Everything You Need to Know about Devil Pool Victoria Falls
As the most amazing natural monument in Africa, Victoria Falls competes with Kilimanjaro. It is the biggest water fall in the entire planet.
On the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the mile-wide Zambezi smashes onto a cliff that is 105 meters (345 feet) deep.
It may produce a 500m/1,640ft-high rainbow-colored spray while flowing at up to 500,000 cubic meters/110 million gallons per minute, which is referenced to in the name Mosi-oa-Tunya in the native language (Smoke that Thunders).
Whichever way you look at it, Victoria Falls is a breathtaking sight. Whether it’s from the comfort of an aircraft or helicopter, the gorge’s bottom, the spray-covered Knife Edge Bridge, or any other vantage point.
A swim in Devil’s Pool, however, is the most intense experience you can have for a breathtakingly immersing one.
This strangely tranquil 3 m (10 ft) deep natural pool is perched directly on the precipice and is only protected from the rushing white water by the thinnest of rock lips.
Where Exactly Is Devil Pool Victoria Falls?
On the Zambian side of Victoria Falls is Devil’s Pool. It is situated near to Livingstone Island and about halfway over the mile-wide waterfall.
Only Tongabezi Safaris’ guided boat cruises are able to reach it. Upstream of the falls, they depart from a launch on the Zambian side of the Zambezi.
Also Read: Where is Victoria Falls in Africa, The Worlds Largest Waterfall
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Is Physical Fitness Required to Reach Devil’s Pool?
No. But ideally, you should be able to swim. From Livingstone Island, medium-to-strong swimmers travel to the Devil’s Pool.
They swim upstream for a little distance before returning downstream into the pool. If weak swimmers don’t mind getting their waists wet, they can wade from the island to the pool.
Experienced guides are present in both situations to teach and, if required, help. While there is nothing stopping non-swimmers from wading over, they run a little bit more of a danger.
Which Seasons Are Best for Visiting Devil’s Pool?
Seasonal boat trips to Livingstone Island are the only method to get to Devil’s Pool. These run from June to December, or seven months out of the year.
When the Zambezi is deep enough for safe swimming, they offer an optional dip in the pool.
Access is often most dependable in October and November, when the flow is at its lowest, lasting from mid-August through the end of December.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that seasonal levels fluctuate from one year to the next based on how much and when it rained upstream.
When the flow is dangerously high, which typically occurs from 1 January until some point in August, the pool is closed to visitors.
Is it Safe to Visit Devil’s Pool?
Basically, yeah. Although there have been a few minor mishaps on the treacherous rocks, no fatalities on any scheduled trip are to our knowledge.
There is no major chance of getting washed over Victoria Falls, provided you don’t willfully seek calamity. If you follow the guide’s recommendations, you won’t be hurt during the quick swim or wade over.
The hippos and crocs that lurk in the Zambezi upstream of the waterfall are a less visible cause for fear.
Generally speaking, though, these animals are too intelligent to approach the waterfall, thus the guides will thoroughly inspect the water before letting visitors in.
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Has There Ever Been a Death Going Over the Victoria Falls at Devil’s Pool?
As far as we are aware, no one has ever perished while crossing Victoria Falls at Devil’s Pool. A South African tour guide died in 2009 after falling to the ground while saving a customer who had fallen into a passage above Victoria Falls.
However, contrary to what early accounts said, this occurred closer to the Zambian riverside rather than near Devil’s Pool.
Since only Tongabezi Safaris‘ escorted excursions were permitted entry to Devil’s Pool, no similar event has taken place.
In fact, as far as we are aware, there has never been a fatality at Devil’s Pool (unlike its namesake in Queensland, Australia, which has claimed several lives).
What Else Is at Devil’s Pool Worth Seeing?
The journey by boat to Livingstone Island is via an untamed section of the Zambezi that is surrounded by dense tropical woods.
There is some wildlife around, with hippos and crocodiles standing out, but you could also see elephants or buffaloes coming to drink.
The river is home to a diverse range of herons, egrets, waders, and ducks, as well as the beautiful African fish eagle.
David Livingstone, a Scottish adventurer, reached Victoria Falls as the first European, as its name indicates, on Livingstone Island.
The precise location where Livingstone stood in 1855 is marked by a plaque. He wrote in his journal, “Scenes so exquisite must have been looked upon by angels on their flight.”
What Time of Day Is Best for Visiting Devil’s Pool?
Only Tongabezi Safaris’ boat cruises to Livingstone Island are permitted to stop at Devil’s Pool. In season, these depart five times every day (June to December).
The three 1-hour “Livingstone Breezer” trips depart at 7:30, 9 and 10:30 in the morning. Additionally, a 2.5-hour lunch trip and a 2-hour high tea tour leave at 12:30 and 3:30, respectively.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to take pictures of the riverside landscape, which corresponds to the 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM departures.
Swimming may be more enjoyable during the hottest portion of the day, which ties up with excursions leaving at 9, 10:30, and 12:30.
What Is the Price of Devil’s Pool in Victoria Falls?
The $110 per person “Livingstone Breezer” trips go for 1.5 hours. High Tea Tours are $150 per person, while Lunch Tours cost $175 per person.
Devil’s Pool Is Accessible From the Zimbabwean Side of Victoria Falls.
No issue! You may reserve a spot on a day trip to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool through any travel agency or lodging facility on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls.
Organizing transportation to the launch site in Zambia is also a good idea. The majority of travelers to Zambia need a visa, which may be obtained at the border upon arrival.
Never leave home without your passport, and arrive at the border in plenty of time.
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What Should Visitors to Devil’s Pool Bring and Wear?
Drinks, a lunch, guides, and towels are all included on tours to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool. Visitors should bring their own swimwear and clothing (shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops are OK).
Other necessities include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat, especially for later departures.
Binoculars may be useful for birdwatchers to obtain a close-up look of the abundant riverine wildlife (as well as the occasional crocodile or hippo).
Is There a Minimum Age to Enter Devil’s Pool?
Only adults of all ages and children who are at least eight years old are permitted on the Livingstone Island excursion. Devil’s Pool has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old for swimming.
