The Zambian side is smaller but distinct: helicopters take off from Maramba Airfield, microlights from the Batoka Sky base — and microlights fly only here. Local fees are a fraction of the Zimbabwean ones. This page collects what we verified about flying from Livingstone, with live prices for every flight.
from $190 per person
Compare flights & pricesFlying from the Zambian side is dominated by one documented operator: Livingstone’s Adventure. Its helicopters fly from Maramba Airfield in 15-, 22- and 30-minute versions — the longest follows the Batoka Gorge down to rapid no. 26 — and its microlights fly from the Batoka Sky base, 15 or 30 minutes, as the only microlight operation on either side of the falls. A traveller describes the base as a well-kept site with a curio shop for those waiting. Separately, Natwende Tours offers a private helicopter flight from Maramba, with transport to the airfield not included.
Local fees are far lower than across the border: US$6 flight fee per person, plus a fuel surcharge that depends on the aircraft and duration — US$9 to US$16.55 for the helicopter flights, US$1.85 to US$3.70 for the microlights. Both aircraft types carry a maximum passenger weight of 100 kg. Transfers from Livingstone accommodation are included; one microlight passenger staying at the edge of town reports paying US$50 for a taxi instead — if your lodge is outside the centre, confirm the pickup with the operator.
The border works in both directions. Zimbabwe-side sellers meet Livingstone guests at the border free of charge or pick them up for US$30 per person. In the other direction, the private microlight seller brings guests staying on the Zimbabwe side across for US$25 per person. For the helicopter flights from Maramba, no seller documents a Zimbabwe-side pickup — plan to start from Livingstone.
Among everything we could document with our booking partners, yes: every microlight product departs from the Zambian side, from Batoka Sky. The Zimbabwe side offers helicopters only.
For the 15-minute helicopter flight: US$15 in total (US$6 flight fee + US$9 fuel). The 22-minute flight adds up to US$18.14, the 30-minute flight to US$22.55. The microlights are cheapest: US$7.85 (15 minutes) or US$9.70 (30 minutes). All per person, paid locally.
The listings include transfers from accommodation in Livingstone. One traveller staying on the outskirts reports the transfer did not cover her hotel and a taxi cost US$50 return — if you stay outside the centre, confirm the pickup radius with the operator before booking.