How to Visit Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls: All the Need to Know Facts
Have you heard of the famous Devil’s Pool? This daredevil African destination allows you the opportunity to swim on the edge of the top of Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, just a few inches away from potential death!
This makes the Devil’s Pool one of the top places to visit in Africa, and one that you can’t help but want to learn more about! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about visiting Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls.
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What is Devil’s Pool?
Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool that sits right at the edge of Victoria Falls in Zambia, Africa. Created over thousands of years of erosion, Devil’s Pool has a thin rock wall barrier between the top of the falls and the cliffside, keeping you from being swept over the edge of the waterfall.
It has been made famous for its daredevil location paired with its spectacular views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls. It is also often considered one of the top things to see in Africa as there is no place quite like it!
It has also been known by similar names such as Devil Falls, Devils Falls, Devils Pool, the Devils Swimming Pool, and many other variations on the name, but make no mistake, there is only one Devil’s Pool.
Where is Devil’s Pool located?
Devil’s Pool is located on Livingstone Island at Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia. It sits at the very edge of the top of the falls, making it a destination for all adrenaline junkies. When you swim in Devil’s Pool, you can stare down the side of one of the world’s largest waterfalls with only the thin rock ledge keeping you from being swept to your death.
About Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is known for being the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The waterfalls span 5,604 feet across (1,708 meters), the entire width of the Zambezi River, and then plummet 355 feet (108 meters) to the river below.
The falls straddle the line of the African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe with five individual waterfalls making up Victoria Falls:
- Devil’s Cataract – Zimbabwe side
- Main Falls – Zimbabwe side
- Rainbow Falls – Zimbabwe side
- Horseshoe Falls – Zimbabwe side
- Eastern Cataract – Zambian Side
The Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls sits on the Zambian side of the river.
During the wet season, the spray from the powerful Victoria Falls can be seen about 50km away. This is why the falls have the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means the ‘Smoke that Thunders’.
About Livingstone Island
Livingstone Island, where Devils Pool is located, is named after Dr. David Livingstone, who first discovered Victoria Falls. In fact, when visiting Devil’s Pool, you’ll be in the exact spot where he first set eyes on these magnificent waterfalls. Pretty cool!
How can you get to Devil’s Pool?
To visit Devil’s Pool Africa, you must take a guided tour. This is for the safety of visitors to Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as keeping Devil’s Pool from getting overcrowded.
It allows each tour guide the opportunity to closely advise and supervise their entire group to keep everyone safe on the edge of one of the most powerful waterfalls on earth!
Fortunately, there are a number of tours to Devils Pool to choose from, and they all offer a similar service. To make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity, it’s advised that you book in advance as it is a popular activity and spaces are limited!
Here are some of the top tours for Devil’s Pool:
Can you swim at Devil’s Pool?
Sometimes called the Devil’s swimming pool, you can indeed swim at Devil’s Pool. This can only be done by taking a tour as you need a trained guide to know the risks and safety features in place to safely swim at Devils Pool.
How much does it cost to go to Devil’s Pool?
There are a variety of tours to choose from when visiting Devils Pool. All tours tends to run between $100 – $200 USD and include a boat ride to Livingstone Island, a dip in Devils Pool, and a trained guide to keep you safe. Many of the Victoria Falls Devils Pool tours also include lunch or breakfast tea.
Can I go to Devil’s Pool on my own?
No, due to safety concerns and location, you cannot visit the Devil’s Pool independently. You will need to take a tour.
Can I visit Devils Pool year round?
Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool are best visited during the dry season, between mid-August and mid-January. This is when the water level is lower and it is safest to visit the edge of Victoria Falls. During the wet season, between mid-January and mid-August, Devil’s Pool is typically closed.
What’s the best time of day to visit Devil’s Pool?
Devil’s Pool is beautiful all day! For the most photogenic light, try to visit first thing in the morning. You’ll have the softer glow of daylight and the angle of the sun creates dozens of rainbows in the mist! Alternatively, mid-day you’ll find the chilly water of the Zambezi River to be more comfortable temperature wise.
Is there an age limit for visiting Devil’s Pool?
Children must be 12 years of age or older to visit Devil’s Pool. This is due to safety risks and regulations.
What to Expect at Devil’s Pool
Most tours to Devil’s Pool will start at a nearby lodge or hotel in Livingstone, Zambia, just upstream from Devil’s Pool. From there, you’ll take a short boat ride to Livingstone Island where you will continue on foot to the edge of the Zambezi River.
When you arrive at Livingstone Island, you can view Victoria Falls up close and admire all of the naturally forming rainbows before jumping into the river.
Your guide will provide a safety briefing to ensure you are kept safe in this daredevil adventure, including where to go, where to avoid, and access to the safety rope. The journey through the water to Devils Pool is brief, like a 5 minute swim.
Upon safe arrival into Devil’s Pool, you’ll have the opportunity to lie over the rock edge and look down over Victoria Falls. Most tours also will give you plenty of time to take pictures. My tour guides even gave the option to hang over the side of the falls while they hung onto your feet! (Yikes!)
After spending about half an hour on the edge of the waterfall, you’ll return back the way you came to retreat for a snack or lunch, and then boat back to your launching point.
How safe is Devil’s Pool?
Despite its treacherous location, Devils Pool is surprisingly safe. This is mostly because you need to visit with a tour, which will be led by an expert on safety precautions. Additionally, tours are only run when conditions at Devils Pool are considered safe.
How many deaths have there been at Victoria Falls Devil’s Pool?
Despite its wild popularity and daring location, no one has ever died at Devil’s Pool.
Do you need to know how to swim for Devil’s Pool?
While there is a safety rope to help you find your way across, the water can be shoulder deep and there is a current. It is best to know how to swim well before entering the Zambezi River to venture out to Devils Pool.
