The Thrill-Seeker’s Guide To Swimming In The Devil’s Pool At Victoria Falls

Situated atop the majestic Victoria Falls, Devil’s Pool is a natural pool of water and a major attraction for thrill-seekers and daredevils. This unique place offers its visitors the rare chance to swim right up to the edge of the falls. An incredible feat that for any adventure enthusiast visiting the mighty Victoria Falls!

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the Devil’s Pool. From how to get there and what to expect during your swim, to safety tips and recommendations for the best photo opportunities; you have got yourself covered for everything. So, let’s get started with the journey to the ultimate infinity pool of Victoria Falls-Devil’s Pool.

Safety Precautions For Swimming In The Devil’s Pool

Swimming in the Devil’s Pool can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to take safety precautions to minimize the risks involved. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always follow the safety instructions of your guide. He will be your savior during Victoria Falls Tours. 
• A life jacket is mandatory and will be provided for you. Always wear it and make sure it fits properly.
• Only swim in designated areas that have been deemed safe by your guide. Do not venture into off-limits areas.
• The area around the Devil’s Pool can be slippery and rocky, so be cautious when walking or swimming. Watch out for submerged rocks or other obstacles that may pose a hazard.
• If you feel tired or unwell, get out of the water immediately. Swimming in the Devil’s Pool can be physically demanding. So, it’s important to listen to your body and not overexert yourself.
• Alcohol can impair your judgment and reaction time, making it dangerous to swim in the Devil’s Pool. Avoid drinking alcohol before your swim.
• The water levels can change quickly and unpredictably, especially during the rainy season. Always check with your guide to ensure that it’s safe to swim.

Remember that safety should always come first when swimming in the Devil’s Pool. By following these safety tips and being aware of your surroundings, you can have the best time during your journey to the majestic Victoria Falls.

How To Book A Swim In The Devil’s Pool?

Seasonal boat tours to Livingstone Island are the only way to access the Devil’s Pool. These tours are operated exclusively by Tongabezi Hotel which leaves from Royal Livingstone Hotel (RLH).

It’s not mandatory to stay booked at Royal Livingstone Hotel. You can get your bookings done from the Tour Company of your choice. But, they will have to go through Tongabezi and your journey to Victoria Falls Devil’s Pool will start from RLH.

Also, please note that the Devil’s Pool can only be reached from the Zambian Side. So, if by chance you are on the Zimbabwe side, you will have to travel to the Zambia side which takes around 45 minutes to one hour.

Now, let’s take you through the booking process for a swim in the Devil’s Pool.

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Tour Company

Do some research and choose a reputable tour company that offers trips to the Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls. This will ensure a safe and well-organized experience. The Recommended Tour Company includes Tongabezi Lodge.

Step 2:  Contact the tour company to inquire about availability and pricing

The pool is only accessible during the dry season, typically from August to December. So, make sure to check the availability as spots can fill up quickly. Be prepared to provide details such as the number of people in your group.

Step 3: Confirm your booking and make payment.

Many tour companies require a deposit or full payment in advance.  Also, try and learn about the cancellation policies and potential fees.

Step 4: Prepare for your trip to the Devil’s Pool

You can confirm the meeting location and time with your tour company. And, carry all the necessary items such as spare clothes and a waterproof camera. Also, don’t forget to follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the tour company.

 Next up, we are providing you with a little bit of information on costs and availability for a swim in the Devil’s Pool.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SWIM IN THE DEVIL’S POOL?

The swimming experience in the Devil’s Pool will be an exhilarating one, to say the least. It will give an altogether different perspective of one of the stunning natural wonders. Let’s see what else our guests to Victoria Falls can expect during a swim in the natural infinity pool.

• First, you will have to take a boat to Livingstone Island. Then, walk across the island to reach the Devil’s Pool.
• You will meet your guide here. You will get your safety briefing and life jacket too. The guides know the pool well and will assist you to enter and exit the pool safely.
• Once at the edge of the falls, you can enter the water and make your way to the pool. Just relax and enjoy the stunning view. Soak in the sensation of being on the brink of one of the largest waterfalls on the planet.
• After that, you have experienced the scenes with your own eyes, it’s time to photograph and make some amazing videos with Victoria Falls as the background. Creating memories while enjoying the amazingness of the place is all you have got to do now.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE DEVIL’S POOL

The best time to visit Devil’s Pool is during October and November. This is the most reliable time to visit the pool if you are interested in swimming.  The flow of water of River Zambezi is the weakest to swim across safely, thus the best time for Devil’s swim Victoria Falls.

This is all about the trustworthy time to visit the Devil’s Pool during Victoria Falls Tours. But, there are many other time considerations that you should keep in mind that might help you time your holiday trip to Victoria Falls.

• The first thing you need to know when visiting Devil’s Pool is that this natural swimming pool is not accessible throughout the year. They tend to operate only from June to December; that is for seven months of the year.
• The pool is shut down usually from January to sometime in April because of the dangerously high flow of water in the peak water season. Also, the River Zambezi continues to flow at full capacity till June, making it unsafe for swimming.

Important Note: The seasonal levels of water always depends on how much and when it rained further upstream. So there might be little variation in seasonal water levels from year to year. So be a little aware!

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING FOR A SWIM IN THE DEVIL’S POOL

Swimming in the Devil’s Pool is an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to be prepared. Here’s what to wear and bring for a swim in the Devil’s Pool:

Pro Tip: Remember to follow the instructions of your guide and always prioritize safety during your Devil’s Pool experience.

PHOTOGRAPHING THE DEVIL’S POOL

The Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls is a stunning natural wonder that offers many unique photo opportunities, such as shots of travelers swimming at the edge of the falls. So, let’s give try and give you some tips and recommendations that could come in handy during Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls Tour:

Tips for Camera Settings for Taking The Best Photos:

• Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the water and capture the details in the scene.
• Use a low ISO setting to reduce noise in the image. ISO speed refers to the sensitivity of light to your camera’s sensor. 
• If shooting in bright light, use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and increase color saturation.
• A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of Victoria Falls, while a zoom lens is useful for getting closer shots of the Devil’s Pool.
• Lastly, carry a tripod along. It can help you keep your camera steady and capture sharp images.

Also, try experimenting with long exposures to capture the motion of the water. This can create a dreamy and ethereal effect in your photos.

Some Other Useful Tips

• Take photos from different angles and perspectives to create interesting compositions
• Visit the Victoria Falls during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for some magical captures. The warm, soft light creates a beautiful atmosphere and casts a golden glow over the landscape.
• Lastly, remember to be respectful of the environment and the safety guidelines when taking photos at the Devil’s Pool. Because safety always comes first.

TAKE A JOURNEY TO THE BRINK OF VICTORIA FALLS- DEVIL’S POOL

On the last note, swimming in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls will be a thrilling experience for anyone visiting Victoria Falls. Apart from giving a never-seen perspective of the falls, a visit to the pool also provides unparalleled photo opportunities.

In the end, it doesn’t matter whether you are an adrenaline seeker or a nature enthusiast, a swim in the pool is surely going to be an unforgettable highlight of your Victoria Falls Tour and maybe your life too.

While the swimming experience can be risky, we at Falcon Safaris make sure to take necessary safety precautions to ensure visitors can enjoy the experience safely. We also provide necessary safety gear, including life jackets and helmets for a safe swim. Additionally, we can enhance visitors’ experiences by offering additional Victoria Falls Activities in the area.