Is Devils Pool Victoria Falls Worth It
Yes!
With a price over $100, Devils Pool is an expensive excursion for backpackers and those traveling on a budget. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to do in Africa that we say is 100% worth every penny.
Were traveling around the world on a budget, but sometimes youve got to splurge. We firmly believe that this is one of those experiences to splurge on. Victoria Falls is one of the three largest waterfalls in the world and this is the only one of the trio that you can swim on the lip of.
Weve talked to dozens of people that have splurged on the Devils Pool tour and we havent met anyone who regretted spending the cash on this unique trip. Yes, it is scary. But no one we spoke with has regretted it.
Its our opinion that Devils Pool is absolutely worth it. And when you compare this to other adrenaline activities in Victoria Falls such as bungee jumping , youll often find that the Devils Pool trip costs less.
You should also consider this experience includes a very nice meal too! So if youve traveled all the way to Victoria Falls, its our recommendation that Devils Pool is absolutely worth pursuing.
Reviews For Devils Pool
Vic
Daniela August 24, 2019
Fantastic experience, we really recommend it. I was really scared but the staff gave me a Great support and beautiful pictures were taken by the guide.The afternoon noon tea was gorgeous! Plenty of food. If you are in Victoria Falls you have to try it
August 26, 2019
We absolutely loved our day at Devils Pool. We did the Morning Breezer, and the day was without a hitch! We were picked up on time from our hotel and taken to the landing area where we signed our indemnity forms and then hopped on a speedboat to Livingstone Island. I wont say much about Devils Pool, only because it should be your own experience from start to finish however, Im so thrilled that we chose to do it. The staff could not have been kinder or more professional. My 67 year old mom came with me, and the staff took such good care of her, I couldnt have been more pleased. The food after the pool was fantastic, and overall, it was a magnificent day! After 4 weeks in Africa, my mom and I would both say that this was definitely a highlight!
Susie
Fantastic experience.we recommend it to adrenaline junkies
The Devil’s Pool At Victoria Falls Is Considered To Be One Of The Most Exciting But Dangerous Experiences To Have On The Zambian Side Of The Falls Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go
UPDATE: Victoria Falls is experiencing significant fuel shortages, impacting local game safari operations and even transfers to and from the airport. Find out more about Zimbabwe’s fuel, food and money shortages via our Travel Alerts page.When you go swimming at the Devil’s Pool, you are literally inches away from going over the top of a huge waterfall, plunging down a 354ft drop. This is Victoria Falls on the ZambiaZimbabwe border, where 38,430 cubic feet of water per second drops into the abyss. But there’s one spot where the surging water doesn’t reach, and if you know where to tread and where not to swim, you can stare death in the face.
That one spot is called The Devil’s Pool.
While there are dangers associated with going swimming in the Devil’s Pool, local guides will lead you there and offer their safety advice to help you have a safe and enjoyable time.
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Where Is Devils Pool Victoria Falls Location & Directions:
To get to Devils Pool Victoria Falls, first you must get to this area in Southern Africa. To get to Victoria Falls in Africa, you can either fly into:
- Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Zambia, or
- Victoria Falls Airport, on the Zimbabwe side
Devils Pool is located in the Zambezi River, which also acts as the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Devils Pool lies in the middle, but it approached from the Zambia side. Yet it can be easily reached from the Zimbabwe side of the river by taking a day trip into Zambia side of the falls.
Booking A Devils Pool Tour With Kids
Traveling with kids in tow? Know that only children over the age of 12 will be allowed to visit the Devils Pool. Children over the age of 8 are welcome on the tours, however, they cant go beyond Livingston Island unless they are 12 or older.
Off to Namibia as well? See why the Sossusvlei and Bwabwata National Park need to be on your itinerary
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Is It Safe To Swim In The Devil’s Pool
During the dry season, when water levels are at a low, tourists can swim in Devil’s Pool.
To reach the devil’s pool, you will have to swim through a small section of the Zambezi River.
If you’re not confident in your swimming abilities, the guides will help you cross by holding hands. However, it is important to note there’s a current that makes it more challenging for some.
The guides will be checking for crocodiles and hippos in the river before you all get in. Remember that you are in a national wildlife reserve, so wild animals come with the territory.
It’s important to note that if wildlife decides to venture closer, the guides, will not put you in danger. Animals have been spotted near the Devil’s Pool and it would be best for swimmers to remain vigilant at all times.