If you are not a strong swimmer, it’s advisable to ask before booking to ensure the water is not too deep to wade across the river safely.
What to Take with You to Devil’s Pool
Packing for Devils Pool is simple as the trips are only a couple of hours long. Additionally, you will be in and out of the water, so you’ll want to pack light.
What to Wear for Devil’s Pool
You will be getting wet and in the sun! Wear your swimsuit, some walking shoes – water shoes are great if you have them, and a coverup for the boat ride.
What to Pack for Devil’s Pool
As you will be going into a boat and then swimming in the Zambezi River, you will want to pack light and mostly waterproof items.
- Passport: If you need to cross the border into Zambia from Zimbabwe, make sure you have your passport with you! You’ll also want to keep it safe from all the water, so I recommend taking a dry bag or passport cover.
- Go Pro: If ever there was a time to have a water camera or Go Pro, this is it! You will not want to miss the opportunity to grab some pictures of this once in a lifetime adventure. If you don’t have one, your guide or someone in your group may be able and willing to take photos with your phone or camera or share their pictures.
- Towel: You will want to dry off after the river. Bring a quick dry towel or sarong to towel off afterwards. Note some tours will include a towel.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: If you are going on a late morning or afternoon tour of Devils Pool, make sure to wear sunscreen. There is little to no coverage from the sun. Additionally, sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the strong African sun.
Where to Stay for Devil’s Pool
Due to its location, spanning Zambia and Zimbabwe, you have the option of staying in either Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Both offer great hotels as well as nearby sights of interest. Devil’s Pool is on the Zambia side, but Victoria Falls National Park is on the Zimbabwe side. Chances are good you’ll want to visit both.
Traveling between Zambia and Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls
No matter which side of the falls you decide to stay on, it is easy to cross the border in between in a matter of minutes.
Upon initial entry into Zambia or Zimbabwe, just make sure to get a double visa for Zambia and Zimbabwe. It’s called the Kaza Univisa and allows tourists to travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia as frequently as they would like for 30 days on one visa.
With the Kaza Univisa in place, you can easily taxi or walk to the border, walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge (or take a 5 minute taxi for $2.50 USD per person), and then continue on your way on the other side via taxi or foot.
Note, you will be going through 2 borders, but they have it down to a science. It generally takes under 20 minutes to make the journey across the borders and bridge.
To give an idea of what this journey looks like, it’s either: Livingstone, Zambia > Zambia Border > Victoria Falls Bridge > Zimbabwe Border > Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Or: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe > Zimbabwe Border > Victoria Falls Bridge > Zambia Border > Livingtonstone, Zambia
Top Hotels in Livingstone, Zambia
Stay near Devils Pool in Livingstone, Zambia to make your trip to Devils Pool simple! There are tons of accommodation options to choose from, including something for every budget.
Here are my recommended options for the best hotels in Livingstone:
- Best Luxury Hotel in Livingstone: Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Livingstone: Avani Victoria Falls Resort
- Best Budget Hotel in Livingstone: Ngoma Zanga Lodge
- Best Hostel in Livingstone: Fawlty Towers Backpackers & Guest House
Best Hotels in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
While you’ll need to cross the border to get to Livingstone for Devils Pool, staying in Victoria Falls puts you right down the road from Victoria Falls National Park. This is one of the best places to view Victoria Falls.
Check out the top hotels in Victoria Falls:
- Best Luxury Hotel in Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls River Lodge
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Victoria Falls: Azambezi River Lodge
- Best Budget Hotel in Victoria Falls: Dzimbahwe Guest Lodge
- Best Hostel in Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge
Other Ways to See Victoria Falls
While swimming in the Devil’s Pool is the number one way to experience Victoria Falls, there are many other top notch ways to see the best of the falls.
On Foot: Visit Victoria Falls National Park
A can’t miss way to see Victoria Falls is to visit Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side. You can do this alone or as part of a guided tour to learn more about the falls. This National Park offers well paved and fairly accessible trails to numerous viewpoints of the waterfalls. It will take a couple of hours to visit all of the viewpoints.
Learn more about the guided tour at Victoria Falls National Park.
Helicopter Tour: See Victoria Falls from Above
Take a scenic helicopter ride over Victoria Falls to see the sheer size and magnitude of this World Wonder. It will take you around the falls to see them at multiple angles, as well as through the Batoka Gorge, up the Zambezi River, and over the wildlife-filled Zambezi National Park.
Learn more about helicopter tours of Victoria Falls.
Whitewater Rafting: Enjoy the Rapids of the Falls
Experience Victoria Falls in a completely different way by paddling down the Zambezi River. The whitewater rafting adventures start at the base of Victoria Falls and take you through Class IV and V rapids in a 198 meter deep gorge.
Learn more about whitewater rafting Victoria Falls.
Ziplining: Take a Canopy Tour of Victoria Falls
Want more adrenaline rushes at Victoria Falls? Try the ziplines that overlook the Victoria Falls Bridge and Zambezi Rapids. You’ll be able to see the falls from unique perspectives and even get damp from the spray of the falls during this series of nine zipline cables!
Learn more about ziplining Victoria Falls.
Explore More of Africa
Devils Pool Victoria Falls is one of the best places to go in Africa, rivaling only Mount Kilamanjaro for the top spot, but there is so much more to see and do! You’ll definitely want to go on safari, and you certainly can’t miss climbing Table Mountain in South Africa!
Continue planning your adventures in Africa with these helpful posts.
- Budget Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Southern Africa
- Budget Safari in Kruger National Park: Finding The Big Five (and a Tour Operator)
- Cape Town Travel Guide: Get the Need to Know Facts
- 5 Can’t Miss Day Trips from Cape Town
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