Devils Pool Victoria Falls: The Ultimate Guide to Swimming on the Edge

If you've ever dreamed of swimming at the edge of the world's largest waterfall, Devils Pool Victoria Falls is calling your name. This natural infinity pool perched on the lip of Victoria Falls offers one of the most exhilarating experiences on the planet – and yes, it's every bit as thrilling as it sounds.

What is Devils Pool Victoria Falls?

Devils Pool is a natural rock pool located on the edge of Victoria Falls, right where the Zambezi River plunges 108 meters into the gorge below. Situated on Livingstone Island on the Zambian side of the falls, this incredible swimming spot allows you to peer over the edge of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World while safely held back by a natural rock barrier.

The pool gets its dramatic name from the sheer audacity of swimming so close to the precipice. When you're floating in the water and inching toward the edge, the adrenaline rush is unlike anything else. The rock lip acts as a natural barrier, preventing swimmers from being swept over the falls, but the visual effect is absolutely breathtaking – and terrifying in the best possible way.

What makes Devils Pool truly special is the combination of natural beauty and heart-pounding adventure. You're not just viewing Victoria Falls from a distance; you're literally part of it, feeling the power of the Zambezi River rushing around you while mist from the falls creates rainbows in the air.

When Can You Visit Devils Pool? Seasonal Availability Explained

Here's the crucial detail many travelers miss: Devils Pool is only open during low water season, typically from mid-August to mid-January. The exact dates vary each year depending on rainfall and water levels, but September through December is generally your best bet.

Why the Seasonal Restriction?

During high water season (February through July), the Zambezi River swells dramatically, and the current becomes far too powerful and dangerous for swimming. The water level rises so high that the protective rock barrier is completely submerged, making Devils Pool inaccessible and extremely hazardous.

Best months to visit:

• September to November: Peak season with lower water levels and excellent visibility
• December: Still accessible but water levels begin rising
• August: Early season, sometimes still too high depending on the year
• January: Late season, availability depends on rainfall

The low water season also offers the advantage of clearer water and better photo opportunities. You'll have unobstructed views of the falls and the gorge below, making for truly spectacular photographs.

Planning Your Trip Around Water Levels

If Devils Pool is a must-do on your Victoria Falls bucket list, plan your trip between September and November. Book your Livingstone Island tour well in advance during these peak months, as spots fill up quickly. Tour operators monitor water levels daily and will cancel trips if conditions become unsafe, so always have a backup plan.

Safety Measures: Is Devils Pool Actually Safe?

Let's address the elephant in the room: swimming at the edge of Victoria Falls sounds absolutely terrifying. But here's the good news – Devils Pool has an excellent safety record, and when operated responsibly during the correct season, it's remarkably safe.

Natural Safety Features

The rock lip that forms Devils Pool acts as a natural barrier, creating a ledge that prevents swimmers from going over the edge. The current pushes you toward this barrier rather than over it, and the pool itself is relatively shallow (about waist to chest deep for most adults).

Professional Guides and Safety Protocols

Every Devils Pool experience includes:

• Experienced local guides who know the pool intimately and monitor conditions constantly
• Life jackets provided for all swimmers (though many confident swimmers choose not to wear them)
• Safety briefings before entering the water
• Guided assistance – guides physically help you navigate to the edge and position you safely
• Constant supervision – guides stay in the water with you at all times
• Weather monitoring – tours are cancelled if conditions deteriorate

Who Shouldn't Swim in Devils Pool?

While generally safe, Devils Pool isn't for everyone:

• Non-swimmers or weak swimmers should reconsider (though life jackets are available)
• Pregnant women are typically advised against participating
• People with heart conditions or severe anxiety about heights
• Children under 12 years old (age restrictions vary by operator)
• Anyone under the influence of alcohol

The psychological challenge is often greater than the physical one. If you have a genuine fear of heights or open water, the experience might be more stressful than enjoyable.

What to Expect: Your Devils Pool Experience Step-by-Step

Getting to Livingstone Island

Your adventure begins with a boat ride from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. You'll meet your guide at the Royal Livingstone Hotel or another designated meeting point, then board a small boat for the journey across the Zambezi River to Livingstone Island.

The boat ride itself is an experience, taking you close to the falls and offering stunning views. Your guide will share fascinating history about David Livingstone's exploration of the area and point out wildlife along the riverbanks.

Arriving at the Island

Once on Livingstone Island, you'll receive a safety briefing and have the opportunity to explore the island briefly. Many tours include a champagne breakfast or high tea on the island, adding a touch of luxury to your adventure.

The island offers spectacular viewpoints of the falls even before you enter the pool, so take time to appreciate the surroundings and snap some photos from dry land.

The Swim to the Edge

After your briefing, it's time to enter the water. You'll wade into the Zambezi River with your guide, who will lead you carefully across the rocky riverbed toward Devils Pool. The current is noticeable but manageable, and your guide will help you navigate.

As you approach the edge, the roar of the falls becomes deafening, and the mist intensifies. Your guide will position you at the rock lip, where you can peer over the edge into the gorge below. This is the moment you've been waiting for – and it's absolutely surreal.

Most people spend 5-10 minutes at the edge, taking photos and soaking in the experience. Your guide will help you get the perfect shot, often positioning you for dramatic photos that make it look like you're about to go over the edge.

