tonota, Francistown, Sebina and cross into Zambia at Kazungula (say hello to Namibia and Zimbabwe whilst there too!
1time quits flying from Johannesburg to Livingstone, at the same time as Fresh Air (a 1time - Nu-Aero JV) is supposed to start flights to Victoria Falls, but 1time applies for liquidation.
10 Mar 2012
BA passengers must check in at domestic departures for JNB-LVI flights.
1 Nov 2011
SAA introduces business class seats on its Johannesburg - Livingstone flights.
27 Sep 2011
Livingstone International Airport is renamed Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (after the ANC Leader).
Feb 2010
1time Airline increases its frequency to 5 flights a week between Johannesburg and Livingstone, with the 5th flight on a Saturday.
26 Nov 2009
1time Airline's inaugural Johannesburg to Livingstone flight in an MD87 aircraft, capabale of carrying 130 people. 1time is initially flying 4 times a week on Mon, Thu, Fri and Sun. Flight prices start at R897 for a one-way flight (including taxes).
10 Jan 2009
Zambian Airlines suspends operations.
Time differences between Johannesburg & Livingstone
There is no time difference between Johannesburg (South Africa) and Livingstone (Zambia).
Map of Livingstone
Livingstone Airport
Livingstone Airport is a small airport, where we were greeted in the rain by groundstaff with umbrellas. There are a couple of car rental agencies (Europcar and Avis Car Hire). Whilst it didn't seem dangerous, we saw 2 soldiers carrying automatic weapons.
Proximity to Victoria Falls
Livingstone has hotels in walking distance to the Victoria Falls.