The powerful magnificence aside, Victoria Falls is the only waterfall that comes with an infinity pool at its cliff edge.
At the very edge of Victoria Falls where the Zambezi River plunges more than 100 meters below, is a natural swimming pool that is held back by a lip of rock. This natural infinity pool is aptly named the Devil's Pool.
Swimming in the devil's pool is among the craziest high-adrenaline adventures that anyone can have on the African continent.
In this article, We are going to look deeper into visiting the Devil's Pool in Victoria Falls - and provide answers and insight into some common questions.
Where Is Devil's Pool Located
The Devil's Pool is located right on the edge of Victoria Falls. This is along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The devil's pool lies almost midway of the mile-wide Victoria Falls.
You can only access the Devil's Pool from the Zambian side of the falls since Zimbabwe is on the side that faces the waterfall's cliff face. From the Zambian side of the border, you go to Livingstone Island which is adjacent to the falls - and the devil's pool.
Best Time To Visit Devil's Pool
The best time to visit and swim in the Devil's Pool on Victoria Falls is during the dry season months between August and December. The most reliable months to visit Devil's Pool are October and November when the water flow is at its lowest / weakest.
Getting To Devil's Pool
Since the Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool tour can only be done from the Zambian side, your first step is to get into Zambia.
If you are in other parts of Zambia, you will need to travel by domestic flight or road to Living stone town. This is the big town on Zambia's side of Victoria Falls. From Living Stone, you can easily get to Livingstone Island.
If your trip to Victoria Falls already has you in Zimbabwe, you can get a Zambian visa for the day's visit and cross over to Livingstone town in Zambia.
To avoid paying much on Visa fees between each of the countries, you can get a KAZA visa which allows you to go to both countries without hustling with a visa each time you cross.
Opening Times
5 tours to Devil's Pool start at 7:30 in the morning and end at 5:30 pm. Here is the full schedule.
| NO. | START TIME | END TIME | TOUR NAME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7:30 am | 9:00 am | Livingstone Breezer |
| 2 | 9:00 am | 10:30 pm | Livingstone Breezer |
| 3 | 10:30 am | 12: 00 pm | Livingstone Breezer |
| 4 | 12:30 pm | 3:15 pm | Lunch on Livingstone Island |
| 5 | 3:30 pm | 5:30 pm | High Tea |
You should book in advance because the tours can sell out very quickly due to the popularity of the activities of the Livingstone Island Tours.
Cost Of Swimming In Devil's Pool
A swim in the devil's pool is always inclusive of an overall Livingstone Island tour. The cost of the whole tour starts at around 110 USD for 1.5 to 2 hours of the tour.
These Livingstone Island tours are organized only by Tongabezi and are led by experienced and trained guides. Lodges and other tour operators can book the trip on your behalf if you ask them to.
Tongabezi runs 5 separate tours each day of small groups of not more than 24 people. There is also an included meal with your tour price.
Safety Concerns
When it comes to swimming on the edge of the world's largest waterfall, safety is - and rightfully should be the first concern.
By the nature of this activity, the element of risk is quite high. The tour is only available when the water levels of the Zambezi are low and the flow isn't very turbulent to wash off the tourists.
Can I Visit Devil's Pool On My Own?
All visits to the Devil's pool must be done through Tongabezi - the only company which runs the Livingstone Island tour. You cannot go to the devil's pool on your own.
These restrictions are to ensure that safety stays a top priority.
Have There Been Any Deaths?
Fortunately, there haven't been any deaths from Devil's Pool at Victoria Falls. The death of a tour guide in 2009 who was swept over the falls was at a different point of the falls, closer to the river bank.
The guides are well trained and access into the Devils pool is only allowed when the water flow rate is low enough to guarantee safety.
Have There Been Any Accidents?
Minor accidents do occur especially when someone slips on wet rocks. None of these has led to any fatalities or serious harm.
Do I Need To Be Physically Fit?
Visitors of all levels of fitness and body types often visit and swim in the devil's pool. There will be some walking and swimming to get to the Devil's pool but this shouldn't require any level of fitness.
That being said, people who cannot move on their own wouldn't be able to visit because the hike does involve some rock hopping.
Should I Be A Swimmer?
While you don't need to be a strong swimmer, you should be able to swim. As you cross over to the Devil's pool, you will have to do some swimming or wading through the water to get to the Devil's pool.
There is some current which would be panic-inducing to a non-swimmer. If you are not an experienced swimmer, just tell the guide such that he/she can look out for you.
Can I Change My Mind Midway?
Totally. You can change your mind about some parts of the tour, especially getting into the devil's pool.
You shouldn't feel pressured to go along with what everyone is doing. Just inform your guide of your change of mind.
Are There Any Age Restrictions?
Whereas there is no age limit for the Livingstone Island tour - which includes the swim in the devils, children below 12 years are not allowed to visit the devil's pool.
Children can however do all the other Island activities of the tour, except for the devil's pool. This is for safety reasons.
Final Thoughts
Swimming in the Devil's Pool is a wonderful experience that is totally worth it. Being right on the edge of a plunging waterfall is not something anyone does every day (well, except for the guides) and the terrifying feeling is equally freeing.
While at the time of visiting the Devil's pool, you will not be able to witness the force of the Zambezi at full force, the thought will quickly vanish once you are in the Devil's pool.
We hope this article answers some questions and concerns you had and inspires you to visit the Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island.
