Activity Description
Named the Devils Pool by the indigenous people because you literally stare death in the face. A natural rock pool about half way along the almost mile wide waterfall that is Victoria Falls. Worn away from centuries of wearing down by the constantly flowing water, this pool offers a completely safe opportunity to literally look over the edge of the waterfall, hence staring death in the face!
Offered only from Zambia, this seasonal activity is only accessible by boat and between the months of June to December when the Mighty Zambezi River is waning. Outside of these months the water is far too strong and unsafe.
This death defying activity is truly one of a kind and a must for those visiting Victoria Falls. Your adventure begins with a boat ride from the Tongabezi Lodge in Zambia, for safety, this lodge is the only operator allowed to offer tours to Devils Pool.
After a short, yet adrenaline filled boat ride, bouncing through the rapids and navigating the thundering river you dock at the world famous Livingstone Island. An island in the middle of the mile wide Victoria Falls and your entry point to Devils Pools. Whilst you don’t necessarily need to be exceptionally fit to do this activity, it is a good idea that you are able to swim.
Once across the Island, you enter the water just above Devils Pool, and make your way to the natural rock wall. At most, you will be waist deep in the water. A common concern is the possibility of coming across the rivers bigger animals, namely hippos and crocs. This is not really a worry as they are far too clever to wonder too close to the edge of the falls. The current is too strong in most places and a tumble over the edge would spell certain death for them.
Once in the Natural Rock Pool, simply sit back and relax in one of the most exotic “Jacuzzi’s” on the planet. The more adventures can lay on their stomachs, under the instruction and direction of trained guides of course, and peer over the edge of the falls. A simply one of a kind experience we are confident you will not experience anywhere else in the world.
Devils Pool Activity Requirements
Age Limit: Children under 12 are not permitted to swim in the pools. Children under 10 are not permitted on any Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool trip.
Minimum Height: No minimum height
Maximum Height: No maximum height
Fitness Level: No Fitness Requirement. Being a strong swimmer is not a prerequisite.
Maximum Weight: No Maximum Weight
Experience Level: No Experience Requirement.
PLEASE NOTE: This activity is NOT suitable for persons who are either pregnant, epileptic, hypertensive or have a previous back injury.
Additional Information
Duration: The whole excursion from time of pickup to drop off is approximately 3 hours.
Seasonal Activity: The Devils Pool Island tour is seasonal and can only be done when the water level of the Zambezi River is low enough to allow safe access to Livingstone Island.
This is from approximately late June to early March.
What to wear: Clients are advised to wear comfortable clothing items. Please note that suitable footwear should be worn as the rocks can be sharp and slippery ie. Waterproof boat shoes, slip on with good grip.
What to bring: Don’t forget your passport, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and swimming costume (perhaps pop this on under your clothes or take a small back pack with you to change on the island)
How safe is the Victoria Falls Devils Pool Experience?
This activity is very safe. There is a very unfortunate story online of a guide who lost his life in 2009 whilst rescuing a client. Contrary to some reports this did not happen at Devils Pool and rather upstream along the banks of the river on the Zambia side.
Other than the odd bump and scrape from slippery rocks, there has not been any major safety concern doing the Devils Pools Experience since its inception many years ago.
As mentioned above, it is advisable that guests are able to swim. Although not necessary, it is a water related activity which does pose an element of risk to someone that cannot swim.
The Livingstone Island tour is suitable for children 8 years and older. But kids need to be 12 and over to swim to Devils Pool. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Experienced guides will be with you every step of the way, and as long as you listen to their instructions and directions then there will not be any issues.
Note* When researching online, bear in mind that there is also an attraction in Australia known as Devils Pool. This experience has resulted in loss of life and should not be mistaken with the Devils Pool Experience in Victoria Falls.
What is the difference between the Devils Pool Experience and other Zambezi River activities?
The long and the short of it is that there is no other activity like this in Victoria Falls, and as far as we know, in the World. It is incredibly unique, offering a one of a kind experience of the Mighty Waterfall.
Firstly, the thrill of swimming in the same river that houses dangerous animals such as hippos and crocodiles is usually enough of an adrenaline rush for most people and completely unique. There is nowhere else that you will be able to comfortably swim in the Zambezi River without the threat of dangerous game.
Then, to end up in a natural rock pool, protected from going over the waterfall by an ancient rock wall with the water cascading down all around you is simply indescribable.
The Victoria Falls Devils Pool Experience is an activity like no other, and a must for anyone visiting the area.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included: Full english breakfast for the morning breezer, lunch for the lunch breezer and a beautiful high tea for the high tea breezer, a tour of the livingstone island and the swim in the devils pool.
Excluded: National Park fees which are currently US$23pp, Transfers to dry manzi(meeting point in Zambia for the tour), VISA fees.