Once at the Devil’s pool, there is a rock ledge that stops swimmers from being thrown over the edge of the Victoria Falls. It’s this same ledge that actually houses the pool itself at the top of the falls.
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.
Swimming at the Devils Pool is at your own risk.
Best Time Slot To Pick For The Devils Pool Tour
This will all depend on what other activities you have booked, but I personally picked the 10:30 -12 pm time slot for 3 reasons:
1) In the morning you will have the RAINBOWS in your photo and the lighting is better.
2) The water is beginning to warm up a little more compared to the 7:30 am time slot.
3) You can sleep in and still have time later in the afternoon to do another activity such as a sunset Zambezi River Cruise.
You will see so many rainbows if you book the morning tour for Devils Pool
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Where Does The Victoria Falls Devils Pool Tour Begin
The Devils Pool begins on Victoria Falls Zambezi side, at a location known as the Launch Site. This is located along the Zambezi Rivers banks, between the Royal Livingstone Hotel and Livingstone town.
Note: Previously, the meeting site was at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. However, theres been a change since January 1, 2019.
Additionally, we recommend arriving at least a half-hour early at the Launch Site. The Devils Pool trips operate on a rigorous schedule, and you do not want to chance missing one.
How Do You Reach Devils 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 donts on how to swim to Devils 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.
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What Is Included In The Price Of The Victoria Falls Devils Pool Tour
The Devils Pool Victoria Falls trip consists of the following:
Note: No alcoholic drinks are served at breakfast , but lunch and high tea include an assortment of wine and beer. Its worth noting that the high tea tour does not include tea.
- The Launch Site is a five-minute boat ride away from Livingstone Island.
- A complimentary beverage upon arrival.
- A tour of Livingstone Island in less than an hour
- Two group guides .
- After exiting Devils Pool, towels are provided for your use.
- A meal either breakfast, lunch, or high tea, depending on the Devils Pool trip youve purchased.
- Throughout the dinner, beverages are offered.
Helicopter Tour: See Victoria Falls From Above
Take a scenic helicopter ride over Victoria Falls to see the sheer size and magnitude of this World Wonder. It will take you around the falls to see them at multiple angles, as well as through the Batoka Gorge, up the Zambezi River, and over the wildlife-filled Zambezi National Park.
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Why Is It Called Devil’s Throat
Legend has it that Naipi has turned into a central rock in the Falls and Tarobá into a palm tree that stands at the edge of an abyss near Naipi and a rainbow connects the two. The Devil’s Throat takes its name because, according to legend, it is the exact place where God M’boy watches to this day Naipi and Tarobá.
Whats Included In The Devils Pool Victoria Falls Tour Price
The Devils Pool Victoria Falls tour includes the following:
- A five-minute boat ride from the Launch Site to Livingstone Island.
- A complimentary welcome drink.
- A brief tour of Livingstone Island
- Swimming in Devils Pool
- Two guides for the entire group .
- Towels are provided for you upon getting out of Devils Pool.
- A meal breakfast, lunch, or high tea, depending on what Devils Pool tour you booked.
- Drinks are also provided during the meal.Note: No alcoholic drinks are available during breakfast , but an assortment of wine and beer is included with the lunch and high tea tours. Interestingly, no tea is available during the high tea tour.
Breakfast consisted of a delicious eggs benedict, scones, muffins, and coffee.
Not Included in Devils Pool Victoria Falls Price:
- Tips for the guides
- Transportation to/from the Launch Site
- Camera Although photography is included, you must bring your own camera. .
- Visa fees for those who are arriving from Zimbabwe
Not Needed To Pay:
You do NOT need to pay any admission fees for the Victoria Falls World Heritage National Monument Site, part of Zambias Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Livingstone Island and Devils Pool is not part of the National Park, so no admission fee is required.
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What To Bring On A Devil’s Pool Tour
The two must-bring items are a swimming costume/ bathing suit and water shoes or sandals that you do not mind getting wet.
A floating waterproof bag or housing is necessary if you want to take photographs with your camera and/or smartphone.
A hat or cap and sun protection creams or sprays are highly recommended as the African sun above your head will fry you into a crisp in no time.
Towels are available back at the boat.
A change of clothes should one insist on freshening up or simply change back into your old clothes with the aim of freshening up back at one’s hotel or lodge.
