Adventure on the Edge: Your Guide to Swimming in Devil's Pool at Victoria Falls

Nestled on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, amidst the thundering water and billowing mist of Victoria Falls, lies a natural wonder: Devil’s Pool.

This iconic destination is where adrenaline-pumping adventure meets awe-inspiring beauty. The thrill of perching in a calm pool of water right on the edge of the world’s largest waterfall is paired with the breathtaking views of thriving nature from every angle. Join us as we dive into the joy and excitement of visiting Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls, and take you through the life-changing experience of swimming on the edge.

Devil’s Pool: The Ultimate Adventure Destination

Where is Devil’s Pool?

Devil’s Pool is located at the top edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, the natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. While Devil’s Pool lies on the Zambian side of the river, Victoria Falls National Park is located in Zimbabwe. Both wilderness sites are easily and safely accessible from either country.

How do you get to Devil’s Pool?

You can get to Devil’s Pool from either Zambia or Zimbabwe, but you’ll need to be guided to Livingstone Island, which is a brief swim across the Zambezi River away from Devil’s Pool. Livingstone Island can be reached on foot or via boat, depending on your itinerary. On a luxury Zambia safari with ROAR AFRICA, swimming in Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls is an essential experience. Our expert guides have honed insider access over 11 generations of living in Africa, guaranteeing a journey that is as safe and seamless as it is spectacular and exhilarating.

When is the best time to visit Devil’s Pool?

Devil’s Pool is usually closed in the rainy season between mid-January and mid-August, when higher water levels make it difficult to swim safely in the Zambezi River. Plan to visit Devil’s Pool between September and December instead, when the dry season ensures lower water levels and safer swimming conditions.

Curiosities of the Enigmatic Devil’s Pool

Devil’s Pool sits near the midpoint of Victoria Falls, a mile-wide stretch of five waterfalls that plummet more than 350 feet into the Zambezi River. This natural infinity pool is the result of thousands of years of erosion, with edges staring down directly at the millions of gallons of water that rush down Victoria Falls every minute.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls was granted its newer title by 19th-century Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who was so moved by the beauty that he named the falls after Queen Victoria. However, the falls may be at least 3 million years old, and they are known by the region’s indigenous inhabitants as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders.” Indeed, the mist that rises from the waters of Victoria Falls can be seen from more than 10 miles away.

When you swim in Devil’s Pool, the downward view of the basalt rock cliffs isn’t the only magnificent sight to behold. Witnessing the Victoria Falls rainbows—formed by sunlight refracting through the falls’ curtain of mist—takes the experience from amazing to divine. Moonlight does the same, casting some of the world’s only moonbows over the cascading falls in a rare natural phenomenon.

Balancing Safety and Thrills at Devil’s Pool

Is Devil’s Pool safe?

Yes, swimming in Devil’s Pool is safe. Though the pool looks out over a dangerously steep drop, a natural “lip” in the rock gives you something to hold onto and keeps you from being swept over the edge of the falls. For more peace of mind, know that it is only possible to visit Victoria Falls’ Devil’s Pool with a certified guide on a Livingstone Island tour. Of course, the trusted team at ROAR AFRICA ensures maximum comfort and safety precautions every step of the way.

What are the requirements for swimming in Devil’s Pool?

While Devil’s Pool is safe to visit with an attentive guide, the experience does require confident swimming abilities and a moderate level of fitness. Visitors should be prepared to swim or wade across the Zambezi River in shoulder-deep water, sometimes against the current and with the assistance of a safety rope, for a short distance before climbing over the rocks that line the perimeter of Devil’s Pool. Additionally, most Livingstone Island tours impose a minimum age requirement for swimming in Devil’s Pool, so be sure to check.

What should you bring to Devil’s Pool?

Aside from swimwear, sun protection and water shoes for climbing over the rocks, be sure to bring your camera of choice for capturing one-of-a-kind photos at Devil’s Pool, as well as your passport if you’ll need to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe to access the experience. Of course, your ROAR AFRICA guide will brief you fully ahead of your trip.

Of course, you can pack and prepare like a pro, but little can prepare you for the astounding experience of swimming on the edge of Victoria Falls. Take a breath, let the gentle feeling of mist on your skin and the soothing sound of roaring water drown silence any out your distractions, and bear witness to one of the most stunning natural phenomena on planet Earth.

Explore the Zimbabwe you don’t know on a tailor-made safari with ROAR AFRICA—dedicated to delivering seamless, elevated experiences for the people who just do not have the time to get it wrong. View our list of luxury African safari destinations to begin planning the journey of a lifetime.