Old Drift Settlement

The Old Drift settlement, situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, was the first official site of European habitation near Victoria Falls before the establishment of Livingstone. Settled around 1898, it served as a vital crossing point where ox-wagons were ferried across the river's narrowest section. However, the settlement was plagued by severe health hazards, as the swampy riverside environment was a prime breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes, leading to a high mortality rate among the early residents. In 1904, the colonial administration decided to relocate the settlement to a healthier, higher-altitude location, which laid the foundation for modern-day Livingstone. The completion of the Victoria Falls Bridge in 1905 rendered the Old Drift ferry obsolete, leading to the eventual abandonment of the site. Today, all that remains of this once-bustling outpost is a small cemetery containing the graves of early settlers and a few structural ruins. The site is protected within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and stands as a testament to the hardships of early colonial life.

Nearby cities

Livingstone

Livingstone is a historic colonial city and tourism center for the Victoria Falls.

Mazabuka

Mazabuka is known as the 'Sweetest Town' in Zambia due to its massive sugar cane plantations.

Choma

Choma serves as the provincial capital of the Southern Province and an agricultural center.

Monze

Monze is a significant agricultural town in the Southern Province, named after a local chief.

Kalomo

Kalomo was the first administrative center of Northern Rhodesia before the capital was moved to Livingstone.

Siavonga

Siavonga is a town on the northern shore of Lake Kariba, known as a popular tourist destination.

Maamba

Maamba is a coal-mining town in the Southern Province, home to Zambia's largest coal mine.

Sinazongwe

Sinazongwe is a town on the northern shore of Lake Kariba in the Southern Province, mainly focused on fishing.

Lake Kariba

The world's largest man-made lake, a paradise for anglers, houseboat vacationers, and sunset lovers.

Blue Lagoon National Park

A small, water-rich paradise in the Kafue Flats, famous for its incredible birdlife and swamp-dwelling antelopes.

History & landmarks

Royal Livingstone Hotel

A luxurious five-star hotel on the banks of the Zambezi, just steps away from the Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Power Station

A historic hydroelectric power station at the falls that generates electricity for the region.

Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport

The international airport in Livingstone that serves as a gateway to the famous Victoria Falls.

Lochinvar National Park

A birdwatcher's paradise on the Kafue Flats, famous for thousands of waterbirds and the unique Kafue lechwe antelope.

Kariba Dam Wall

A massive engineering structure between Zambia and Zimbabwe that controls the flow of the Zambezi River.

Nature

Ngonye Falls

Powerful falls on the Zambezi River in western Zambia, noted for their width and scenic beauty.

More places

Victoria Falls Power Station

A historic run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station near the famous Victoria Falls.

Maramba Fort

An early colonial police outpost in Livingstone, playing a role in the establishment of Northern Rhodesia.

Livingstone Railway Station

A historic railway station that played a vital role in Northern Rhodesia's early transport network.

Zambezi Boat Club (1905)

One of the oldest recreational clubs in Zambia, established on the banks of the Zambezi River.

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Mukuni Village

A historic village of the Leya people, established before the arrival of European explorers.

Kalomo Administrator's House

The residence of the colonial administrator when Kalomo was the capital of North-Western Rhodesia.

Mamba Coal Mine

The most important and largest coal mine in Zambia, located in the south of the country.

Maamba Thermal Power Plant

Zambia's only coal-fired power plant, serving to diversify energy supply.