Brave it - take the plunge at Devils Pool, Victoria Falls!

Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of Africa. Visiting either Zambia or Zimbabwe, tourists can explore this remarkable destination on foot, horse, boat, safari 4x4, white water raft, microlight, helicopter, bungee cord, zipline, or on the end of a bridge swing. However, arguably the most exhilarating of all is to don a swimsuit, venture into the Zambezi River, and sit on the lip of the Victoria Falls, in the Devil’s Pool. The Devil’s Pool experience is the closest you can get to the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Beautiful Victoria Falls

1. Victoria Falls
2. Fitness: Who Can Experience the Devil’s Pool?
3. Where is the Devil’s Pool, Zambia or Zimbabwe?
4. How do you get to Devil's Pools, Victoria Falls?
5. What is included in the Livingstone Island Tour?
6. How much does it cost to swim in the Victoria Falls Devils Pool?
7. Is Devil's Pool Safe & Has anyone died at Devil's Pool, Victoria Falls?
8. When can you swim in Devil's Pool at Victoria Falls?
9. Know before you go
10. 4 Must-See Devils Pool Victoria Falls Videos

Aerial view of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Africa

Nestled on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls competes for the title of Africa's most awe-inspiring natural wonder. Vic Falls, is the world's largest sheet of cascading water, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Formed as the mighty Zambezi River pours over a profound 105m/345ft chasm, Victoria Falls is neither the tallest nor the widest waterfall in the world, but, with a staggering flow rate, is considered to be the largest sheet of cascading water anywhere on the planet. In the local Chitonga language, Victoria Falls is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders”, a reference to the 500m tall plume of spray, and the thunderous noise, generated by the falls.

The Victoria Falls Fact Box

Located on the Zambezi River between Zambia & Zimbabwe 1,708 m / 5,604 ft wide 108 meters / 354 ft wide Is protected by Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park & Victoria Falls National Park Named "The Victoria Falls" by David Livingstone in 1855 In Chitonga known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "the smoke that thunders" The mist from the falls can be seen from up to 50km / 30 mi away Famous quote: "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."

Vic Falls, the smoke that thunders

Fitness: Who Can Experience the Devil’s Pool?

Devil’s Pool can be visited by anyone over 12 years of age. Because it is a water-based activity, swimming is definitely an advantage, however, the experience has been tailored to suit swimming abilities from weak to strong, and everything in between. Medium to strong swimmers swim upstream from Livingstone Island, before drifting downstream with the current, and into the pool itself. For those less confident in their swimming skills, it is possible to wade across to Devil’s Pool from Livingstone Island, as the water is never more than waist deep. The experienced team who lead you out to Livingstone Island, and the Devil’s Pool, are there to support you all the way, and offer assistance whenever needed. While non-swimmers are not excluded from the activity, not being able to swim does exacerbate the risk. Keep yourself safe by full disclosure with your guides and tour operators.

Wading to Devils Pool by Charles Haynes

Where is the Devil’s Pool?

The Devil’s Pool is located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River. The pool sits at the top of Victoria Falls, at the point where water flows over the edge of the Horse Shoe Falls section. This point is roughly in the middle of the almost 2 km long waterfall, close to Livingstone Island. To access the Devil’s Pool, you must travel to the Zambian side of Vic Falls, where a boat charter departs from a launch upstream.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

How do you get to Devil’s Pool?

Access to Livingstone Island, and Devil’s Pool is strictly controlled for safety reasons. There is only one official tour operator that runs Livingstone Island Tours. A shuttle service does operate from both Livingstone, and Victoria Falls town, but must be requested, and comes at an extra cost. Guests arrive at the Livingstone Island launch site and are ferried to Livingstone Island, where they disembark for a Livingstone Island Tour. After the tour, if the conditions and the season are correct, guides will escort willing participants who will swim, or wade to reach the Devil’s Pool.

Victoria Falls bridge

What is included in the Livingstone Island Tour?

