There’s nothing else quite like it in the world. Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool sitting right on the edge of Victoria Falls, you swim to the lip, look over the edge, and 108 metres of open air separates you from the Zambezi River below. The rock ledge beneath the pool prevents you from going over. It is completely safe. It is also completely insane in the best way.

This tour takes you by boat to Livingstone Island, the small island in the middle of the Zambezi from which Dr David Livingstone first saw the falls in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria. From the island, a guide leads you across the rocks to the pool. You swim. You take the photo. You never forget it.

⚠️ Seasonal Availability, When Devil’s Pool is Open

This is critical. Devil’s Pool is not open year-round. It can only be accessed when the Zambezi River is at a low enough level that the currents around the pool are safe. The season typically runs August through January, closing when rising water makes the approach too dangerous (usually February/March).

Important: Exact opening and closing dates vary each year depending on rainfall and river levels. Contact us before booking to confirm current availability.

What the Tour Includes

✅ Boat transfer to Livingstone Island
✅ Guided walk across the island to Devil’s Pool
✅ Swim in Devil’s Pool with a qualified guide in the water with you
✅ Time to explore Livingstone Island and the upper Zambezi viewpoints
✅ Historical and natural commentary throughout

❌ Zimbabwe park entry fee (payable at gate)
❌ Towel (bring your own)
❌ Waterproof camera (strongly recommended, photos in the pool are memorable)

Pricing

Photography Tips

The money shot, you, pool edge, gorge behind you, requires a waterproof camera or waterproof phone. Standard cameras are risky near the pool due to spray and the obvious submersion risk. Your guide will help position you for the iconic photo. GoPros and waterproof phone cases are ideal. Sunrise and mid-morning light is best for clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Devil’s Pool actually safe?
Yes, a natural submerged rock ledge runs along the lip of the pool, preventing swimmers from going over the edge. A qualified guide is in the water with you throughout. The tour has operated safely for many years. That said, the pool is not open during high water (see seasonal calendar above) specifically because safety cannot be guaranteed then.

How deep is Devil’s Pool?
The pool is approximately 1 metre deep, shallow enough to stand in comfortably, but with a direct line of sight to the gorge below the edge.

What should I bring?
A swimming costume, a towel, waterproof shoes or sandals for the rocky approach, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera or phone case. Leave valuables at your hotel.

Can children swim in Devil’s Pool?
Children over a certain age and size can participate, the guide will assess suitability on the day. Very young children are not permitted in the pool itself but can join the island tour and watch from a safe distance.

How far is Livingstone Island from the Zimbabwe shore?
The boat transfer from the Zambia/Zimbabwe border area takes approximately 10–15 minutes. The tour departs from the Zambian side of the river, near Livingstone.