Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls: A 2025 Comprehensive Guide
One of the several rock pools that have developed close to the magnificent Victoria Falls as a result of erosion over millions of years is perched precariously on the brink of the falls! With its tremendous plummet from the edge of the Falls and its high precipice, Devil’s Pool is the pinnacle of infinity pools.
Getting to the pool, which requires a steep hike and a swim in the Zambezi, is an exhilarating experience in and of itself. As the rushing waters of the Zambezi smash over the nearby cliffs, those brave enough to jump into the pool are pushed to the brink by the river’s ferocity, where the rock lip stops them.
Feel the power of the Zambezi River rushing past you and smashing down the 100-meter / 320-foot drop! The view from the brink is very thrilling!
This activity is available during specific times of the year and requires a reservation with a guide due to the fact that the water that falls over the Falls every minute is over 500 million liters (132 million gallons). Typically, you may get there between August and January, when the water levels are at their lowest.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls
Among Africa’s most impressive natural landmarks, Victoria Falls is right up there with Kilimanjaro. This waterfall is the biggest of its kind on Earth. It is formed where the mile-wide Zambezi River meets a 105-meter (345-foot) steep cliff on the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, means “Smoke That Thunders,” and it refers to the rainbow-colored spray that whips up at speeds of up to 500,000 cubic meters per minute, or 110 million gallons. The height of the spray is 500 meters, or 1,640 feet.
Regardless of your vantage point, Victoria Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder. From the vantage point of a helicopter or plane, spray-drenched Knife Edge Bridge, or even the bottom of the valley, there are plenty of options. A plunge in Devil’s Pool, however, is the most extreme form of immersion imaginable. Only the smallest of rock lips separates this strangely placid natural pool, which is 3 meters (10 feet) deep, from the rushing white water at the edge of the abyss.
Girls unbelievable experience at Victoria Falls! Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island, Zambia
Where Is Devil’s Pool Located:
On the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, you’ll find Devil’s Pool. Located near Livingstone Island, it stretches nearly the whole length of the mile-wide waterfall. Only guests on Green Safaris’ guided boat cruises are allowed entrance. From a launch on the Zambian bank of the Zambezi, just upstream of Livingstone Town and the falls, these depart.
Do You Need To Be Fit To Reach Devil’s Pool:
No. However, swimming is a desirable skill. From Livingstone Island, swimmers of medium to strong strength can reach Devil’s Pool by swimming a short distance upstream and then swimming downstream. Wading from the island to the pool is an option for those who aren’t strong swimmers and don’t mind getting up to their waists in water. Skilled guides are available to provide instruction and assistance in both cases. Even though they are slightly more vulnerable, non-swimmers can also wade over.
What Are the Best Months To Visit Devil’s Pool:
Seasonal boat cruises to Livingstone Island are the exclusive means of accessing Devil’s Pool. From June to December, these are in operation for seven months straight. When the Zambezi River is at a safe level, they provide the option to swim in the pool. The best time to go through is in October and November, when the flow is at its lowest, which is typically between the middle of August and the end of December. Seasonal levels can change from year to year according on the amount and timing of rainfall higher upstream, so keep that in mind. From around the first of the year until around the middle of August, or whenever the flow becomes too high, the pool is off-limits to visitors.
How to Survive the Devil’s Pool
Is Devil’s Pool Safe To Visit:
Yes, in essence. There have been several minor incidents on the rocks, but no fatalities on any organized tour that we are aware of. There is little danger of being washed away by Victoria Falls unless you deliberately invite calamity. Following the guidelines of the handbook will ensure a safe crossing of the brief swim or wade. Hippos and crocodiles lurk in the Zambezi River upstream of the waterfall, which is a less apparent reason to be worried. The guides will cautiously inspect the water before letting visitors in, as these critters are generally too clever to approach the waterfall.
Has Anyone Died Going Over Victoria Falls at Devil’s Pool:
Our research indicates that no one has ever perished while descending Devil’s Pool from Victoria Falls. The 2009 tragedy at Victoria Falls occurred while a South African tour guide was trying to save a customer who had fallen into a channel. But contrary to what was first reported, this occurred closer to the Zambian riverside and not at Devil’s Pool. Since only Green Safaris’ guided excursions are allowed entry to Devil’s Pool, no incident of this kind has happened. Unlike its namesake in Queensland, Australia, which has taken multiple lives, nobody has ever perished at Devil’s Pool, as far as anybody knows.
What Else Is There To See at Devil’s Pool:
Traveling by boat to Livingstone Island entails fording a turbulent section of the Zambezi River bordered by verdant tropical woods. Hippos and crocodiles are the most noticeable animals in the area, but you could also spot elephants or buffaloes when they come to drink. Numerous herons, egrets, waders, and waterfowl inhabit the river, which is home to a diverse avian population that includes the enchanting African fish eagle. As its name implies, Scottish explorer David Livingstone was the first European to visit Victoria Falls on Livingstone Island. In 1855, Livingstone stood at this very site and wrote in his diary, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Today, that precise spot is marked by a plaque.
When’s the Best Time of Day To Visit Devil’s Pool:
Only guests on boat tours to Livingstone Island offered by Green Safaris (previously Tongabezi Safaris) are allowed access to Devil’s Pool. From June to December, these depart five times a day. The “Livingstone Breezer” tours, which last about 1½ hours, depart at 7:30 AM, 9 AM, and 10:30 AM. A lunch tour lasting 2½ hours leaves at 12:30 PM, while a high tea tour lasting two hours sets out at 3:30 PM. The 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM departure times coincide with the best times to capture the riverine scenery in photographs: early morning or late afternoon. There are tours leaving at 9, 10:30, and 12:30 in the afternoon, and swimming may be more enjoyable during the daytime heat.