The Full Experience Duration

Plan for approximately 3-4 hours total:

• 30 minutes: Check-in and boat transfer
• 45 minutes: Island exploration and breakfast/tea
• 30-45 minutes: Swimming and Devils Pool experience
• 30 minutes: Return journey

Photography Tips for Devils Pool

Getting that perfect Devils Pool photo requires some planning:

Camera Options

• Waterproof camera or GoPro: Essential if you want photos from your own perspective
• Professional photographer: Most tours include a guide who takes photos with your camera
• Smartphone in waterproof case: Works but quality may be limited

Best Shots to Capture

1. The classic edge shot: Lying at the lip looking over the falls
2. The approach: Wading through the river toward the pool
3. Group shots: If traveling with friends or family
4. The view from the pool: Looking back at the island and river
5. Underwater shots: Unique perspective of the rock formations

Photography Pro Tips

• Bring a waterproof camera strap or floatation device
• Clean your lens frequently – the mist creates water spots
• Take both photos and video – video captures the sound and movement
• Ask your guide to take multiple shots from different angles
• Consider a GoPro with a head mount for hands-free footage

Devils Pool vs Angels Pool: What's the Difference?

Many travelers don't realize there are actually two pools on Livingstone Island: Devils Pool and Angels Pool.

Angels Pool

Angels Pool is a smaller, shallower pool located slightly upstream from Devils Pool. It's considered the "safer" option and is often used when water levels are slightly higher or for guests who want a less intense experience.

Key differences:

• Less dramatic edge: You're not quite as close to the precipice
• Shallower water: Easier for nervous swimmers
• Fewer people: Often less crowded than Devils Pool
• Same location: Part of the same Livingstone Island tour

Which Should You Choose?

If you're going all the way to Victoria Falls and booking a Livingstone Island tour, go for Devils Pool if conditions allow. The experience is more dramatic, and the photos are more impressive. However, Angels Pool is still an incredible experience and nothing to scoff at.

Some tours include both pools, allowing you to experience Angels Pool first as a warm-up before tackling Devils Pool.

Booking Information and Costs

Pricing

Expect to pay approximately US$125-165 per person for a Devils Pool experience, which typically includes:

• Boat transfer to Livingstone Island
• Guided tour of the island
• Swimming in Devils Pool
• Breakfast or high tea
• Professional photos (policies vary by operator)

Prices vary by season and operator, with premium experiences costing more.

Recommended Tour Operators

• Tongabezi Lodge: The original and most established operator
• Royal Livingstone Hotel: Luxury option with excellent service
• Livingstone Island Tours: Various packages available

Booking Tips

1. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (September-November)
2. Confirm water levels before your trip – operators will notify you if tours are cancelled
3. Book for morning slots when possible – better light for photos and calmer conditions
4. Check what's included – some operators include photos, others charge extra
5. Verify age and health restrictions with your operator

What's Included vs. What to Bring

Typically included:

• Life jackets
• Towels
• Breakfast or tea
• Guided tour

You should bring:

• Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes)
• Waterproof camera
• Sunscreen (waterproof)
• Hat and sunglasses for the boat ride
• Change of clothes
• Sense of adventure!

Personal Experience: What It Really Feels Like

There's no way to fully prepare for the sensation of swimming at the edge of Victoria Falls. The combination of the thundering water, the mist in your face, and the sheer drop below creates a sensory overload that's both terrifying and exhilarating.

When you first wade into the Zambezi, the current is stronger than you expect. Your guide's steady hand becomes your anchor as you navigate the slippery rocks. As you approach the edge, your heart rate increases – there's no avoiding it.

Then you're there, lying on the rock lip, peering 108 meters down into the gorge. The water rushes around you, and for a moment, your brain screams that this is impossible, that you shouldn't be here. But you are, and it's magnificent.

The experience lasts only minutes, but the memory lasts forever. When you return to the island and look back at where you just were, you'll shake your head in disbelief. Did you really just do that?

Is Devils Pool Worth It?

Absolutely, yes – if you're visiting Victoria Falls during the right season and have a reasonable sense of adventure. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll talk about for years.

However, it's not for everyone. If you have a genuine fear of heights or water, the stress might outweigh the enjoyment. But if you're up for an adrenaline rush and want to experience Victoria Falls in the most intimate way possible, Devils Pool should be at the top of your list.

The cost is significant, but considering the unique nature of the experience, the professional guidance, and the included amenities, most visitors feel it's money well spent. Where else in the world can you swim at the edge of a waterfall of this magnitude?

Final Tips for Your Devils Pool Adventure

• Check the weather forecast – tours can be cancelled due to storms
• Stay hydrated but don't drink too much right before (no bathroom on the island!)
• Listen to your guide – they know the pool better than anyone
• Embrace the fear – it's part of the experience
• Take your time – don't rush the moment at the edge
• Consider travel insurance that covers adventure activities

Devils Pool Victoria Falls is more than just a swim – it's a test of courage, a celebration of nature's power, and an unforgettable adventure that will become one of your most treasured travel memories. When you're planning your Victoria Falls itinerary, make sure the dates align with Devils Pool season. This is one experience you absolutely don't want to miss.

Ready to take the plunge? Start planning your Devils Pool adventure today and prepare for the swim of a lifetime on the edge of one of the world's greatest natural wonders.