Devil's Pool

Where Is The Devil’s Pool Located?

Devil’s Pool is located at the edge of the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. It is arguably one of the best places to visit during your Victoria Falls Tour.

Lying on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is known to draw people’s attention in large number every year.

How Do You Reach Devil’s Pool?

This natural pool plunges directly into a deep rocky gorge and at a height of almost 130 meters.

In order to reach the pool, you need to take a boat trip to Livingstone Island and from there a guided walk will carefully take you next to the waterfall. Here your guide will explain briefly the dos and don’ts on how to swim to Devil’s Pool safely?

A short swim across the Zambezi River will take you straight to the rocky outcrop which houses the pool. The first part of the swim is against the current, while the other half seems easier as one swims downstream same direction as the current.

Here you can experience the thrill of bathing at the extreme edge of the waterfall without, of course, running the risk of falling into it. You will always be assisted by professional guides ensuring complete safety.

This unique Victoria Falls Experience is no doubt on the bucket list of thousands of travellers and intrepid explorers.

Swimming In The Devil’s Pool

Swimming in Devil’s Pool remains open for the visitors only when the water level in Zambezi River is low. After swimming across a small section of the Zambezi River you reach the Devil’s pool.

Guides help you cross the river by holding hands if someone is not confident in swimming.

While it is safe to swim, those who are not sensible about their safety may end up risking their own lives and maybe even the lives of others. This is not the place to be reckless.

However, we suggest to swim at our own risk at the Devil’s Pool.

How Safe Is The Devil’s Pool?

Taking a dip in Devil’s Pool can turn into quite an adrenaline-pumping activity as you steady yourself on the precipice and peep down the gorge of water thundering down to the misty abyss below.

The rocky ledge at the edge of the falls form the Devil’s Pool and this particular ledge stops the swimmers from being thrown over the cliff into the gorges.

The rock ledge on the edge of the waterfalls creates a barrier where the water is only a few centimetres deep, which is quite a comfortable water level for swimmers of all degree.

You being within the boundary of a national wildlife reserve, there are chances that you might encounter wild animals. The guides accompanying you and your team will be checking for hippos and crocodiles.

Mind you there were animals spotted on many occasions but let assured you will be well guided by your guides. So, please listen to your expert guides who understand the water levels and currents.

There is definitely fish in the river water. They sometime can bite or nibble at your legs, scaring you a bit when you are least expecting. So, we urge travellers to remain vigilant inside the Devil’s Pool.

What To Do In Devil’s Pool?

Apart from taking a dive and swimming to the very edge of the waterfalls, you can lie on the rock ledge and look out over the Victoria Falls. Peer over the edge and click numerous pictures to awe people when you return home.

The view from the above is incredible. You can feel the thunderous effect of flowing water rushing past just meters away.

The experiences of this natural infinity pool is something that every thrill seeker is excited to have atleast once in a lifetime.

Once you have had your fun in Devil’s Pool, you are guided back to the Livingstone Island for breakfast, lunch or high tea depending on the time of the day.

What To Carry During Devil’s Pool Visit?

Do not just over burden yourself by carrying lot of stuffs. Just get into a comfortable swim wear and pair of swim shoes, some sunblock lotions, insect repellent, camera or any other necessary equipment, passport and some cash. Get along a pair of clothes to change after the dive as you get wet.

More than physical, diving into the Devil’s Pool is certainly more psychological.

So, come prepared mentally. It’s about overcoming the fear of so many things in combination. Fear of water, fear of swimming and diving, Fear of height, Fear of wild animals etc. So, when you are done with this adrenaline pumping activity we make sure you feel all the way more exhilarated and liberated.

What to Bring During Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls?

A change of clothes – you’ll want something dry to change into once you get out of Devil’s Pool.

Water shoes – bring or wear a pair of water shoes like these men’s water shoes or these women’s water shoes. Or at the very least, wear some old sneakers you don’t care about getting wet. Although you can go to Devil’s Pool barefoot, we wouldn’t recommend it due to submerged rocks that can be sharp and slippery.

Money – You’ll want to have some cash on hand to tip the guides. If coming from Zimbabwe, you also need $20 for the Zambia day tripper visa. Bring extra cash for incidentals, a drink, or anything else you may want to buy.

Passport – If you are arriving from the Zimbabwe side, don’t forget to grab your passport. If you’re staying on the Zambia side, a passport isn’t needed.

Phone and/or Camera – If you’re going to Devil’s Pool, be sure you have a way to document it. Bring a waterproof camera like a GoPro. But be sure that it has a floating handle attachment like this.

Waterproof Phone Case – If you’re bringing your mobile phone, consider protecting it with a waterproof case like this one. These inexpensive protective cases are so worth the minimal cost, just in the instance there’s a splash or a drop in the Zambezi.

Sunblock – Prevent sunburn under the hot Africa sun. And remember to apply 30 minutes prior to entering the water or else it may wash off.

Non-DEET Insect Repellent – Victoria Falls is still considered a malaria zone, so mosquito repellent is important. But consider not bringing your strong DEET repellent, as it will wash off and harm the ecology of the Zambezi River, killing fish and other flora/fauna. Instead, consider natural mosquito repellent like this before any water-based activities.

Small Bag or Backpack – Simply to carry the aforementioned items.

Courage – Be sure to pack some courage with you to Devil’s Pool. This is absolutely necessary when swimming on the edge of this enormous waterfall.

Ready To Capture Photos & Videos in Devil’s Pool?