Is The Experience Worth It
Absolutely! Its not the cheapest excursion that you can do in Zambia, but its one of the most exhilarating.
Swimming at the edge of one of the worlds largest waterfalls is a must for adrenaline addicts.
This type of activity is not available at other significant waterfalls such as Iguazu falls in Brazil.
Even if youre not usually a risk-taker, I would highly recommend the trip the view of the waterfall from above really allows you to appreciate why its called Mosi oa Tunya or the smoke that thunders.
If you dont want to swim, you dont have to the guides are very encouraging but not pushy.
If I get the opportunity to revisit Zambia I will do the tour again it was great fun and a fantastic experience. You can find out more about travel experiences such as this, can benefit you here.
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Swimming In Devils Pool
Arguably the most extreme infinity pool in the world, Devils Pool at Victoria Falls is a natural rock pool situated at the very edge of the waterfall. It has been created by millions of years of erosion and only accessible when the Zambezi Rivers water level is at its lowest .
To get there, youll have to book a seat on the boat that leaves for Livingstone Island from the Royal Livingstone Hotel on the Zambia side of the waterfall. Its a short boat ride to Livingstone Island, and after a guided walk youll carefully proceed to the edge of the waterfall where your guide will explain how to swim to Devils Pool safely.
How high is Devils Pool?
The mighty Zambezi River falls over a basalt rock ledge and drops about 354 feet down to form the largest sheet of falling water on Earth: the Victoria Falls. Taking a dip in Devils 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.
Is Devils Pool safe?
Admittedly, this activity does come with a big dose of adrenaline, not to mention unrivalled bragging rights. The incredulous looks of your friends when they see photos of you on a precipice surrounded by thundering water tumbling into a 100-metre chasm may indicate that youve lost the plot, but Devils Pool is not as dangerous as it appears in photographs.
Recuperate With High Tea
Struggling through high currents and having your nerves tested leaves you somewhat ravenous.
Thankfully after wed dried off our tour included high tea. The staff presented us with a delicious selection of sandwiches along with chocolate brownies which gave a much-needed boost to my energy reserves.
Ive done many adventurous things in my time, but this over the falls tour was up there with the best. If your considering taking this tour click here and book it, you wont regret it.
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Other Ways To Experience The Falls
Another pool known as Angels’ Armchair remains open for longer, offering an alternative for visitors that travel to the Falls when Devil’s Pool is closed. There are also plenty of other, equally adventurous ways to spend time at Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Bridge is home to one of the world’s most scenic bungee jumps at a height of 364 feet/ 111 meters. Other death-defying activities include gorge-swinging, ziplining, abseiling and white-water rafting. For those that prefer a more sedate approach to life, you can take spectacular photos of the Falls from the tourist viewpoints.
This article was updated Jessica Macdonald
Sindabezi Island Is A Great Place To Unplug
Sindabezi Island is a one-of-a-kind destination that is a well-kept secret among discerning travelers. This picturesque, unique camp is located on our very own private island in the Zambezi River, and it is the only luxury bush camp from which it is possible to explore Victoria Falls comfortably.
Sindabezi Island
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Is Devils Pool Scary
Youre literally on the edge of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. So, no, Devils Pool is not scary its absolutely terrifying! Yet its still an exhilarating thrill that is a lot of fun.
If the fear of going over the edge and the thought of crocs in the water arent enough to completely freak you out, theres also another unexpected surprise in Devils Pool. There are fish that bite you during your dip in Devils Pool. Its not enough to draw blood, but it will definitely make you jump a bit. So just be forewarned and dont be startled enough to jump over the edge.
But yes, Devils Pool is indeed scary. Or, at least we thought so. Everyone judges the fear factor of this experience different from one another. Yet we think most sane people would agree that Devils Pool is a frightening experience. Even with this extreme fear factor, Devils Pool can also be an awesome thrill!
What Else Is There To See At Devils Pool
The boat ride to Livingstone Island traverses a wild stretch of the Zambezi hemmed in by lush tropical forests. There is some wildlife around, most conspicuously hippos and crocodiles, but you might also see elephants or buffaloes come to drink. The river supports a rich birdlife including the charismatic African fish eagle and a variety of herons, egrets, waders and waterfowl. Livingstone Island, as its name suggests, is where the Scottish explorer David Livingstone became the first European to reach Victoria Falls. A plaque marks the exact spot where Livingstone stood in 1855, noting in his diary that Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.
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