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.
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. The operator states a weight limit of 110 kg for the helicopter flights — above that an additional seat can be booked — and a strict 100 kg for the microlights. 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.
The Zambian classic: from Maramba Airfield out over the Zambezi, then circling above the falls and the islands immediately upstream before returning. Pickup from Livingstone accommodation is included.
The 22-minute flight adds a dive into the Batoka Gorge; the 30-minute version follows the river all the way down to rapid no. 26, then circles the falls and the islands on the way home. Both depart from Maramba Airfield with Livingstone pickup included.
Open-cockpit flying with nothing between you and the spray: the 15-minute morning flight circles the falls and the islands, the 30-minute version continues across the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with a low-level pass to look for wildlife.
A private open-cockpit flight from the Zambian side, starting at 7 a.m. when the air is calmest. Guests staying on the Zimbabwe side can be brought across for a transfer fee.
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.
