Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular sights on the planet. But if you want an experience that goes beyond just looking at the water, Devil’s Pool is where the thrill happens.
This natural rock pool sits right on the edge of the falls, where the Zambezi River gathers itself before plunging hundreds of feet below. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave adventure, it’s unforgettable.
Standing in Devil’s Pool, the water holds you just short of the abyss. The roar of the falls is deafening, the mist sprays your face, and every second feels alive.
It’s a test of courage, a moment of pure exhilaration, and a memory that will stick with you long after you leave.
If you’re wondering whether the risk is worth it, here’s everything you need to know before stepping into the world’s most daring infinity pool.
What’s Devil’s Pool and Why Does It Matter?
“X” is the spot – Livingstone Island & Devils Pool on the Zambezi River (Photo source: victoriafalls-guide).
Devil’s Pool lies on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, next to Livingstone Island.
It is a naturally formed rock basin that, at the right time of year, becomes a safe, albeit heart‑pounding, infinity pool just inches from the edge of the falls.
During the dry season, when the water level in the Zambezi River drops enough, the natural rock lip at the edge of the falls acts as a barrier.
It gives you the surreal sensation of hovering over a drop that plunges hundreds of feet, all while floating in water just deep enough to chill and steady you.
That mix of serenity and danger is what gives Devil’s Pool its magnetic appeal.
READ ALSO: 8 Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know About Victoria Falls
When to Go: Timing Is Everything
Best Season to Visit
The opportunity to swim in Devil’s Pool is strictly seasonal.
The risk of strong currents and high water during rainy or high-flow months means the pool only opens when the Zambezi subsides.
Generally, this means from mid‑August until late December.
The sweet spot is usually October and November, when water levels are lower, flow is gentle, and visibility is great. But waters upstream vary based on rainfall, so even within a season the exact window can shift from year to year.
If you visit outside these months, particularly during the rainy/high-water season (roughly January to mid‑year), the pool remains closed for safety.
Booking and Access
Access is only possible via guided tours operated from Livingstone Island.
The journey begins with a short boat ride from the Zambian bank of the Zambezi, usually departing near the town of Livingstone (or via shuttle if crossing from the Zimbabwe side).
Tours often include island access, a swim (if conditions allow), and sometimes meals or refreshments.
As of 2025, typical rates hover around USD $115–$165, depending on what’s included and the time of day. Because spots are limited and depend on water‑level conditions, booking well in advance is wise, especially if you aim for the fall months when demand peaks.
What the Experience Feels Like: Swimming, Sights, and Surreal Moments
Photo source: gtglobaltrek
You begin by gliding across the Zambezi on a small launch boat.
The river is wide, the water shimmering under African sunlight. Once you reach Livingstone Island, guides lead you across slippery basalt rocks.
Sometimes you’ll wade if water recedes; other times stronger swimmers gently swim the short stretch to the pool. Safety ropes or guided hand‑holding might be used if needed.
Then you arrive at the pool: waist‑deep water, a natural rock ledge underfoot, water gently lapping but holding you firmly.
You step carefully, guided, maybe a little breathless, and then you realize you are floating on the edge of one of Earth’s great waterfalls. In that moment the world seems to hold its breath. The roar is loud, the mist rises, and below you is an abyss.
For many, that moment is pure magic. For some, it might stir fear. But either you embrace it or step back, you’ll never forget it.
What You Should Know: Risks, Safety, and Who Should Go
Safety Protocols in Place
- Tours run only under safe water conditions. If the Zambezi is too high or currents too strong, operators cancel the swim.
- Guides check for wildlife (hippos or crocodiles) in the shallow parts of the Zambezi before anyone gets in. While such animals are not reported inside the pool itself, they may lurk upstream; the guides make sure it’s safe before proceeding.
- You must follow instructions carefully. Walk or swim as directed, stay away from the edge unless guided, and wear provided safety gear when required.
- For most people, swimming or wading across is achievable. Guides assist weaker swimmers, making it possible without being a strong swimmer.
Know the Limits
The thrill and beauty come with trade‑offs, and this experience isn’t for everyone.
It is best for adults comfortable in water, with no serious fear of heights or heart conditions. People who struggle with balance or mobility might struggle on the slippery rocks leading to the pool.
In addition, you will get wet. Boats, basalt rocks, and spray from the falls mean you should bring minimal gear.
A waterproof camera or phone, a swimsuit under clothes, water shoes or sandals with good grip, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a change of clothes are recommended.
Finally, the experience depends heavily on season and water levels. There is no guarantee that your tour will include a swim; if water conditions are unsafe, access is closed, even if you’ve booked.
Why Many Say It’s Worth the Risk
A Memory That Lasts
Standing at the cusp of a waterfall that roars beneath your feet, there’s no thrill quite like it.
The natural rock pool, the spray, the roar, the abyss below: it’s an experience that doesn’t just stay in photos. It stays in memory. Stories from travellers often echo the same sentiment: “I felt alive.”
Many operators include photos or even professional shots in their package, a tangible memory of you at the brink of the world.
A Window Into Raw Nature
The beauty of Devil’s Pool isn’t just the adrenaline. It’s also the chance to connect deeply with nature: the Zambezi, the basalt rock, the falls, the spray, and the vast gorge.
It’s a moment where the usual boundaries blur, and the power of Earth becomes real and immediate.
If you travel with respect, follow safety protocols, and accept that nature is unpredictable but beautiful, it becomes more than a thrill: it becomes a story, a rite of passage, a memory that roots in your core.
READ ALSO: 10 Top Reasons to Visit Zambia
Who Should Think Twice And Who Should Definitely Go
If you’re a strong swimmer, not too scared of heights, and ready for adventure, and if your travel dates align with the dry season, Devil’s Pool could be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
If you are unsure about water, unstable on your feet, or uncomfortable with high adrenaline, you may want to pass it up (or at least consider waiting until you feel more confident).
Also, if you travel with children, people with health conditions, or very elderly travellers, this may not be the best fit. Operators tend to enforce age and fitness restrictions.
A Map to Help You Understand Better
Photo source: Go2africa.com
Final Thoughts
Travel isn’t always about comfort. Sometimes it’s about standing at the edge, feeling your heartbeat rise, and choosing the adventure anyway.
If you want a travel moment that shakes you awake, where you both feel the calm and hear the thunder, where you stand between serenity and danger, then Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls may be worth the risk.
It is not just a swim. It is a story. One you tell with your heart racing, your senses alive, and a grin that returns with a pulse.
So If you have that spark, that thrill‑seeking urge, and a respect for nature, then pack your swimsuit, book that tour, and go.
Let the Zambezi hold you at the brink, gently, safely, for unforgettable seconds that will stay with you long after you step back to solid ground.
Because some moments are worth every pulse, every second of fear, every wild breath. And this could be one of yours.
