Africa’s epicenter of adventure is Victoria Falls. Travelers can see this amazing location on foot, horseback, boat, safari 4×4, white water raft, microlight, helicopter, bungee rope, zip line, or on the end of a bridge swing when they visit either Zambia or Zimbabwe. But maybe the most thrilling of all is to put on a bikini, enter the Zambezi River, and take a seat in the Devil’s Pool, which is the edge of the Victoria Falls. The closest you can go to the breathtaking Victoria Falls is at Devil’s Pool.
In this article, Mrpocu.com will outline all you need to know about the Devil’s Pool in Victoria Falls. From fun activities to how to get to the falls.
Victoria Falls
Tucked down on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is a contender for the title of most breathtaking natural wonder in Africa. Vic Falls is the greatest sheet of falling water in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Although Victoria Falls is not the tallest or widest waterfall in the world, its incredible flow rate makes it the greatest sheet of cascading water on Earth. It was formed when the powerful Zambezi River poured over a deep 105-meter (345-foot) gorge. The name Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to “the Smoke that Thunders” in the Chitonga language, refers to both the thunderous boom produced by the falls and the 500-meter-tall spray cloud.
| The Victoria Falls Fact Box |
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| – Located on the Zambezi River between Zambia & Zimbabwe – 1,708 m / 5,604 ft wide – 108 meters / 354 ft wide – Is protected by Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park & Victoria Falls National Park – Named “The Victoria Falls” by David Livingstone in 1855 – In Chitonga known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders” – The mist from the falls can be seen from up to 50km / 30 mi away – Famous quote: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” |
Who Can Experience the Devil’s Pool?
Visitors over the age of twelve are welcome to visit Devil’s Pool. Swimming is undoubtedly advantageous because it’s a water-based sport, but the experience has been designed to accommodate all levels of swimmers, from novices to experts. From Livingstone Island, swimmers ranging from medium to strong swim upstream before following the water downstream and into the pool. Since the water is just waist deep, those who are less secure in their swimming abilities can wade across from Livingstone Island to Devil’s Pool.
The knowledgeable group that drives you to Livingstone Island and the Devil’s Pool is there to help you along the route and provide support when you need it. The risk is increased for those who cannot swim, even though they are not prohibited from participating in the sport. Communicate openly and honestly with your tour operators and guides to protect yourself.
Where is the Devil’s Pool?
On the Zambian side of the Zambezi River is where you may find the Devil’s Pool. The pool is located at the top of Victoria Falls, where the Horse Shoe Falls section’s edge is where the water meets the falls. This location is near Livingstone Island, roughly in the center of the waterfall, which stretches over two kilometers. You have to go to the Zambian side of the Vic Falls, where a boat charter leaves from a launch upstream, in order to get to the Devil’s Pool.
How do you get to Devil’s Pool?
For safety concerns, access to Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island is carefully regulated. Livingstone Island Tours is operated by a single, authorized tour operator. There is a shuttle service available from Victoria Falls town and Livingstone, however it is by request only and costs extra. When guests reach the launch site for Livingstone Island, they are transported by boat to Livingstone Island, where they disembark to begin their Livingstone Island Tour. If the weather and time of year permit, guides will accompany willing participants who wish to swim or wade to the Devil’s Pool after the tour.
What is included in the Livingstone Island Tour?
Five times a day, the Livingstone Island Tour leaves. The excursion includes guides, transportation to Livingstone Island, a guided tour of Livingstone Island, and, for the daring, a plunge into Devil’s Pool. Depending on the time of day, guests are served small refreshments and drinks after their exciting dip in the Devil’s Pool. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours for the Livingstone Island Tour.
How much does Devil’s Pool cost?
The Devil’s Pool is only accessible by doing the Livingstone Island Tour. Only 24 people are allowed on Livingstone Island at one time, and tours depart 5 times a day from the Manzi Launch at 7:30, 9 o’clock, 10:30, 12:30, and 3:30. The Morning Breezer tours are 1.5 hours, while the Lunch and High Tea Tours are 2.5 hours.
| Livingstone Island Tour & Devil’s Pool Cost |
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| *Morning Breezer US$ 120 *Lunch Tour US$ 190 *High Tea Tour US$ 165 There is a US$ 5 surcharge during peak season. Transport to the Manzi Launch in Zambia is excluded but can be arranged at extra cost. |
Is Devil’s Pool Safe?
Yes, the Devil’s Pool is safe. The knowledgeable guides go above and above to ensure that guests are well informed and taken care of. There has never been a safety issue at Devil’s Pool. A tragic death occurred at Victoria Falls in 2009 when a guide fell from the edge; the incident was unrelated to any activities at The Devil’s Pool, though. On the edge of Victoria Falls, the Devil’s Pool is essentially a naturally occurring infinity pool. Visitors are prevented from being washed over the edge by the rock pool’s edge, which serves as a barrier.
While some unlicensed street vendors may provide Devil’s Pool tours, it is not advisable to hire them. The Devil’s Pool has an excellent safety record in part because the water levels are regularly checked and activities are suspended when the levels are too high. One of the nicest things to do in Victoria Falls is to swim in Devil’s Pool, which is generally regarded as safe.
*The Devil’s Lagoon Zambia should not be confused with Australia’s Devil’s Pool at Babinda Creek, where over 20 people have perished since 1959.
When to Visit Devil’s Pool
When it rains, the Zambezi River’s flow varies significantly. This restricts activities that include the water, such as swimming in Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls and white water rafting. The Devil’s Pool is only open for seven months of the year due to seasonal variations in water levels. When the water levels sufficiently drop between June and December, guests can choose to swim in Africa’s most well-known plunge pool.
Mid-August to the end of December is usually the optimum time to enjoy this thrilling experience; October and November are especially dependable months because of the waning water flow. The activity is prone to seasonal changes, and visitor safety must always come first. When the flow becomes dangerously high, which is normally from January 1st to August, the Devil’s Pool is closed. If seeing the Devil’s Pool is on your bucket list for Africa, make sure to plan
How Did the Devil’s Pool Get Its Name
The meaning of the name “Devil’s Pool” is unclear. Water has long been thought to be the home of enigmatic spirits throughout Africa. Legend has it that a powerful, vengeful spirit once inhabited the pool’s depths, guarding a priceless jewel that was supposed to grant its possessor eternal life. In an attempt to win the chief’s daughter over, a young warrior was given the mission of finding the jewel in return for her hand in marriage.
But the warrior never came back from his expedition. It is said that he is engaged in combat with the pool’s ghost and that the falls’ thunder may be heard in his war cries. Over time, the name “spirit” was substituted with “Devil” by missionaries residing in the area, and the area came to be known as the Devil’s Pool.