The Livingstone Island Tour departs 5 times daily. The tour includes guides, transport to Livingstone Island, a Livingstone Island guided tour, and for those who are feeling brave, a dip in the Devil’s Pool. After the adventure of a swim in the Devil’s Pool, guests are provided with light snacks, and drinks depending on the time of day. The Livingstone Island Tour takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Devils Pool approach from Livingstone island by Charles Haynes

How much does Devil’s Pool cost?

The Devil’s Pool is only accessible by doing the Livingstone Island Tour. Only 24 people are allowed on Livingstone Island at one time, and tours depart 5 times a day from the Manzi Launch at 7:30, 9 o’clock, 10:30, 12:30, and 3:30. The Morning Breezer tours are 1.5 hours, while the Lunch and High Tea Tours are 2.5 hours.

Livingstone Island Tour & Devil’s Pool Cost
Morning Breezer US$ 120* Lunch Tour US$ 190* High Tea Tour US$ 165*  There is a US$ 5 surcharge during peak season. Transport to the Manzi Launch in Zambia is excluded but can be arranged at extra cost.

Devils Pool guide showing the way by joepyrek

Is Devil’s Pool* Safe?

Yes, the Devil’s Pool is safe. The guides are experienced and go out of their way to make sure that visitors are well-briefed, and looked after. The Devil’s Pool has a 100% safety record. There was a tragic death at Victoria Falls in 2009, when a guide fell over the edge of the Victoria Falls, this was not, however, in any way connected to The Devil’s Pool activity. The Devil’s Pool is effectively a natural infinity pool on the edge of Victoria Falls. The edge of the rock pool acts as a barrier that keeps visitors from being washed over the edge. There are unlicensed street touts that will offer Devil’s Pool tours, but soliciting their services is not recommended. Part of the stellar safety record of the Devil’s Pool is that the water levels are carefully monitored, and activity is not offered when the water level is dangerous. The Devil’s Pool is widely considered safe, and one of the best Victoria Falls activities.

*Devil’s Pool Zambia is not to be confused with the Devil’s Pool at Babinda Creek in Australia which has claimed the lives of more than 20 people since 1959.

Devils Pool experience by SarahDepper

When to Visit Devil’s Pool

The flow of the Zambezi River changes considerably with the rains. This limits water-based activities like white water rafting, and Devil’s Pool swims at the Victoria Falls. Seasonal fluctuations in water levels mean that the Devil's Pool is only accessible for 7 months a year. From June to December, water levels recede sufficiently, and visitors have the option to take a dip in Africa’s most famous plunge pool. Typically, the best time for this exhilarating experience is from mid-August to the end of December, with October and November being particularly reliable months, as the water flow weakens. Prioritizing visitor safety is of the utmost importance, and the activity is subject to seasonal fluctuations. The Devil’s Pool is closed during times of dangerously high flow, usually from the 1st of January until August. Plan carefully if the Devil’s Pool is on your Africa bucket list. Check out our complete Zambia safari guide here.

Victoria Falls

How Did the Devil’s Pool Get Its Name

The origin of the name “Devil’s Pool” is shrouded in mystery. In Africa, water has long been the dwelling place of mysterious spirits. According to folklore, a potent, and angry spirit once lived in the depths of the pool, protecting a valuable gemstone that was thought to give the holder immortality. A young warrior, desperate to prove his love to the daughter of a chief, was tasked with retrieving the gem in exchange for her hand in marriage. However, the warrior never returned from his quest. It is said that he is locked in battle with the spirit of the pool and that his battle cries can be heard in the thunder of the falls. As missionaries moved through the region “spirit” was replaced with “Devil”, and over time it became known as the Devil’s Pool.

Devils Pool Zambia

Know before you go

• Try to get the KAZA Univisa that allows multiple entries between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Victoria Falls can get hot, make sure you have sunscreen, and a good hat, and that you stay hydrated.
• Going to Devil's Pool, your shoes are likely to get wet. Be prepared.
• Devil's Pool is hugely popular. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

4 Must-See Devils Pool Victoria Falls Videos 

1. Devil's Pool Victoria Falls "The coolest thing we've done on our travels!" 

2. National Geographic's absolutely stunning take on Devils Pool Victoria Falls... 

3. The Devil's Pool, Zambia: "One of the scariest but most amazing things I've ever done!" (Jon Watson)