The photos and videos cannot speak more about your experiences and the thrill that you would experience inside the Devil’s Pool. Your heart will be the ultimate witness to your unmatched journey. However, your pictures clicked in one of the most demanded spots on earth will keep the memories afresh.

You can carry your cameras but of course protected in waterproof cases, and waterproof phone or Go Pro. It is better to go light with only limited gadgets. The guides will carry it for you to ensure complete safety and comfort while swimming across the river.

One among the two guides accompanying you remains with you inside the pool for support and guidance, while the other one will be capturing all your photos and videos from various angles from the edge of the pool.

Best Time To Dive Into The Devil's Pool

Devil’s Pool is not accessible throughout the year. It remains completely shut for visitors during the high water season. Rains begin from Mid- January and continues till April. During this time, the water level in the Zambezi River remains high. The falls flow in their full capacity till the month of June. Swimming becomes extremely difficult and unsafe across the river.

It typically opens from August to January when the water level of the river is much low.

The month of October - November is the best time to make a visit to the famous Devil’s Pool for maximum fun.

However, make a note that seasonal water levels vary depending on how much or when it rained upstream.

Is The Devil’s Pool Safe For Non-Swimmers?

One of the perquisite for taking a dive into the Devil’s Pool is to know basic swimming though not pro level.

However, if you are not a swimmer, we advise you to stick to our guides for assisted cross over river to the pool. There are ropes tied to the rocks in both ends aswell. You can easily reach either sides using the ropes.

Make sure you are mentally prepared to take some real and significant risks that you might come across during this thrilling activity.

But take our words when we say that you are absolutely safe under the guidance of our professional guides who have been doing their jobs quite sincerely since many years now. Pay all the ears while the guides brief you about the safety rules and guidelines and you are good to go!

Is it possible to go to the Devil’s Pool independently?

Absolutely not! There is no way one can access Devil’s Pool independently. Only way to make a trip to Devil’s Pool is through authorised tour operators and guides. There are registered authorities both in Zambia and Zimbabwe sides who undertake Devil’s Pool Tour. They can be contacted and booked for further assistance.

How To Book For Devil’s Pool Tour?

The only way to visit the pool is as part of the Livingstone Island tour, operated exclusively by Tongabezi Hotel which departs from the Royal Livingstone Hotel (RLH).

It is not necessary that you get your stay booked at RLH. You can book it through whichever hotel, hostel, Tour Company, or any travel agency you prefer. They will all have to go through Tongabezi and your tour to Devil’s pool commences from RLH and get it done.

And as we mentioned, Devil’s Pool is accessible only from the Zambian side. So, if you are on the Zimbabwe side you will have to travel to The royal Livingstone Hotel (RLH) which takes around 45 minutes to one hour to cross the border and other formalities.

You can book your tour through The Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The shuttle with the travellers from Zimbabwe leaves from The Kingdom Hotel. So, you have to make arrangements on your own to reach the starting point from your accommodation, if you are not staying there already.

From whichever side you are planning, make sure to book a week prior as there are limited slots which tends to get filled fast.

How Much Does Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls Cost?

The price remains consistent across the board and mostly depends on the time slot that you choose. There are five daily tours to Devil’s Pool, three in the morning, one at midday, and the last one in the afternoon.

The tours generally take around 1.5 – 2.5 hours, again depending on the one you book.

Morning Breezer Tour (1.5 hours approx.)

• The three morning breezer tours starts from The Royal Livingstone Hotel at 07:30, 09:00, and 10:30 in the morning respectively.
• Morning slots are cheaper and is the only time when you can experience the pools when the rainbows are vibrant and visible.
• Tour Cost: The price for breakfast slots is USD 100 per person.
• The tour cost includes light snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks.

Livingstone Island Lunch Tour (2.5 hours approx.)

• The midday tour departs from RLH at 12:30 in the afternoon from the starting point.
• It is the expensive one among all the three slots
• Tour Cost: The price for lunch tour is USD 170 per person.
• The tour cost includes lunch, wine, or beer and soft drinks.

Livingstone Island High Tea Tour (2.5 hours approx.)

• The High Tea tour departs from RLH at 15:30 hours.
• The chances of viewing the beautiful sunset is pretty high during this tour.
• Tour cost: The price for the high tea tour is USD 140 per person.
• The tour cost includes tea or coffee, a light snack, and wine or beer.

Things To Know Before The Journey To Devil’s Pool

• Trip To Livingstone Island starts on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in Livingstone, Zambian side – 1.3 km (0.8mi) upstream from the Royal Livingstone Hotel.
• You get introduced to your guides. At least 2 professional guides are assigned to a particular group. They brief you regarding the tour and necessary safety precautions that are to be followed.
• A short (5 minute) boat ride takes you to The Livingstone Island. The captain of the boat makes sure he takes you quite close to the actual Victoria Falls on the way to the island which makes this boat ride a memorable one!
• The price that you pay for the tour includes the cost of the guides, the jetty boat ride, entry to Devil’s Pool, towels, Drinks, a gourmet spread.
• Currently, there are no Devil’s pool tour option excluding the Livingstone Island tour and meals.

Please Note: Devil’s Pool Tour takes place in Livingstone (Zambia). If you are on the other side of the falls in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) you may require a Visa in order to travel cross country. Make sure you keep your passport and a valid visa handy before booking this activity.

Livingstone Islands remain completely closed from April to June every year due to high water in the Zambezi River. Minimum age required to swim across the Devil’s Pool is 12 years.

Falcon Safaris sincerely hope that the information provided above are proved useful to you in planning your upcoming Victoria Falls Tours. Wish you abundant fun and thrill throughout your Victoria Falls Tour.