Livingstone Museum — Attraction in Southern Province

The Livingstone Museum, previously known as David Livingstone Memorial Museum, as well as Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, is considered as one of the oldest and also the largest museums that can be found in the Republic of Zambia. Located in the city of Livingstone, in the vicinity of the impressive Victoria Falls, the museum has an exhibition of artifacts which are related to local history and prehistory, including photographs, musical instruments, and possessions of the Scottish missionary and explorer, David Livingstone, after whom the city got its name.There is an open archaeological site next to the museum that showcases items from the early Stone Age to the present, astonishingly covering some 250,000 years. Established as a cultural institution in 1934, visitors can be witnesses of the actual tools, journals and maps which were used by Livingstone himself, making the museum certainly the best one in Zambia. As it is usual, this museum too is divided into sections that showcase the previously mentioned archaeology, history, ethnography, art and natural history artifacts, where for a small symbolic fee, people can visit it every day, except on Christmas and New Year’s Day, and learn a bit more about the longstanding history of Livingstone. Visiting the museum is a definite glimpse at Zambia’s history from 1550s to the present day, making it a perfect window into the country’s historical past and culture.Certainly one of the more interesting sections is the history gallery which traces the origins of the Bantu people, the era of British colonial rule and the period till Zambia achieved independence from the colonial rule. Nevertheless, the more eerie part is the special witchcraft exhibit that will definitely give every visitor the willies with its unique yet somewhat terrifying artifacts. All in all, an unequivocal piece of Zambia which should never be missed while visiting this beautiful country in the southern part of Africa, as it will give the necessary knowledge to everyone who would like to get to know a bit better this part...

I happened to visit the Livingstone Museum on its birthday, which meant free entry—and a crowd! But even with the busier-than-usual atmosphere, I really enjoyed my time there. It’s just a short walk from the town center, making it a convenient stop if you’re exploring Livingstone on foot.

The museum is Zambia’s oldest and largest museum, originally established in 1934. It features well-curated exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, natural history, and the life of Dr. David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer and missionary after whom the town is named.

The standout for me was the witchcraft and traditional medicine exhibit—fascinating, thought-provoking, and packed with cultural insight. You get a glimpse into indigenous beliefs, healing practices, and the role of spiritual leaders in Zambian society, past and present.

Another highlight was the craft shop attached to the museum. It’s filled with beautiful handmade items—everything from woven baskets and carvings to jewelry and textiles. What makes it extra special is the calm, no-pressure browsing experience—a welcome change from the bustling curio markets. The shop is part of a government initiative, so prices are fixed and designed to be fair for locals, meaning you can shop confidently knowing you’re getting local market value without bargaining. Bonus: they accept card payments.

Whether you’re a history buff, cultural traveler, or souvenir hunter, the Livingstone Museum offers something for everyone. I’d definitely...

One of the more obvious and Standout tourist places to visit whenever you are in Livingstone. The place is neatly and well curated has different sections to it, All chronicling the History of Zambia right from the stone age and not forgetting the arrival of the colonialists, slavery days, struggle for independence all right up to present day Zambia. They have this really amazing and cool village setup/section where trust me if they were to open at night and you were walking through you would think you were in a set for the Night at the Museum Movie. The human and animal props are so realistic, thanks to the lighting and even the artificial fire that they have is so realistic or maybe it was actual fire. I would encourage anyone to visit the places and for the superstitious try and stay away from the witchcraft section. It is $5 per adult if you are not from Zambia and 15 Kwacha if you are a local. Good Place to be...