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Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls – Swimming on the Edge:
Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool on the edge of the Victoria Falls, located along the Zambezi River on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. During the dry season, Devil’s Pool is shallow enough that people can safely swim right to the edge before the waterfall drops to more than 300 feet (100m). You don’t get swept down by the force of the falls because of a natural rock wall just below the surface.
This is as close as you can get to the thunderous roar and permanent rainbows that adorn this magnificent Natural World Wonder. A guide will tell you exactly where to jump, make sure you bring your camera! Once everyone in the group has jumped safely and you are sitting on the rock wall, the guide will hold your ankles and you can lie and hang your arms over the edge. It is truly fantastic to look down on rainbows, hear the roar of the waterfall as it thunders past you, and look far, far down into the frothy, spray below.
Getting To Devil’s Pool – A Leap of Faith:
Devil’s Pool is adjacent to Livingstone Island on the Zambian side of the Zambezi river. This is where David Livingstone first set eyes on the Victoria Falls remarking “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. To get to Livingstone Island you take a motor boat from the landing at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. On the island you scramble a fair way over rocks and swim through the river. The guide will show you exactly where to swim to avoid the strong currents and rocks.
The final step is a literal leap of faith: a jump from the rocks into the warm, rushing water. Once settled against the rock wall, your guide can assist you in leaning over the edge to witness the frothy, thundering abyss and the permanent rainbows that arch through the spray below.
How Do I Sign Up To Swim in Devil’s Pool?:
The Devil’s Pool experience is popular and is only possible when conditions are right, usually September to end of January. Tongabezi owns Livingstone Island and operates 5 tours a day, with a maximum of 12 people per tour. You can e-mail them directly at: reservations@tongabezi.com. You can also book a tour through recommended operators in Zambia and Zimbabwe, they include: Safari Par Excellence, Wild Horizons, and Shear Water Adventure. A typical tour, including the boat ride, breakfast, and a swim in Devil’s Pool, costs USD $110 (for lunch it’s $175). To spend more time in the Pool, hire a guide from Tongabezi to take you. Do go with an official guide, it is quite easy to misstep or swim into a fast current and possibly go over the edge of the falls.
When to Go to Devil’s Pool:
The Devil’s Pool experience is only possible when the water levels are low enough. The dry season usually lasts from September to December in this part of the world. The local operators will know when it’s safe to go, so e-mail them (see above), or have your travel agent check into it for you. During the dry season, the Victoria Falls are actually more spectacular to look at from the Zimbabwean side so you may be based there, but crossing the border is easily arranged. If you’re in the area earlier in the year, check out Angel’s Armchair instead.
Is it Dangerous to Swim in Devil’s Pool?:
Jumping into Devil’s Pool is an adventurous thing to do and you need to be a decent swimmer. If you’re careful it’s safe enough and there has been no casualties. There is a safety line to hold onto when you’re swimming to get to Devils’ Pool in case the current is too much for you. Even for strong swimmers, the current is deceptive; always utilize the provided safety lines and follow your guide’s lead. Victoria Falls is home to bungee jumping, gorge-swinging, white-water rafting and every extreme sport you can imagine, this is not a “hold-your-hand” environment.
If all this sounds too crazy, check out the milder alternative — Angel’s Armchair. It’s also a natural rock pool, easier to get to and open from May to October.
Videos of Devil’s Pool:
You really have to see the Devil’s Pool to believe it. It’s one of the best things I have ever done, unfortunately I lost my video footage but others have put their videos online. It’s a good idea to watch some videos to know whether it is something you think you would like to do. You can always visit Livingstone Island and stand on the side to watch others swim if you change your mind at the last minute.
The Victoria Falls should be on everyone’s “must-see” list when visiting Southern Africa. This mile-wide curtain of thundering, falling water is quite something to behold. The local people named the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke that Thunders) and its easy to see why, with sprays reaching up to 1000 feet in the sky. If that’s not enough, the Victoria Falls are also permanently adorned with multiple rainbows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Devil’s Pool and why is it famous?
The Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool right on the edge of Victoria Falls, one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the world. It forms during the dry season when water levels drop enough to make it accessible. What makes it famous is that you can actually swim right up to the edge and look down into the gorge below. A natural rock lip prevents you from being swept over, which is both thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking. It’s one of those rare experiences where adrenaline and natural beauty meet in a truly unforgettable way.
Is it safe to swim in the Devil’s Pool?
Safety is the first thing most people worry about, and understandably so. While it looks extreme, guided tours are very controlled and led by experienced professionals who know the currents of the Zambezi River well. You are only allowed to visit when water levels are low enough to make it safe. Guides stay with you the entire time and give clear instructions on where to stand or swim. That said, it’s still a wild environment, so you need to be comfortable with some level of risk.
When is the best time to visit the Devil’s Pool?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, usually between August and January. During this period, water levels at Victoria Falls drop enough to safely access the pool. Outside of these months, the flow is too strong and the pool is closed. Timing can vary slightly each year depending on rainfall patterns. If this experience is high on your list, it’s worth planning your trip around these months.
How do you get to the Devil’s Pool?
Access to the Devil’s Pool is only possible through guided tours from Livingstone Island on the Zambia side of the falls. You typically take a short boat ride to the island before walking and swimming to the pool itself. The experience usually includes a guide, safety briefing, and sometimes even a meal. It’s not something you can just wander into on your own. Planning ahead and booking with a reputable operator is essential.
Is the Devil’s Pool worth it overall?
For most travelers, the answer is a strong yes, especially if you enjoy unique and slightly daring experiences. Sitting at the edge of one of the world’s largest waterfalls is something very few places can offer. The combination of fear, excitement, and breathtaking views creates a memory that really sticks with you. However, it’s not for everyone, particularly if you’re uncomfortable with heights or strong natural forces. If you’re up for it, though, it’s easily one of the most unforgettable highlights of visiting Zambia or Zimbabwe.
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