Would you dare swim in natural pool overlooking the edge of one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls? Our team did and lived to tell the story, and it was one of the most surreal, thrilling, exhilarating, and terrifying experiences we have ever had. We can guarantee swimming in the devils pool will be one of the most exhilarating experiences you have ever done.
In this post We’ll put your mind at ease and by the end you’ll be ready to take a leap of faith and explore the Devils pool.
For those that never heard of this Devil’s pool, it is located in the edge of Victoria Falls, in Zambia. Just the concept of a natural pool at the edge of one of the World’s biggest waterfalls is frightening, but living that experience is surreal!
Nicknamed “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”, these falls will take your breath away!
THE TRIP TO THE DEVIL’S POOL ON LIVINGSTONE ISLAND STEP-BY-STEP
- First, you all gather at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, where a boat is waiting for you.
- Second, you have a 2 minutes boat ride on the Zambezi river to bring you to Livingstone Island. On the way, it is possible to see hippos and crocs.
- Then you get a little tour on the island. A view over the Victoria Falls and a quick chance to change into your bathing suit. I recommend you wear them already under your clothes though.
- Now, it’s finally time to go into the Devil’s Pool and take photos of your amazing experience.
- Lastly, there is some food and drinks for you to enjoy while you discuss your experiences.
The best place to stay to visit Devil’s Pool
You have two main options if you want to stay close to the Victoria Falls. As Devil’s Pool itself is in Zambia, We’d recommend staying in Livingstone. It is the closest town Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side of the border, with the distance from Livingstone to the Victoria Falls being just a little over 7 miles.
But, just to make things a little confusing, there is also a town named Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side of the Zambia Zimbabwe border. Although Zimbabwe is probably the best place to view the Victoria Falls, just bear in mind you’ll need to cross the border and pay for a visa to Zambia to enjoy the hike to the pool. The cost of a day visa for Zambia is currently $50.
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When is the best time to visit Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls?
During the drier months of the year, the Zambezi River drops quite substantially, and from mid August to mid January, it is possible to walk along the lip of the falls. This can only be done from the Zambian side.
If you just want to see the falls, the best time to go is spring/early summer when the water is at its most ferocious, however, if you want to visit Devil’s Pool between September to January when the water is low.
Can I hike to Devil´s Pool on my own
No, you have to book a Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls tour.
Has anyone died at the devil’s pool?
Since the guided tours started operating in 1992, there has been no fatal accident according to the guides. Of course, there have been fatal accidents associated with Victoria falls but none are associated with the guided tours offered through Livingstone Island tour. Please do not confuse this with the devil’s pool in Australia that has had numerous fatal deaths.
Can I go to Livingstone island without swimming?
Yes, you can do the visit and just stay on the island while others swim. We don’t understand why you would want to miss out on this, but it’s perfectly fine.
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What to bring
Cameras: Bring your camera! The guides have a dry bag which they use to take the cameras across the river safely while the group makes the swim. At Devil’s Pool one of the guides stands on the edge of the pool and takes pics of each person on their own camera.
Sunscreen: slather on the sunscreen. You want hot memories, not burning hot cheeks!
What to wear:
- Swimming gear if Devil’s Pool is a possibility
- Swimming shoes: we went barefoot but others wore protective shoes to walk across the rocky river bed.
- Flat shoes: wear flat shoes to the island. The ground is marshy and you need to have secure footing to navigate the paths.
Should I bring a towel?
No, they have nice ones waiting for you.
How to book a Devil’s Pool tour
Tongabezi have exclusive access to Livingstone Island and Devils Pool and run five tours a day to the Island. It’s one of the most sought after activities at the Falls so book in advance through your accommodation or via the Tongabezi website.
Tour times and prices
Tongabezi offers five trips per day to the island and the trips last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Alcohol is served with lunch and high tea (after the swim of course!). Tips are optional.
- 7:30am/9:00am/10:30am: Morning Breezer – price US $100
- 12:30pm: Lunch – price US $165
- 3:30pm: High Tea – price US $140
Book in advance
This is the most important element for anyone interested in the swim. You can book with your hotel, hostel. travel agency or directly with tongabezi. The price remains as mentioned above and if it’s higher find someone else to book with. Ensure you book a few days earlier because the activity sells out.
Is Devil’s pool worth it
Yes! Be ready to have one of the most unforgettable, jaw- dropping experiences of your life.
Enjoy!
Have any questions about visiting Devils Pool at Victoria Falls?Let us know in the comments below.
